This Gutter Guard Installation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers installing mesh gutter guard on the eaves gutters of homes and light commercial buildings with metal or tiled roofs. It sets out planning fall protection and rescue, power line and solar PV checks, asbestos and weather checks, clearing gutters, safe walking on tiles and metal, cutting and fixing mesh and trims, and keeping materials from falling. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Gutter guard installers
Roofing and roof maintenance contractors
Gutter cleaning businesses
Handyman and property maintenance services
Home improvement and exterior trade businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Falls from the roof edge, ladders or an EWP
Falls through fragile roofing, skylights, brittle tiles or penetrations
Electric shock from overhead power lines and the service line
Electric shock from solar PV panels and cabling
Asbestos in older roofing, eaves or fibre cement products
Cuts and eye injury from mesh edges, trims, fasteners and swarf
Overbalancing when wind catches a roll or length of mesh
Droppings, mould, and bites or stings from wasps, bees, spiders, snakes and vermin
Heat stress, sunburn and burns from hot metal roofing
Tools, materials and debris falling onto people below
What's included
12 pre-operational checks, from fall protection and rescue planning to power lines, solar shutdown, asbestos, weather and nests
An 11-step operating procedure covering roof access, walking on tiles and metal, clearing gutters, cutting mesh and fixing trims
Isolation and energy control for power lines, solar PV shutdown, cordless tools, wind-blown mesh and ladders or EWPs
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for falls, suspended workers, electric shock, power line contact and storms
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle and Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover roofs with solar panels?
Yes. The owner shuts the system down using the displayed procedure before anyone goes on the roof, and workers keep clear of panels, rails and cabling, which stay live in daylight.
Does it cover gutter repairs or installing edge protection?
No. Gutter, downpipe and flashing repairs, box gutters, and installing edge protection, scaffold or safety mesh are outside its scope.
Do I need a SWMS as well?
Yes, where the work meets the definition of high risk construction work, such as a risk of falling more than 2 metres. The SOP sits alongside the SWMS, not in place of it.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
