Health and Safety Policy for Cleaning Gutters and Gutter Maintenance

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy outlines the safe systems of work for cleaning gutters, routine gutter maintenance and associated garden roofline services provided by our gardening company service area. It sets out responsibilities, safe methods, and control measures to minimise hazards during gutter clearance, whether working at ground level, on ladders or on roofs. The policy applies to all operatives, supervisors and subcontractors involved in any form of gutter work.

Scope and commitment: The organisation is committed to protecting staff, clients, visitors and the public by ensuring that every gutter cleaning task is planned, supervised and executed to reduce risk. Gutter cleaning activities will be undertaken only by trained personnel using appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Risk assessments will be documented for each job and control measures implemented to prevent falls, manual handling injuries, electrical incidents and environmental contamination.

Responsibilities: Managers will ensure policies are maintained, resources allocated and that safe systems of work are communicated. Supervisors and team leaders will complete job-specific risk assessments and authorise work. Operatives must follow procedures, wear PPE and report hazards, near misses or incidents immediately. Contractors engaged for gutter clearance must demonstrate competence and follow this policy.

Pre-work planning: Every gutter clearing job must include an assessment of the site and conditions before work begins. Considerations include access, roof type, fall hazards, proximity to power lines, weather and pedestrian or traffic management. Use a permit-to-work approach for complex or high-risk jobs and ensure communication with property occupants about access and exclusion zones.

Equipment and PPE: Only use well-maintained tools and equipment designed for gutter clearance. PPE must be issued and used consistently: suitable gloves, eye protection, hi-vis clothing, slip-resistant footwear and head protection where overhead hazards exist. When working at height, harnesses, fall arrest systems and designated anchor points must be used in accordance with training. Ladder use must follow strict controls: inspection before use, correct angle, securing the base and ensuring a stable footing.

Typical control measures include:

• Site-specific risk assessment and method statement.
• Use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) where ladders are unsuitable.
• Clear exclusion zones (tape or cones) around work areas to protect the public.
• Proper manual handling techniques and mechanical aids for heavy debris.
• Regular inspection and tagging of ladders and harness equipment.

Waste handling and disposal are integral to gutter service safety. Remove debris from gutters in a controlled manner to avoid contamination of soil, drains or ornamental planting. Collect waste in appropriate containers and dispose of it in accordance with environmental good practice. Avoid cleaning gutters over planted areas; where debris falls, clean up promptly to prevent slip hazards and damage to vegetation. Vehicle safety must also be observed: park considerately, use vehicle-mounted signs if carrying out roadside work and ensure secure storage of tools in vans to prevent shifting during transit.

Working at height and weather considerations: Assess wind, rain, ice and other weather conditions before starting. Cease work if conditions become unsafe. If using ladders, a second trained operative should act as a spotter. Where roof access is required, use approved roof ladders and edge protection. Gutter maintenance involving high or fragile roofs may require MEWP hire or specialist rope access — do not improvise solutions that compromise safety.

Emergencies, First Aid and Incident Reporting

Maintain accessible first aid provision and ensure operatives know emergency contact procedures for the site. In the event of an injury, secure the scene, provide first aid and arrange professional medical assistance if needed. All incidents, accidents and near misses must be recorded and investigated to identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Regularly review incident records to improve safety systems and training.

Training, Competence and Supervision: All staff carrying out gutter cleaning must receive induction training covering risk assessment, equipment use, ladder safety, fall protection and waste handling. Training will be refreshered periodically and when new equipment or techniques are introduced. Supervisors must ensure operatives are competent for the task and provide on-the-job supervision and toolbox talks to address site-specific hazards.

Monitoring and review: Safety performance will be monitored through routine inspections, audits and job debriefs. Records of training, equipment checks and risk assessments will be maintained and made available to those who need them. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if legislation, equipment or working practices change, to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services we provide in our gardening company service area.

Commitment: We are committed to continuous improvement of health and safety in all our gutter cleaning and maintenance operations. By following this policy, using appropriate control measures and encouraging open reporting and communication, we aim to protect our people, clients and the public while delivering reliable, professional gutter clearance services.