It can be, for short, low-level jobs on firm, level ground with a ladder in good condition used properly. The guidance written by the Ladder Association with the HSE says ladders suit low-risk, short-duration tasks, and that you shouldn’t rest a ladder against plastic gutters. A two-storey house, a conservatory below or a long job changes the answer.
In this guide
What does the official guidance say about ladders?
That ladders are not banned, and can be a sensible option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, but shouldn’t automatically be your first choice.
The guidance is LA455, “Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders”, written by the Ladder Association in co-operation with the Health and Safety Executive. It is aimed at work, but the advice is just as sound at home. As a guide, it says that if a task would mean staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, you should use other equipment.
Clearing every gutter on a house, by hand, from a ladder you move every few metres, can easily add up to a lot longer than that. Each move is another climb, another setup, another chance to get it wrong.
Can I lean a ladder on my gutter?
Not on a plastic one. The guidance says to have a strong upper resting point and not rest a ladder against weak surfaces such as glazing or plastic gutters.
Most UK homes have plastic gutters. A ladder resting on one can crack it, push it out of line, or slide sideways along it. The guidance suggests a stand-off device, which rests the ladder on the wall instead, holding it clear of the gutter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for whatever you use.
How should the ladder be set up?
At about 75 degrees, the “1 in 4” rule: one unit out from the wall for every four units up. On firm, level, clean ground, with the ladder secured.
- Angle. 75 degrees, or one unit out for every four up.
- Ground. Firm, level and clean: no moss, leaf litter or loose gravel under the feet. Use proper levelling devices, not bricks or blocks.
- Securing. Tie the ladder if you can, use a stability device if not; footing by another person is the last resort.
- Height. Don’t work off the top three rungs, and make sure the ladder extends at least a metre above where you are working.
All of these come from the LA455 guidance.
How do I stay safe once I’m up there?
Keep three points of contact, don’t overreach, and carry only light tools.
The guidance says to keep your belt buckle, or navel, within the ladder’s stiles: if you have to lean out to reach, climb down and move the ladder. Keep three points of contact (two feet and a hand) while climbing and wherever possible while working. Avoid carrying things as you climb; a tool belt or a bucket on a hook helps. Gutter clearing makes all of this hard, because the debris is at the edge of the roof and you need a hand to scoop.
When should I not do it myself?
When it’s above single-storey height, over a conservatory or extension, on uneven or soft ground, near overhead power lines, in wind or rain, or if you are on your own.
The LA455 guidance says not to work within 6 metres horizontally of an overhead power line unless it has been made dead or is protected. Many houses have a supply cable coming in at roof height; keep well clear of it. Other reasons to stop: the gutter is above a glass or polycarbonate roof, the ground slopes, the job is long, or nobody else is at home.
On older houses, gutters and downpipes made of asbestos cement need extra care; see asbestos cement gutters.
What are the alternatives to a ladder?
Clearing from the ground with a gutter vacuum or a pole tool, or hiring someone who works from the ground.
Pole-mounted gutter tools and attachments for garden vacuums exist for homeowners, and work best on single-storey gutters. Professional gutter vacuums are far stronger and come with a camera so you can see what you’re doing. See how gutter vacuums work and our step-by-step DIY guide.
What checks should I do before climbing?
Look the ladder over every time: stiles, feet, rungs and locks. The guidance calls these pre-use checks and says not to use a ladder with a defect.
Check the stiles aren’t bent or split, the feet are there and not worn, the rungs are sound and the locking mechanism works. Look at the ground as well: wet leaves and moss under ladder feet are a common cause of slips, which matters when you are clearing gutters, because that is exactly what falls from them.
Key points
- Ladders suit low-risk, short-duration jobs. As a guide, more than 30 minutes at a time calls for other equipment.
- Never rest a ladder against a plastic gutter; use a stand-off.
- Set it at 75 degrees (1 in 4) on firm, level, clean ground and secure it.
- Keep three points of contact and don’t overreach.
- Keep 6 metres horizontally away from overhead power lines.
Quick questions
Is a bungalow safe to do myself?
Often, if the ground is firm and level, the ladder is in good condition and set up properly, and you don’t rest it on the gutter. Many people clear bungalow gutters from the ground with a pole tool instead.
What ladder standard should I look for?
The LA455 guidance refers to EN 131 as the standard for portable ladders and steps. Check the label on the ladder and its instructions.
Should someone foot the ladder?
The guidance treats footing as a last resort, after tying the ladder, using a stability device, or wedging it. But having someone else at home while you work is always sensible.
