Glazing Safe Work Method Statement

All glazing workers must hold current Construction Induction Card (White Card) before commencing any construction work. Trade qualifications including Certificate III in Glass and Glazing demonstrate competency for commercial glazing work and are often required by shopping centre management and commercial clients during prequalification, though not legally mandatory under WHS regulations. Workers operating elevated work platforms exceeding 11 metres require high-risk work licence WP (boom-type elevating work platform) or WP (scissor lift); platforms below 11 metres do not require licencing but workers must complete manufacturer or supplier training with competency records maintained. For structural silicone glazing installations, workers should complete silicone manufacturer training programs covering surface preparation, application techniques, and quality control procedures specific to the silicone products being used. First aid qualification should be held by at least one worker on each glazing crew given severe laceration risks inherent to glass work. Employers must verify all qualifications and licences before assigning glazing work, maintain training records accessible for inspection, and provide task-specific training covering glass handling procedures, vacuum lifter operation, team lifting coordination, and emergency response protocols for glass fracture events. Shopping centres typically require completion of centre-specific site induction covering emergency procedures, waste disposal, loading dock operations, and after-hours access protocols before granting access - maintain induction completion records for all workers demonstrating compliance with building access conditions.

Glass fracture emergencies require immediate coordinated response to control severe bleeding and access emergency medical services. If glass fracture causes severe laceration injuries: immediately assess injured worker for life-threatening bleeding from major blood vessels particularly in forearms or neck; apply direct pressure to bleeding sites using clean cloths or gauze; if bleeding is severe and not controlled by direct pressure, apply tourniquet above wound on affected limb and note time of application; do not remove impaled glass fragments which may be preventing severe bleeding - stabilise fragments in place and protect during transport; instruct crew member to call emergency services (000) providing specific shopping centre address, floor level, and access route for ambulance crews (shopping centres often have specific ambulance access protocols); request shopping centre security assistance for emergency vehicle access and guiding ambulance crews to scene; continue direct pressure and monitor injured worker consciousness until emergency services arrive; if worker loses consciousness, place in recovery position if possible without disturbing impaled glass, and monitor breathing; if breathing stops, commence CPR (if glass fragment location allows); preserve fracture scene and do not disturb until WorkSafe authority permits - glass fracture causing serious injury is notifiable incident requiring immediate notification to SafeWork authority (1800 641 425 in NSW, equivalent numbers in other states); collect and preserve all glass fragments for manufacturer analysis and incident investigation; document incident thoroughly including photographs of fracture pattern, origin point, and installation setup; provide witness statements from all crew members present; notify client, shopping centre management, and project principal contractor immediately regarding incident; arrange alternative crew to establish secure barriers around fractured glass preventing public exposure; review incident identifying contributing factors - was glass inspected before installation, were handling procedures followed correctly, did vacuum lifter failure occur, was glass over-stressed by fixing methods - and implement corrective actions before resuming glazing operations.

Glazing work in operational shopping centres demands comprehensive planning balancing public safety requirements with commercial pressures for rapid completion. Coordinate with shopping centre management minimum two weeks before installation scheduling site access, loading dock usage, service lift bookings, and after-hours work approvals. Establish substantial physical barriers using solid hoarding panels extending floor-to-ceiling creating complete visual and physical separation between glazing work areas and public circulation spaces - barriers must withstand public contact and prevent glass fragment projection if fracture occurs. Install overhead protection using scaffold decking or protective netting above any public access areas beneath elevated glazing work preventing falling object exposure. Schedule high-risk glazing activities including large shopfront panel installation and overhead work during after-hours periods (typically 8pm-6am) when shopping centre occupancy is minimal, though this creates additional fatigue management and emergency access considerations requiring documented controls. For glazing work during trading hours (typically limited to preparation activities and internal partition work away from public areas), establish exclusion zones minimum 5 metres radius around all glass handling and installation operations, assign crew members to monitor barriers preventing public entry, and implement continuous communication protocols if public approaches work areas. Coordinate with adjacent retail tenancies notifying them of glazing schedule and expected noise from glass cutting operations, offering to schedule noisy work during their closed hours if possible. Implement phased installation approach addressing one shopfront or partition section at a time allowing public circulation to continue through majority of shopping centre while work proceeds in isolated areas. Maintain emergency access routes through barrier systems ensuring fire egress requirements remain compliant with Building Code and shopping centre management conditions. Provide shopping centre security with emergency contact details for glazing supervisor available 24/7 during installation period. Consider public perception impacts - visible glazing work with large glass panels creates impressive visual experience when conducted professionally, but also creates anxiety if public perceives inadequate controls or risky practices potentially damaging shopping centre reputation and affecting future work opportunities.

Australian Standard AS 1288 (Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation) provides mandatory technical requirements for glass selection, installation methods, and safety considerations referenced in Building Code of Australia. For shop fitting applications, AS 1288 requires safety glass (toughened or laminated) in all critical locations where human impact is foreseeable including: all shopfront glazing regardless of height given public accessibility and impact potential; all glass doors and adjacent fixed panels within 2 metres of floor level; all glass partitions with bottom edge below 2000mm height; and any glazing within 300mm of door or high-traffic circulation areas. Toughened glass must be manufactured to AS/NZS 2208 Grade A safety glass requirements providing minimum impact performance and fracture characteristics producing small granular fragments rather than dangerous shards. Laminated glass assemblies must use minimum 1.52mm PVB or equivalent structural interlayer maintaining glass fragments attached to interlayer if fracture occurs preventing falling glass hazard. Edge clearances between glass panel edges and framing members must provide adequate space for thermal expansion, building movement, and installation tolerances without creating stress concentrations potentially causing fracture. AS 1288 specifies minimum edge clearances based on panel dimensions and glass type: typically 5mm minimum for toughened glass up to 3 square metres area, increasing to 6mm for 3-6 square metre panels, and 8mm for panels exceeding 6 square metres. Additional clearances may be required for high thermal stress applications including glass with dark tinted or reflective coatings exposed to direct sunlight. Setting blocks supporting glass panel weight in glazing channel base must be compatible material (typically EPDM or neoprene rubber) positioned at specified distances from panel corners (typically 300-400mm or quarter-point spacing) providing adequate load distribution without creating edge stress concentrations. Glazing tape or edge spacers maintaining clearances during installation must be non-reactive with glass, framing, and sealants preventing chemical degradation.

Vacuum glass lifters are safe and effective mechanical handling devices for majority of shop fitting glazing applications when properly selected, maintained, and operated, but have specific limitations and requirements. Vacuum lifters work by creating negative pressure between rubber suction cups and glass surface, with vacuum generated by hand pumps, electric pumps, or battery-powered units. Safe vacuum lifter use requires: smooth, clean glass surface free from dust, moisture, or glazing compounds preventing air-tight seal; adequate suction cup surface area for glass panel weight (typically 200-300cm² per cup supporting 25-30kg load); vacuum gauge monitoring system providing visual indication of vacuum pressure (typically 500-600mmHg vacuum pressure required for safe lifting); dual vacuum circuit safety backup ensuring if one vacuum system fails, second system maintains adequate holding force; and operator training in correct suction cup positioning, pre-lift grip testing, and emergency response if vacuum failure occurs during handling. Vacuum lifters are unsuitable for: textured or patterned glass surfaces preventing air-tight seal between cups and glass; heavily frosted or sandblasted glass where surface irregularities compromise seal; glass with protective films or coatings preventing cup adhesion; wet glass surfaces where moisture prevents vacuum seal formation; and very hot glass surfaces (exceeding 50°C) where thermal expansion affects seal integrity. For shop fitting applications, verify suction cups are clean before each lift by wiping with lint-free cloth removing dust or glazing compound residue. Test vacuum grip on glass panel before releasing manual support by activating vacuum, checking gauge reading, then attempting to lift panel slightly while maintaining manual support ready to catch panel if vacuum fails. Never rely solely on vacuum lifter for glass panel support during extended positioning or installation operations - use temporary support brackets, installation frames, or additional team members providing backup support if vacuum failure occurs. Maintain vacuum lifters per manufacturer specifications including regular replacement of suction cup rubber (typically annually or when cup rubber shows cracking or degradation), lubrication of moving parts, and vacuum pump maintenance ensuring adequate vacuum generation. Document vacuum lifter inspection and maintenance in equipment service records demonstrating compliance with WHS equipment maintenance requirements.

Glass cutting and edge processing operations generate hazardous waste including glass fragments, glass dust, cutting slurry (from wet cutting), and sharp edge trim pieces creating severe laceration risk if not managed correctly. Implement these waste management controls: establish designated glass cutting areas with physical containment preventing glass waste spread into adjacent work areas or shopping centre circulation spaces; use drop sheets, plastic sheeting, or purpose-designed cutting tables with waste collection trays capturing all glass fragments and dust generated during cutting operations; for wet cutting operations, use drip trays or bunded areas collecting water and glass slurry preventing contamination of retail floors; clean cutting areas continuously during work using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration capturing fine glass dust - never use compressed air or dry sweeping which creates airborne dust clouds and spreads fragments; collect larger glass fragments and edge trim pieces using mechanical grabs, dustpans, or suction devices rather than manual handling even when wearing cut-resistant gloves; place all glass waste immediately into dedicated rigid containers rated for sharp materials - purpose-designed glass bins, heavy-duty cardboard boxes, or thick-walled plastic bins are suitable, never standard plastic bags which puncture creating secondary laceration risk during handling; clearly label all glass waste containers: 'GLASS WASTE - SHARP FRAGMENTS - DO NOT HAND SORT' warning shopping centre cleaners and waste contractors; segregate glass waste from general construction waste preventing cleaners from laceration exposure when handling mixed waste; coordinate with shopping centre waste management regarding glass waste disposal procedures - many centres require specific disposal methods and waste contractor notification; dispose of glass cutting slurry (from wet cutting) in sealed containers preventing liquid spillage; if large quantities of glass waste are generated, engage specialist glass waste disposal contractors familiar with safe handling methods; clean work areas thoroughly after completing cutting operations using HEPA-filtered vacuums and damp wiping removing fine glass fragments from surfaces; inspect crew clothing at end of cutting work shifts identifying glass fragments embedded in fabric that could cause injuries when removing clothing; provide designated clean areas for crew breaks separating eating areas from glass cutting zones preventing ingestion of glass dust; document all glass waste disposal including waste quantities and disposal contractor details demonstrating WHS compliance and environmental management.