Job Hazard Analysis: Gutter installation

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Walk the site and set up ladders

   • Contact with overhead power lines or the service drop while raising a ladderHigh
     • Locate all overhead lines and the service drop before unloading ladders.
     • Keep ladders, gutters, and tools at least 10 ft from power lines. Call the utility to de-energize or cover lines if you cannot keep 10 ft.
     • Use fiberglass extension ladders only. No aluminum ladders on this job.
     • Two workers raise and lower every extension ladder.
   • Ladder slides out or tips on soft, sloped, or wet groundHigh
     • Set the ladder on firm, level footing; use ladder levelers on slopes, never blocks or bricks.
     • Set the ladder at a 4-to-1 angle: 1 ft out for every 4 ft up.
     • Use a standoff stabilizer so the ladder does not rest on the gutter or fascia.
     • Inspect the ladder for cracked rails, bent rungs, and worn feet before use. Tag and remove damaged ladders.

2. 2. Remove old gutters and downspouts

   • Fall from ladder while pulling spikes and prying gutters looseHigh
     • Move the ladder instead of reaching. Keep your belt buckle between the rails.
     • Do not stand on the top 3 rungs. Keep 3 points of contact while climbing.
     • Cut long old sections into short pieces on the ladder so you are not fighting a 30-ft gutter.
   • Falling gutter pieces, nails, and debris striking workers belowMedium
     • Set up a drop zone with cones or caution tape under the work area. Keep homeowners and crew out.
     • Call out before dropping anything. Lower long pieces with a rope instead of throwing them.
     • Wear a hard hat in the drop zone.
   • Cuts from sharp, torn metal edgesMedium
     • Handle old gutters by the back edge and wear cut-resistant gloves.

3. 3. Measure and form seamless gutter with the machine

   • Hands caught in rollers or the shear of the gutter forming machineHigh
     • Keep all guards in place. Never feed coil or clear a jam with the machine running.
     • Turn off and unplug the machine before clearing jams or changing coil.
     • Only trained workers run the machine. No loose gloves, sleeves, or jewelry near rollers.
   • Long gutter sections swinging into people, cars, or the streetMedium
     • Park so the run-out table points away from traffic and sidewalks. Cone off the area.
     • Use one worker per 10 ft of gutter to carry long sections.

4. 4. Lift and hang the gutter on the fascia

   • Fall from ladder while carrying and positioning long gutter sectionsHigh
     • Do not carry gutters up the ladder in your hands. Climb first, then have the ground crew pass the section up or use a hand line.
     • Use one ladder and one worker at each end, plus a middle worker for runs over 30 ft.
     • Lift on a count so all workers move together. Stop work in winds strong enough to catch the gutter.
     • If work is done from the roof edge on a 2-story building, use a personal fall arrest system tied to a rated anchor.
   • Drill bit and screw injuries; hand-arm strain from overhead drillingLow
     • Use a cordless impact driver with a magnetic bit. Keep your free hand away from the screw path.
     • Inspect tools before use; take damaged tools out of service.
   • Heat stress on hot days and hot metal surfacesMedium
     • Schedule south- and west-facing runs for the morning. Give new workers lighter duty for their first days.
     • Drink water every 15–20 minutes and take shade breaks. Watch each other for dizziness, cramps, or confusion.

5. 5. Install downspouts, end caps, and seal joints

   • Skin and eye irritation and vapors from gutter sealantLow
     • Read the SDS and label for the sealant before use.
     • Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses while sealing. Clean skin with the product the SDS lists, not solvent.
   • Cuts from snips and crimped downspout edgesMedium
     • Cut downspouts on a sawhorse at ground level, not on the ladder.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves and file or fold sharp edges.
   • Eye injury from metal shavings when drilling outlets and rivetsMedium
     • Wear safety glasses at all times. Drill outlets on the ground before hanging when possible.

6. 6. Clean up and take down ladders

   • Puncture wounds and trips from scrap metal, screws, and old spikes on the groundMedium
     • Pick up scrap as you go and put it straight into the trailer or dumpster.
     • Sweep the work area with a magnetic sweeper before leaving.
   • Power line contact while lowering and carrying laddersHigh
     • Retract the ladder fully before moving it. Carry it level with two workers, watching overhead.