Gutter Vacuuming Safe Work Method Statement

Gutter vacuuming requires comprehensive PPE addressing multiple hazards. Respiratory protection is mandatory due to mould spores, bacteria, and dust from decomposed organic debris - P2 respirators minimum for routine operations with P3 respirators required for heavily contaminated gutters with visible mould growth or rodent droppings. Fit testing is required for reusable respirators ensuring effective seal, with facial hair prevented in areas where respirators contact face. Safety glasses with side shields protect eyes from falling debris during overhead work. Puncture-resistant gloves rated to Level 3 per AS/NZS 2161.4 protect hands from sharp objects including roofing screws, nails, and broken tiles commonly found in gutters. Safety boots with steel toecaps (200 joule rating per AS/NZS 2210.3) and slip-resistant soles protect feet whilst working on varied terrain. Hard hats are required when working directly beneath gutters or in areas with overhead falling object risk. High-visibility clothing (Class D per AS/NZS 1906.4) is necessary when working near driveways, car parks, or locations with vehicle movements. All PPE must be inspected before use and replaced if damaged. Tetanus vaccination must be current for all workers due to puncture wound contamination risk from decomposed organic matter and rodent droppings.

Overhead power line management requires comprehensive pre-work assessment and ongoing clearance monitoring. Before commencing work, walk the building perimeter identifying all overhead conductors including main power lines, service drops to building, communication cables, and any other overhead infrastructure. Use laser measuring equipment to determine actual distances from gutter access positions to nearest conductors - visual estimation is unreliable and insufficient. Australian Standard AS/NZS 4836 specifies minimum clearance of 3 metres horizontal and 3 metres vertical from all overhead conductors for unqualified persons. If work must occur closer than these distances, electrical authority attendance is required for line isolation, insulation installation, or continuous supervision. Mark ground positions from which pole extension would encroach on electrical hazard zones using spray paint or marker cones. Brief all operators on conductor locations and exclusion zones. During operations, maintain constant awareness of pole position particularly when extending sections or moving between work areas. Use spotters to monitor clearances if working near conductors providing immediate warning if minimum distances at risk. If safe clearances cannot be maintained, work must not proceed in affected areas and customer must be notified of requirement for electrical authority attendance. Never assume carbon fibre poles are electrically safe - they conduct electricity and fatal electrocution remains possible from overhead line contact.

Ground-based telescopic pole systems should be the primary method for gutter cleaning eliminating height access hazards for the majority of operations. Most residential and low-rise commercial buildings (up to double storey) can be effectively cleaned using poles with 12-15 metre reach. Elevated access becomes necessary in specific circumstances including buildings exceeding pole reach capability (typically above 12-15 metres), complex gutter configurations where pole cannot achieve adequate cleaning angle or access, heavily blocked gutters requiring manual debris removal that pole systems cannot extract, areas where ground-based positioning is prevented by landscaping features or adjacent structures restricting pole operation space, and situations requiring gutter structural assessment or repair beyond simple cleaning. When elevated access is determined necessary, selection between ladder and elevated work platform depends on work duration and extent. Ladders are appropriate for quick access to isolated sections requiring brief work periods. Elevated work platforms should be used for extended gutter sections, work requiring more than 15 minutes at height, or complex operations requiring two-handed work at height. All elevated access must implement comprehensive controls including ladder inspection and positioning protocols, platform operator licensing verification, and fall prevention systems. Work planning should always preference ground-based methods with elevated access reserved for situations where ground-based cleaning cannot achieve effective results.

If bee or wasp nests are discovered during site assessment or work operations, immediate work cessation and withdrawal are required. Never attempt to continue work near active nests or disturb nest locations. Workers should move away from nest area calmly avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that trigger defensive behavior. If nest was not visible during pre-work inspection and becomes apparent during vacuum operations, shut down vacuum immediately and withdraw pole carefully without disturbing nest if possible. Notify property owner of nest presence and requirement for professional removal before gutter cleaning can continue. Engage licensed pest control operator for nest removal - never attempt removal using gutter cleaning equipment or improvised methods. If worker is attacked by bees or wasps, they should move away from area immediately seeking shelter in vehicle or building. For workers with known severe allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings, prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors should be readily accessible and coworkers trained in administration. Emergency services (000) should be contacted immediately if severe allergic reaction symptoms develop including breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or collapse. Document nest locations on site plan and do not reschedule work at affected areas until pest controller confirms removal is complete. European wasps are particularly aggressive and establish large colonies in roof voids accessing gutters - these require specialist removal and should not be approached. Worker safety takes absolute precedence over schedule pressures or customer expectations when nest hazards are present.

Gutter vacuuming personnel require several competencies addressing method-specific hazards. Height safety awareness training covers overhead power line hazard recognition, safe clearance distance requirements, electrical contact prevention, and appropriate responses to electrical hazards. For operations using elevated access, working at heights training meeting WorkSafe requirements is mandatory for work exceeding 2 metres height. Ladder operations training addresses ladder selection, inspection procedures, correct positioning at 1:4 angle, securing methods, three-point contact maintenance, load limitations, and common failure scenarios. If elevated work platforms are used, operators must hold current high-risk work licences (WP licence class) for the specific platform type. Ground-based pole system training covers equipment setup, pole assembly and extension procedures, proper handling technique minimizing strain, camera system operation if integrated, and controlled lowering procedures. Biological hazard awareness training addresses disease transmission risks from mould and bacteria, rodent dropping hazards, appropriate PPE selection and use, respiratory protection including fit testing and seal checking, hand hygiene protocols, and waste contamination management. Electrical safety training specific to overhead power lines teaches hazard identification, clearance assessment, electrical authority notification requirements, and emergency response to electrical contact incidents. First aid training should include anaphylactic shock response as bee/wasp encounters are common. Site-specific inductions covering local hazards, emergency procedures, and customer property protection requirements complete the training framework. Supervisors require additional competencies in work planning, hazard assessment, method selection (ground vs elevated access), and safety monitoring throughout operations.