Any work on fascias and gutters present potential risks of falls and of dropping objects that could potentially harm other people. As an employer, it is crucial that you put appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of your staff, contractors and the general public.

On eaveless houses, fascias and gutters may be installed by working from trestle scaffolds or ladders located inside the house frame. Where the design involves eaves, an external platform needs to be provided for fascia and gutter installation work.

Note when the fall risk is 2 metres or greater, the work platforms need to be at least two planks (450mm) wide and be fitted with guardrailing (see the illustration above).

Single scaffold planks should only be used where the fall height does not exceed 1.5 metres. Scaffolds with a fall height between 1.5 metres and 2 metres should have either:

• Two planks, or

• A single plank and guardrailing.

Employers have general duties to provide a safe working environment in relation to the prevention of falls from two metres or less. This includes managing any risks arising from impalement or other hazards in the fall zone (eg star pickets, brick bats or debris).

Bracket scaffolds need to be erected from within the structure, so that the upper level wall frame provides fall protection for the erectors.

Due to the open internal face of a bracket scaffold, there is a risk of objects falling from the scaffold. The area below the scaffold should not be accessed while work is being performed.