What Homeowners Need to Know About Safe Working at Height when Renovating

Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed from falls while working on their homes. Many of these accidents happen from heights less than three metres – that’s about the height of your ceiling. As a homeowner planning renovations, it’s important to understand that any work at height carries risk, whether you’re cleaning gutters or replacing an entire roof. Working at heights training is an excellent way of understanding how to mitigate the risks; it can be done online at a reasonable price.

Until we invent levitation or some kind of hoverboard (like in Back to the Future III), you’ll need a sturdy platform on which to stand, or you’ll need a harness to stop you falling if you slip. The law requires that if there’s any chance of falling and being hurt, safety measures must be in place. This applies even for seemingly quick jobs like replacing a few roof tiles or touching up paint.

Let’s look at common renovation tasks and how to approach them safely:

Roof Work

Replacing or repairing a roof is one of the riskiest jobs you can undertake. Your roof might look solid, but materials like corrugated iron can become brittle with age, and surfaces can be slippery, especially in changeable weather. Professional roofers use edge protection around the perimeter. A harness and roof ladders may be required, especially if the roof pitch is more than 25 degrees.

Gutter Maintenance

While cleaning or replacing gutters might seem straightforward, remember you’re working at the edge of your roof where falls commonly occur. Just like you’d use a life jacket when boating, you need proper fall protection when working at height. A secured ladder is enough for basic inspections, but risky for replacing guttering. It’s better to have scaffolding (either fixed or mobile), a podium ladder, a trestle with a rail or a properly rated mobile elevating work platform (cherry picker).

Exterior Painting

Any painting above head height requires a ladder. Anything above single-storey level requires scaffolding. Consider this: if you’re stretching to reach that last bit of soffit, you’re putting yourself at risk. Professional painters use properly constructed scaffolding or elevating work platforms that allow them to work safely with both hands-free.

Window Repairs

Repairing windows often requires working from both inside and outside at height. Like a safety belt in a car, you need proper fall protection. If you’re working from a ladder, it should be industrial grade (rated for 120kg minimum), secured against movement, and positioned at the correct angle (4:1 distance ratio, height:distance of the base from the wall).

Tree Trimming

While not strictly part of the house, tree trimming often involves working at height around your property. This work combines the risks of height with the dangers of using cutting tools. Professional arborists use specialised climbing equipment and have specific training for this high-risk work.

Before You Start

Before beginning any work at height, ask yourself these questions:

• Can the work be done from ground level? For example, using extension poles for painting or cleaning, or a pole chainsaw for trimming branches
• Do you have the right equipment to work safely? A domestic ladder is often not adequate for renovation work; check the rating which will be on a sticker on the side
• Are you physically capable of doing the work safely?
• Do you understand how to use safety equipment properly?
• What’s your plan if something goes wrong?

The Weather Factor

The weather can change rapidly. What starts as a perfect morning can quickly become dangerous with wind and rain. Professional tradespeople know to check weather forecasts and have plans for when conditions deteriorate. As a homeowner, you should be even more cautious about weather conditions.

When to Call the Professionals

Like calling a mechanic for complex car repairs, sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. Professional tradespeople:

• Have proper safety equipment and know how to use it
• Understand and follow safety regulations
• Have specific training and qualifications
• Carry appropriate insurance
• Know how to assess and control risks.

If you do decide to undertake work at height yourself, remember that any fall can result in serious injury. Investing in proper safety equipment and taking the time to work safely isn’t just good practice – it’s essential for your wellbeing.

Think of it this way: the cost of hiring professionals with proper safety equipment and training is insignificant compared to the potential cost – both financial and personal – of a serious fall.