# Job Hazard Analysis: Gutter installation URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/jha/roofing/gutter-installation Last updated: 2026-10-23 Removing old gutters and installing new seamless aluminum gutters and downspouts along the eaves of a 1- or 2-story building. Work is done from extension ladders, using a truck-mounted gutter forming machine, cordless drills, snips, and sealant. > 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. Walk the site and set up ladders - **Contact with overhead power lines or the service drop while raising a ladder** (High): 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 ground** (High): 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. Remove old gutters and downspouts - **Fall from ladder while pulling spikes and prying gutters loose** (High): 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 below** (Medium): 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 edges** (Medium): Handle old gutters by the back edge and wear cut-resistant gloves. ### 3. Measure and form seamless gutter with the machine - **Hands caught in rollers or the shear of the gutter forming machine** (High): 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 street** (Medium): 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. Lift and hang the gutter on the fascia - **Fall from ladder while carrying and positioning long gutter sections** (High): 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 drilling** (Low): 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 surfaces** (Medium): 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. Install downspouts, end caps, and seal joints - **Skin and eye irritation and vapors from gutter sealant** (Low): 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 edges** (Medium): 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 rivets** (Medium): Wear safety glasses at all times. Drill outlets on the ground before hanging when possible. ### 6. Clean up and take down ladders - **Puncture wounds and trips from scrap metal, screws, and old spikes on the ground** (Medium): 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 ladders** (High): Retract the ladder fully before moving it. Carry it level with two workers, watching overhead. ## Required PPE - Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1) — At all times, especially when drilling, cutting, and sealing. - Cut-resistant gloves — When handling gutter, coil, and downspouts. Remove near machine rollers. - Nitrile gloves — When applying sealant. - Hard hat — For anyone working below ladders or in the drop zone. - Slip-resistant work boots — At all times, for good grip on ladder rungs. - Personal fall arrest system (harness, lanyard, anchor) — Required when working from the roof edge 6 ft or more above the ground. - High-visibility vest — When working near the street or driveway traffic. ## Training - Ladder safety training by a competent person: setup, inspection, 4-to-1 angle, 3 points of contact. - Fall protection training for anyone who works from the roof or uses a harness. - Overhead power line awareness and the 10-ft clearance rule. - Hands-on training on the gutter forming machine, including jam clearing with power off. - Hazard communication training on the sealant SDS. - Heat illness recognition and first aid. ## Emergency If someone falls or is shocked: stop all work. If a power line is involved, do not touch the person or the ladder; keep everyone back. Call 911 and give the full site address. Do not move a fallen worker unless they are in danger. Give first aid and send someone to the street to guide the ambulance. Notify the supervisor right away. ## Official sources - [29 CFR 1926.1053](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.1053) — Ladders - [29 CFR 1926.501](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.501) — Duty to have fall protection - [29 CFR 1926.503](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.503) — Fall protection training requirements - [29 CFR 1926.416](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.416) — Electrical — general requirements - [29 CFR 1926.300](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.300) — Hand and power tools — general requirements - [29 CFR 1926.59](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.59) — Hazard communication - [29 CFR 1926.102](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.102) — Eye and face protection - [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure) — Heat — hazard recognition and prevention --- Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.