Glazing

Under Australian WHS regulations, you need a documented Safe Work Method Statement for glazing work that involves high-risk construction work. This includes any glazing installation at heights above 2 metres, work requiring use of scaffolding or elevated work platforms, structural glazing forming part of a building's structure, use of powered mobile plant such as vacuum lifters or cranes, or work near traffic or public areas where falling glass could cause injury. For simple ground-level residential window replacements in controlled environments, a SWMS may not be legally required, but is still recommended as best practice. Commercial glazing projects, facade installations, glass balustrade fitting, and skylight installation virtually always require SWMS documentation. The SWMS must be site-specific, addressing the actual hazards and conditions of each project, and must be prepared before work commences.

Glaziers should complete a formal glazing apprenticeship or Certificate III in Glass and Glazing to understand trade-specific safety requirements and techniques. Additional mandatory training includes Working at Heights training for any glazing work above 2 metres, which covers fall protection systems, harness use, and rescue procedures. Vacuum lifter operation requires specific equipment training including pre-use inspections, load rating verification, and emergency procedures. For work on scaffolding, workers need scaffold user training (not erector training unless installing scaffold). Elevated work platform licences are required for boom-type and scissor lift operation. First Aid certification is recommended for all glazing teams. Manual handling training specific to glass panel lifting techniques should be provided. Some projects require confined space entry training (for lift shaft work) or traffic management certification. All training records must be current and available on site.

Safe glass handling requires proper equipment, techniques and planning. For panels over 20kg or larger than 1 square metre, use vacuum suction lifters rated for the glass weight and surface type. Never exceed the lifter's safe working load, and inspect suction pads, vacuum pumps and alarms before each use. For very large structural glass panels, use crane-mounted vacuum frames with redundant suction systems and qualified dogmen for rigging. Always conduct a manual handling risk assessment and use mechanical aids wherever possible. When manual handling is required, use team lifting with clear communication, lift with bent knees and straight back, keep glass close to body, and avoid twisting. Store glass vertically in purpose-built A-frame racks with timber spacers, never flat or leaning. Mark glass clearly so it's visible to workers. Create clear pathways for moving glass. Monitor wind speeds and cease handling operations in high winds. Wear cut-resistant gloves, safety boots with steel toe caps, and consider using suction cup hand carriers for smaller panels.

Fall protection for glazing work must follow the hierarchy of controls specified in AS/NZS 1891 and WHS regulations. The preferred control is elimination by designing work to be done from ground level (rarely practical for glazing). Second preference is passive fall prevention using scaffolding with guardrails, edge protection on roof perimeters, or safety mesh over glazed openings during installation. When passive protection isn't feasible, use work positioning systems such as elevated work platforms with guardrails, or install temporary anchor points for harness attachment. Fall arrest systems using full-body harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, and engineered anchor points are acceptable when other controls cannot eliminate the risk. For facade glazing, consider installing permanent building maintenance unit (BMU) systems or temporary rigging points. Glass installation often requires temporary removal of edge protection to position panels—use harnesses with short restraint lanyards during these critical periods. Ensure rescue procedures are in place before starting work, as suspended workers require retrieval within minutes to prevent suspension trauma.

Preventing glass breakage requires attention throughout the entire process from fabrication to final installation. During transport, use purpose-built glass transport frames or A-frame racks that hold glass vertically with rubber or timber spacers preventing glass-to-glass contact. Secure glass to prevent movement during vehicle braking or cornering. Avoid transport during extreme temperature changes that can cause thermal stress. On site, establish designated glass storage areas away from traffic and trade activities, using stable A-frame racks on level ground. Never store glass flat or leaning at angles. Protect glass edges with edge guards during handling. Before installation, inspect glass for chips, cracks or damage that could propagate during handling. When using vacuum lifters, ensure adequate suction on the specific glass type and coating—some low-emissivity coatings reduce vacuum effectiveness. Plan installation sequences to avoid stressing glass panels. Ensure frames are square, plumb and at correct dimensions before installing glass. Use appropriate setting blocks and edge clearances per glazing standards. Apply adequate weather sealing without over-compression. Never force glass into undersized openings. Consider weather conditions—avoid installation during temperature extremes or when rain could thermally shock hot glass.