Roof Gutter Cleaning Risk Assessment

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL MEASURES

Identification of significant hazards

Work at height.
Falling objects, debris.
Weather conditions e.g., strong and heavy winds, heavy stormy rain, extremely hot weather etc.
Pedestrian/vehicular traffic.
Lone working/ Remote working.
Fatal electric shock from overhead or exposed power lines/cables.
Fragile roof; roof/skylights.
Hazardous substances e.g., asbestos roof tiles.
Foreign bodies within debris (needles, glass etc.).
Disposal of debris.

Who might be harmed?

Site Supervisor and others in the vicinity.
Any person in the direct vicinity of the ladder.
Site Supervisor.

Type of harm and Consequences

Death.
Fractures.
Musculoskeletal injuries.
Head injuries/concussion.
Bruising, lacerations.
Fall injuries.
Sunburn.
Heat exhaustion.
Burns/electric shock/fatality.
Cuts, Needlestick injuries, infection.

Existing Control Measures

Try to avoid the need to work from height by the use of appropriate equipment and or light machinery to clean the gutter at ground level such as a long rake.
In case to use the equipment for work at height, the site supervisor/engineer selects the correct work at height equipment for the task such as a ladder, step ladder.
The site engineer/supervisor reads the assessment in conjunction with the establishment's risk assessment for the work at height equipment/machinery and its uses.
Work at height equipment e.g., step ladders is subject to routine inspection.
The site Supervisor is competent and skilled to use the equipment e.g., has undertaken the Lancashire County Council Health and Safety E-learning module for Ladder Safety or equivalent.
The site Supervisor does not undertake work at height when alone at the site.
Warning signs are used to ensure everybody is aware that work at height is underway before they enter the work area. Cordon off area, if possible, if required alternative routes should be signposted.
A safe working area is cordoned off around the work at height equipment and signage is used as appropriate.
A belt holster or belt hooks are used for carrying tools up/down the ladder safely.
Any employee footing the ladder is advised to wear head protection.
The cleaning employees are inducted and advised to bag any debris into small quantities and lower it slowly to the ground level.
The site engineer/supervisor evaluates the weather conditions before undertaking external work and does not undertake the task if conditions are not suitable.
The site Supervisor wears clothing as per the weather conditions.
The site Supervisor wears clothing to cover skin and wears sunscreen in hot sunshine.
The site Supervisor keeps well hydrated and takes regular breaks in hot weather.
Evaluate/Access to the work area is restricted/monitored.
Designated pedestrian routes are put in place to restrict unauthorized access.
Work is planned for quieter times of the day when reduced/restricted pedestrian access is required to the area.
A safe working area is cordoned off around the area and signage is used as appropriate.
High visibility clothing is worn by the Site Supervisor if working on the traffic route.
The task is not undertaken when school/site is unoccupied, for example, school holidays.
A nominated and accountable person is informed at the site if undertaking work at height in an unoccupied area.
The site Supervisor inspects the area to identify any electrical hazards / overhead power cables.
No work is carried out within 6 meters of high voltage cables.
Live supplies are isolated where necessary.
Aluminium ladders are not used where an electrical hazard exists.
Fragile roofs are signed.
Roof/skylights are protected where appropriate.
Asbestos risk assessment was reviewed before the commencement of work.
Visual inspection for any signs of damage or destruction, before work commences.
The site Supervisor is instructed to cover open wounds with waterproof dressings.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons are worn as appropriate to the task.
Appropriate and essential equipment is used e.g., litter picker, tongs, plunger or drain rods to remove an object.
Hands are not used to free blockages.
Strict personal hygiene is observed by the site engineer/supervisor and hands are washed thoroughly after the task.
The site Supervisor is advised to follow the guidance on dealing with Sharps and Needle-stick Injuries available on the Health, Safety & Quality web page called 'Infection Control'.
All debris is to be deposited in appropriate waste containers for disposal.