Product Overview

The Glazing Windows SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for all glazing and window installation activities, helping you maintain WHS compliance on Australian worksites. This comprehensive document consolidates multiple glazing, cutting, fixing and repair tasks into one easy-to-use SWMS, providing end-to-end risk management for window glazing operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe methods for acid etching glass, including handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and appropriate PPE
• Adjusting the fit of installed glass to ensure correct clearances, seal integrity and prevention of glass breakage
• Applying putty and sealants to secure glass panes while managing manual handling and skin contact risks
• Assembly of large window units, including lifting techniques, mechanical aids and team lifting procedures
• Attaching curtain wall grid systems to building structures with controls for work at height and falling objects
• Bead glazing alterations, including removal and refitting of glazing beads without damaging glass or frames
• Bedding glass into frames and sashes, ensuring correct packing, edge cover and prevention of glass-to-frame contact
• Correct storage of glass sheets and units to minimise breakage, crush injuries and manual handling risks
• Cutting and shaping glass using hand and powered tools, with controls for flying fragments and noise exposure
• Cutting window fitting angles and trim sections, including safe use of saws, grinders and other cutting equipment
• Drilling into glass material with appropriate tools, cooling methods and procedures to prevent cracking and shattering
• Emergency glass repairs, including site securing, temporary protection and safe removal of broken glass
• Ensuring the strength and suitability of glass for specific uses in line with relevant Australian Standards and client specifications
• Installing window flashing and waterproofing components to prevent water ingress while working safely at heights
• Leaded light repairing, including handling of lead-based materials and controls for fine glass fragment exposure
• General site housekeeping around glazing works to control slip, trip and cut hazards from offcuts and broken glass

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial and residential glaziers, window installers, curtain wall contractors, emergency glass repairers, and site supervisors overseeing glazing and façade installation works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction and installation activities, including glazing and façade works
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Chemicals – Requirements for safe use, handling and storage of chemicals used in glazing, such as etching agents and sealants
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction – Controls for working at height during installation of windows and curtain wall systems
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Risk controls for noise generated by glass cutting, drilling and metal fabrication
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls in glazing operations
• AS 1288 Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation: Requirements for the correct selection and installation of glass in buildings
• AS/NZS 2208 Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings: Specifications for safety glazing materials used in windows and doors
• AS 2047 Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings: Performance requirements for windows and external glazed doors
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017