Glass Whiteboard Installation Safe Work Method Statement

All workers must hold current Construction Induction Card (White Card) before commencing any construction work including glass whiteboard installation. While specific trade qualifications for glass installation are not legally mandated, workers should hold Certificate III in Glass and Glazing, Shopfitting, or equivalent qualification demonstrating competency in glass handling and installation techniques. Workers operating elevated work platforms exceeding 11 metres require high-risk work licence WP (boom-type) or WP (scissor lift); platforms below 11 metres do not require licencing but workers must complete manufacturer or supplier training before operation. If drilling operations generate respirable crystalline silica dust, workers should complete silica awareness training understanding exposure risks and control requirements. Employers must verify all qualifications and licences before assigning work, maintain training records accessible for inspection, and provide task-specific training on glass handling procedures, suction lifter operation, and emergency response protocols. Many commercial building managers require additional building-specific induction completion before granting access, covering emergency procedures, waste disposal requirements, and access restrictions. Maintain induction completion records for all workers demonstrating compliance with building access conditions.

If glass panel fracture occurs during installation, immediately implement this protocol: stop all work and establish exclusion zone minimum 3 metres radius around fracture area preventing worker and occupant exposure to glass fragments; evacuate all personnel from immediate area until glass fragments settle; do not attempt cleanup until all workers have cut-resistant gloves rated Level 5 and safety glasses; assess whether fracture created serious injury requiring immediate first aid or emergency services; once safe to approach, photograph fracture pattern and origin point before cleanup for manufacturer analysis and incident investigation; use suction cups or mechanical grabs to collect large glass pieces avoiding direct hand contact; sweep smaller fragments using stiff broom into dustpan; vacuum fine glass particles using HEPA-filtered vacuum capturing microscopic fragments; inspect surrounding 5-metre radius for glass fragments that may have projected from fracture point; dispose of all broken glass in clearly labelled rigid containers (heavy-duty cardboard boxes or dedicated glass waste bins) never plastic bags which puncture creating secondary injury risk; preserve glass fragments for manufacturer warranty claim and incident investigation. Report incident to site supervisor immediately documenting probable cause - transport damage, edge damage during handling, over-tightening of fixings, manufacturing defect, or impact during installation. Notify client or building management if fracture occurred in operational office area where occupants may have been exposed. For notifiable incidents involving serious injury from glass laceration requiring medical treatment, preserve incident site, notify SafeWork authority immediately, and do not disturb scene until authorised. Review incident identifying contributing factors and implement corrective actions preventing recurrence. Update SWMS if incident reveals inadequate controls or procedures requiring modification.

Glass whiteboard installation in operational office buildings requires careful scheduling balancing safety requirements with business operation disruption minimisation. Coordinate with building management and client at least one week before installation discussing work timing options, noise restrictions, and access requirements. For installations in individual meeting rooms or offices, after-hours or weekend work often provides best option allowing noisy drilling operations without disturbing office occupants, though this creates additional considerations including reduced lighting requiring temporary lighting installation, limited access to building services or emergency support, potential fatigue from night shift work requiring additional breaks, and security coordination for building access. For installations during business hours, schedule noisy drilling operations early in work shift (7-9am) before majority of office occupants arrive, or during lunch periods (12-1pm) when meeting rooms are typically unoccupied. Notify office occupants in adjacent spaces at least 48 hours before work providing specific timeframes for noisy operations and offering option to relocate temporarily or schedule off-site meetings during drilling period. Complete drilling operations in concentrated time blocks rather than spreading throughout day - batch all drilling for multiple panels together minimising total disruption duration. Reserve quieter installation tasks (glass panel mounting, securing, cleaning, final adjustment) for later in work shift when office operations are in full swing. For large installations involving multiple meeting rooms or floors, develop phased schedule addressing one area at a time allowing business operations to continue in unaffected areas. Coordinate with building management regarding acceptable noise levels and establish contingency plans if complaints are received. Consider building-specific factors including proximity to executive offices, critical client meetings scheduled, and business cycle demands affecting scheduling feasibility.

On-tool dust extraction is mandatory for all drilling operations generating respirable crystalline silica dust from concrete, masonry, or render when using power tools. Australian workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m³ over 8-hour time-weighted average, with silica classified as Category 1 carcinogen. For glass whiteboard installation drilling operations, implement these requirements: equip all hammer drills or rotary hammer drills with manufacturer-approved on-tool dust extraction shrouds creating seal around drill bit capturing dust at source before it becomes airborne; connect extraction shroud via flexible hose to HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner rated to M-Class (medium filtration) or H-Class (high filtration) per AS/NZS 60335.2.69 for asbestos and carcinogenic dusts; verify vacuum provides adequate suction (minimum 1200 litres per minute airflow) before commencing drilling by testing on sample surface; position extraction shroud firmly against wall surface before drilling and maintain firm contact throughout entire drilling operation; verify no visible dust escapes from drill point during operation - if dust is visible, stop immediately and check extraction system connections, vacuum filter condition, and suction levels; empty vacuum dust collection bags or canisters when two-thirds full to maintain extraction efficiency - overfilled vacuum reduce suction capacity compromising dust capture; dispose of collected silica dust in sealed heavy-duty plastic bags labelled 'SILICA DUST - HEALTH HAZARD' never empty by shaking or compressed air which creates airborne dust clouds; replace HEPA filters according to manufacturer schedules or when suction reduction indicates filter loading. If on-tool extraction is unavailable or fails during drilling, use wet drilling methods with continuous water feed suppressing dust, or provide workers with P2 respirators (AS/NZS 1716) as interim control until extraction is restored - P2 respirators are less effective than dust elimination and should only be temporary measure.

Adhesive-only fixing methods using structural silicone or high-strength acrylic adhesives can be used for glass whiteboard installation in specific circumstances, but present different hazards and limitations compared to mechanical fixing methods. Adhesive fixing eliminates drilling operations and associated silica dust exposure, noise generation, and concealed cable contact risks, making it attractive for occupied office environments. However, adhesive installations require perfectly flat, clean, and sound wall surfaces to achieve adequate bond strength. Wall substrates must be assessed for adhesive compatibility - freshly painted walls require minimum 30-day cure period before adhesive application; textured or porous surfaces may prevent adequate bonding; and existing wall coatings must be tested for adhesion to substrate preventing delamination under glass panel weight. Adhesive manufacturers specify minimum bond area based on panel weight, typically requiring full-surface bonding or dense grid pattern of adhesive beads. Installation requires extended curing periods (24-72 hours depending on adhesive type and temperature) before glass panels can be loaded or used, during which time panels must be temporarily supported using props or bracing. This creates prolonged work area closure compared to mechanical fixing installations completed in single day. Safety considerations for adhesive installations include: vapour exposure from solvent-based adhesives requiring forced ventilation in enclosed office spaces; skin contact with uncured adhesives causing dermatitis requiring chemical-resistant gloves; temporary support systems must be engineered for full panel weight over extended cure period; and permanent installation strength depends entirely on adhesive bond quality which cannot be readily verified after installation. Mechanical fixing or hybrid methods combining adhesive bonding with mechanical fixing brackets provide more verifiable, immediate strength and are generally preferred for commercial installations where loading and use cannot wait for adhesive cure periods. If adhesive-only installation is specified by client, obtain manufacturer written confirmation that wall substrate is suitable, follow all adhesive manufacturer application procedures exactly, and document cure time compliance before allowing glass panel loading.

If electric shock occurs from drilling into concealed electrical cable, implement immediate emergency response: if worker remains in contact with energised equipment, do not touch worker directly which could electrocute rescuer; instead, disconnect power at switchboard or use non-conductive object (dry timber or plastic) to separate worker from energised equipment; once worker is separated from electrical source, assess level of consciousness and breathing; if worker is unconscious or not breathing normally, commence CPR immediately and instruct another worker to call emergency services (000) providing specific location, nature of incident, and medical assistance required; continue CPR until emergency services arrive or worker recovers; if worker is conscious but has received shock, place in recovery position and monitor closely for delayed cardiac effects - electric shock can cause cardiac rhythm disturbances appearing minutes to hours after initial shock; do not allow shocked worker to continue work or leave site until assessed by medical professionals; all electric shock incidents regardless of apparent severity require emergency department assessment as internal injuries may not be immediately apparent; preserve incident scene and do not disturb drilling equipment or energised cable until electrical contractor or emergency services authorise - energised cable remains hazard to other workers; notify SafeWork authority immediately as electric shock causing unconsciousness or requiring medical treatment is notifiable incident; conduct incident investigation identifying why cable detection failed to prevent shock; review cable detection procedures, equipment calibration, and worker training; implement corrective actions before resuming work. Ensure all workers performing glass whiteboard installation hold current CPR and first aid certification with annual refresher training. Maintain first aid kit immediately accessible at all installation sites including AED (automated external defibrillator) for high-risk installations. Establish emergency contact procedures with building management ensuring rapid emergency service access to installation floor.