Plan the work so exposure to a fall is eliminated where reasonably practicable. Where a fall risk remains, use the most effective practical control for the task and site before relying on lower-level controls.

• Check access, edges, openings, roof condition, ground conditions and weather before starting.
• Select ladders, scaffold, travel restraint or fall-arrest equipment only where suitable for the work.
• Keep the area below controlled where tools or materials could fall.
• Do not continue where access, equipment or fall controls are unsuitable or incomplete.

Roof and ceiling spaces can contain electrical, heat, access, structural, vermin, insulation and restricted-movement hazards. Inspect the space and determine a safe access and work method before entering.

• For domestic roof-space work or entry, follow the current electrical-safety requirements for de-energising the relevant electrical installation unless a permitted exception applies.
• Use suitable lighting and maintain safe footing on structural members or provided walkways.
• Consider heat, ventilation, sharp objects, vermin, insulation, asbestos and other services.
• Do not enter a space that cannot be accessed or worked in safely.

Plan excavation work before digging. Consider underground services, soil and ground stability, water, adjacent structures, access, plant movements, spoil placement, public access and the expected depth and duration of the excavation.

• Locate and assess underground and nearby services before excavation.
• Keep people separated from operating plant and unstable edges.
• Provide suitable access and prevent unauthorised entry where required.
• Reassess after weather, ground movement, water ingress or any change in excavation conditions.

Drainage work may involve excavation, suspended work, manual handling, biological exposure, confined-space hazards, powered plant and existing underground services. Identify which hazards are actually present before starting.

• Use suitable hygiene and PPE controls for sewage or contaminated materials.
• Control excavation and plant hazards where drainage work is below ground.
• Assess access, support and fall risks for suspended drainage work.
• Treat any space that may meet the definition of a confined space as a separate confined-space issue before entry.

Do not enter a confined space unless the space has been correctly identified and all required confined-space controls, authorisations and emergency arrangements are in place.

• Assess atmosphere, contaminants, engulfment, access and other hazards before entry.
• Use required entry permits, signage, isolation and communication arrangements.
• Ensure workers involved are trained and competent for their role.
• Have suitable emergency and rescue arrangements before entry begins.

Gas work must be carried out by appropriately licensed and competent people using the correct work method for the installation, gas type and task.

• Identify the gas supply, relevant isolation points and surrounding ignition sources.
• Prevent uncontrolled gas release and maintain suitable ventilation.
• Use suitable testing equipment and follow the applicable installation and commissioning requirements.
• If a gas leak or unsafe condition is identified, stop the affected work, isolate where safe and escalate the issue.

Treat exposed, damaged, unknown or potentially energised electrical equipment and services as a serious hazard. Plumbing and gas work can bring workers into contact with wiring, appliances, underground services and roof-space electrical installations.

• Do not perform electrical work unless appropriately licensed and authorised.
• Identify electrical services before drilling, cutting, excavation or roof-space work.
• Use suitable serviceable electrical tools, leads and protection for the environment.
• Stop work where exposed or unsafe electrical conditions are identified and arrange appropriate isolation or specialist assistance.

Identify hazardous chemicals before use and follow the current label and Safety Data Sheet requirements for handling, storage, PPE, first aid, spills and disposal.

• Keep chemicals in suitable labelled containers.
• Use the required ventilation, isolation and PPE controls.
• Do not mix products unless the instructions specifically allow it.
• Report damaged containers, spills or uncontrolled exposures promptly.

Cutting, drilling, grinding and disturbing some materials can generate hazardous airborne contaminants. Prevent or reduce the generation and spread of dust before relying on respiratory protection alone.

• Use lower-dust work methods, suitable extraction or suppression where required.
• Separate other people from the affected area.
• Use suitable cleanup methods that do not unnecessarily re-suspend dust.
• Use respiratory protection where required as part of the overall control approach.

If material is suspected to contain asbestos and the planned work may disturb it, do not drill, cut, break or otherwise disturb the material until it has been properly assessed and the correct controls are in place.

• Stop the affected work and keep unnecessary people away from the area.
• Notify the responsible supervisor.
• Do not attempt removal or disturbance outside the worker's training, authorisation and applicable legal requirements.
• Use the required asbestos management, removal and disposal process where applicable.

Plan lifts before moving hot water systems, pipework, equipment, materials or other awkward loads. Use mechanical aids or team handling where they reduce the risk.

• Consider load weight, size, grip, route, stairs, uneven ground and final placement.
• Avoid unnecessary twisting, reaching and carrying over long distances.
• Use trolleys, lifting equipment or additional workers where suitable.
• Re-plan the task where the load or access makes the lift unsafe.

Separate workers, customers and the public from moving vehicles and plant wherever reasonably practicable. Consider reversing, blind spots, excavation plant, loading areas, roadside work and pedestrian access.

• Establish exclusion areas or a safe work zone where required.
• Use a suitable spotter or traffic-management arrangement where the task requires it.
• Keep plant away from unstable excavation edges and overhead or underground services.
• Do not stand within the operating or swing area of moving plant.

Before brazing, soldering, grinding, cutting or other work capable of creating heat, flame or sparks, identify combustible materials, flammable atmospheres and nearby services.

• Remove or protect combustible materials where required.
• Keep suitable fire-control equipment available for the task.
• Do not carry out hot work where a flammable atmosphere or uncontrolled gas release may be present.
• Check the area after hot work where residual heat or smouldering material could remain.

Weather and environmental conditions can change the risk of work at heights, roof-space work, excavation, electrical work and manual tasks. Reassess work when conditions deteriorate.

• Consider heat, humidity, sun exposure, wind, rain, storms and poor visibility.
• Maintain drinking water and suitable rest arrangements for hot conditions.
• Do not continue roof or height work where weather makes access or footing unsafe.
• Review excavation and electrical hazards after significant rain or water ingress.