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General Glazing Window and Door Installation Risk Assessment

General Glazing Window and Door Installation Risk Assessment

  • • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
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General Glazing Window and Door Installation Risk Assessment

Product Overview

Identify and control organisational risks associated with General Glazing Window and Door Installation through a structured, management-level WHS Risk Management approach. This Risk Assessment supports compliance with the WHS Act, strengthens Due Diligence for Officers, and helps protect your business from operational and legal liability exposures.

Risk Categories & Hazards Covered

This document assesses risks and outlines management controls for:

  • WHS Governance, Legal Compliance and Consultation: Assessment of safety leadership, consultation arrangements with workers and contractors, safety committee structures, and WHS documentation required to demonstrate organisational compliance.
  • Design, Procurement and Specification of Glass and Frames: Management of design risk reviews, selection of compliant glazing systems, performance specifications, and verification that glass types meet relevant Australian Standards for impact, wind load and human safety.
  • Contractor, Subcontractor and Supplier Management: Systems for prequalification, WHS capability assessment, contractual safety requirements, and ongoing performance monitoring of glazing contractors, installers and delivery providers.
  • Competency, Licensing and Training for Glazing Work: Controls for trade qualifications, High Risk Work licensing (where applicable), product-specific training, and competency verification for supervisors and installers.
  • Planning, Job Design and Work Sequencing: Risk-based planning of installation methods, staging of works with other trades, access and crane lift planning, and change management when scope, design or site conditions vary.
  • Manual Handling, Ergonomics and Use of Mechanical Aids: Assessment of handling of heavy and awkward glass units, team lifting protocols, use of glass trolleys, lifters and vacuum devices, and ergonomic controls to minimise musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Tools, Equipment and Maintenance Systems: Management of powered and hand tools, glass cutting equipment, vacuum lifters and installation plant, including inspection, tagging, maintenance, and safe operating procedures.
  • Site Access, Housekeeping and Material Storage: Protocols for secure storage of glass and frames, control of breakage risks, segregation of walkways, and maintenance of clear, well-organised work areas on construction and occupied sites.
  • Working at Heights and Access Systems for Glazing: Assessment of ladders, scaffolds, elevated work platforms and specialised glazing access systems, including edge protection, fall prevention and rescue planning.
  • Interaction with Occupants, Public and Existing Structures: Controls for working in and around occupied buildings, protection of the public, safeguarding existing structures and finishes, and communication protocols with building managers and clients.
  • Environmental Conditions and Glass Behaviour: Management of risks from wind, temperature, reflection and thermal stress, including handling and installation in adverse weather and consideration of glass breakage modes.
  • Hazardous Substances, Sealants and Waste Management: Assessment of chemical sealants, adhesives and cleaners, SDS management, ventilation requirements, and systems for disposal or recycling of glass offcuts and contaminated waste.
  • Traffic, Plant and Delivery Management for Glass: Controls for truck movements, loading and unloading of glass stillages, interaction with mobile plant and cranes, and delivery scheduling to minimise congestion and on-site conflict.
  • Emergency Preparedness, Incident Management and First Aid: Planning for glass breakage, laceration injuries, falls and other emergencies, including first aid provisions, incident reporting, investigation and corrective action processes.
  • Fatigue, Scheduling and Psychosocial Risk Management: Assessment of long shifts, tight deadlines, remote work, and client pressures, with controls for workload, fatigue management, supervision and mental health support.

Who is this for?

This Risk Assessment is designed for Business Owners, Construction Managers, Project Managers and Safety Officers responsible for planning, overseeing and auditing General Glazing Window and Door Installation activities across projects and sites.

Hazards & Risks Covered

Hazard Risk Description
1. WHS Governance, Legal Compliance and Consultation
  • • Lack of documented WHS management system aligned with WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations
  • • Inadequate WHS policy specific to glazing and glass installation activities
  • • Poor consultation with workers and Health and Safety Representatives regarding glazing risks
  • • Failure to maintain current knowledge of relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS 1288, AS/NZS 2208, AS 4666, AS 2311, AS 1428) and codes of practice
  • • No formal process to review incidents, near misses and audit findings related to glazing operations
  • • Inadequate allocation of WHS responsibilities, authority and resources at management level
  • • Insufficient integration of WHS requirements into contracts, tenders and supply chain agreements
2. Design, Procurement and Specification of Glass and Frames
  • • Incorrect glass type or thickness specified for windows, doors and large glazed areas, leading to structural failure or breakage
  • • Failure to specify safety glass (toughened, laminated) in high-risk locations such as doors, low-level glazing, clubhouses or public access areas
  • • Inadequate specification of double glazing units (DGUs) and frame compatibility, causing seal failure or glass breakage
  • • Use of non-compliant or substandard glass, frames, fixings or sealants due to poor procurement controls
  • • Lack of engineering review for large glass windows, plate glass installations and complex structures such as greenhouses or terrariums
  • • Inadequate fire, security or acoustic performance specifications leading to secondary risks
  • • Failure to consider maintenance, replacement and future access requirements at the design stage
3. Contractor, Subcontractor and Supplier Management
  • • Engagement of glazing subcontractors without adequate WHS competence or licensing
  • • Inconsistent safety standards between principal contractor and glazing subcontractors
  • • Poor management of interfaces between different trades working around glass and frames
  • • Inadequate verification of supplier quality for glass, frames, DGUs and hardware
  • • Lack of clear communication of glazing-specific hazards (e.g. toughened glass shatter characteristics, large plate glass handling) to subcontractors
  • • No system to verify that subcontractors have appropriate insurance, high-risk work licences and SWMS for high-risk construction work
  • • Failure to manage delivery timeframes and site access, causing rushed installations and corner-cutting
4. Competency, Licensing and Training for Glazing Work
  • • Workers performing glazing tasks without formal trade qualifications or verified competency
  • • Inadequate training in handling large glass panes, double glazing units and toughened glass
  • • Lack of competency in using manual and powered glazing tools and mechanical aids
  • • Insufficient understanding of specific risks when working close to existing glass structures or in fragile environments such as greenhouses and terrariums
  • • Poor knowledge of correct securing and fixing methods for glass in frames and doors
  • • Failure to provide refresher training, leading to skill fade and normalisation of unsafe practices
  • • Supervisors lacking competence to monitor and correct glazing-specific hazards and behaviours
5. Planning, Job Design and Work Sequencing
  • • Inadequate planning of access and work methods for installing large or heavy glass panels
  • • Poor sequencing of glazing works with other trades, leading to crowding and uncontrolled interference near fragile glass
  • • Failure to consider environmental conditions (wind, temperature, glare) when scheduling complex glazing tasks
  • • Insufficient planning for installing glass in constrained spaces, such as greenhouses, terrariums and narrow window reveals
  • • No documented plan for temporary supports, bracing or propping of frames and glass during installation
  • • Rushed installation due to unrealistic timeframes programmed by project management
  • • Underestimation of personnel and equipment required for safe handling of double glazing units and plate glass
6. Manual Handling, Ergonomics and Use of Mechanical Aids
  • • Over-reliance on manual lifting of large glass windows, doors and double glazing units
  • • Poor ergonomic design of tasks involving repetitive fitting of window panes and flyscreens
  • • Failure to provide and manage safe use of trolleys, dollies, suction lifters and cranes for glass handling
  • • Inadequate assessment of team lift requirements for awkward or heavy glazing units
  • • No system to assess manual handling risks in constrained or elevated positions, such as greenhouses or tall window openings
  • • Lack of maintenance and inspection regime for mechanical lifting devices and glass handling equipment
7. Tools, Equipment and Maintenance Systems
  • • Use of unsuitable or poorly maintained manual tools for fixing and securing glass in place
  • • Inadequate inspection and tagging of powered tools used in frame preparation and glazing
  • • Lack of standardisation of tooling, leading to improvised methods and damage to glass edges
  • • Failure to manage tool-related vibration and impact near existing glass panels and fragile structures
  • • Absence of procedures for selection and safe use of specialist glazing tools and equipment
  • • No system for reporting tool defects and removing unsafe equipment from service
8. Site Access, Housekeeping and Material Storage
  • • Inadequate storage systems for glass panes, double glazing units and frames leading to tipping or collapse
  • • Poor housekeeping in glazing areas increasing risk of slips, trips and falls while handling glass
  • • Uncontrolled pedestrian and vehicle movement through glazing work zones
  • • Storage of glass near high-traffic routes, doorways or vehicle access increasing impact risk
  • • Insufficient controls for stacking glass and flyscreen assemblies, especially near existing windows and doors
  • • Lack of weather protection for staged glass units resulting in unexpected movement or damage
9. Working at Heights and Access Systems for Glazing
  • • Inadequate planning and control of glazing work on ladders, scaffolds, elevated work platforms and roofs
  • • Poor integration of temporary edge protection with glazing requirements for windows and balcony doors
  • • Failure to control fall risks when installing large windows and doors in multi-storey or void areas
  • • Improper positioning of access equipment leading to overreaching while handling glass
  • • Insufficient consideration of brittle roofing or fragile surfaces when glazing greenhouses and similar structures
  • • Lack of rescue and retrieval plans for falls or incidents while handling glass at height
10. Interaction with Occupants, Public and Existing Structures
  • • Uncontrolled public access near glazing operations in clubhouses, occupied dwellings and commercial premises
  • • Damage to existing windows, doors and glass facades during new installations or replacements
  • • Insufficient protection of occupants in adjacent rooms or areas separated only by glass
  • • Noise, dust and debris from glazing works affecting building users and increasing incident risk
  • • Inadequate communication with building managers and occupants about glazing activities and restricted areas
  • • Failure to identify and protect heritage or sensitive glass structures during works
11. Environmental Conditions and Glass Behaviour
  • • Failure to account for thermal stress and heat soak on toughened glass and large glazed areas
  • • Inadequate controls for wind loading during installation of large windows, doors and plate glass
  • • Lack of procedures for working in extreme temperatures affecting sealants, adhesives and handling of DGUs
  • • Glare and reflection from glass reducing visibility for workers and plant operators
  • • Condensation and moisture affecting grip and stability of glass panels during handling
  • • Insufficient awareness of spontaneous breakage characteristics of toughened glass and implications for public safety
12. Hazardous Substances, Sealants and Waste Management
  • • Exposure to hazardous chemicals in sealants, adhesives, cleaners and primers used in glazing
  • • Inadequate labelling and storage of chemical products associated with glass installation
  • • Improper disposal of glass offcuts, broken glass and contaminated sealant waste
  • • Lack of procedures for managing large volumes of broken glass following an incident
  • • Insufficient ventilation controls when using solvent-based products in enclosed areas, such as greenhouses or terrariums
  • • Inadequate information, training and PPE guidance for workers handling hazardous substances
13. Traffic, Plant and Delivery Management for Glass
  • • Uncontrolled movement of delivery vehicles carrying large glass panes and DGUs through active work sites
  • • Inadequate securing of glass loads on vehicles and trolleys causing movement or collapse
  • • Poor coordination between mobile plant (e.g. cranes, telehandlers, EWPs) and glazing crews
  • • Restricted access routes forcing manual carrying of glass over long distances
  • • Lack of systems to manage after-hours or off-peak deliveries in occupied premises
  • • Failure to consider proximity of glass deliveries to existing windows, doors and public areas
14. Emergency Preparedness, Incident Management and First Aid
  • • Inadequate preparedness for major glass breakage events involving multiple injuries or public exposure
  • • Lack of first aid arrangements suitable for lacerations, eye injuries and crush injuries from glass
  • • Poor incident reporting and investigation systems, hindering learning from glazing-related events
  • • No predefined process for making damaged areas safe and securing unstable glass structures after an incident
  • • Inadequate coordination with emergency services for large public venues such as clubhouses
  • • Failure to maintain records and trend analyses of glazing incidents and near misses
15. Fatigue, Scheduling and Psychosocial Risk Management
  • • Extended work hours and tight deadlines for glazing programs increasing fatigue and mistake rates
  • • Work in hot environments, greenhouses or enclosed glass structures contributing to heat stress
  • • Psychosocial stress from high-consequence tasks such as installing large plate glass, toughened glass or high-level glazing
  • • Insufficient breaks during repetitive, high-concentration tasks such as precise window and door glazing
  • • Inadequate systems to report and manage fatigue or stress-related concerns within glazing crews
16. Documentation, Records and Continuous Improvement
  • • Poor retention of glazing-related WHS documents, drawings, certifications and inspection records
  • • Inconsistent application of lessons learned from previous glass installation projects
  • • Lack of traceability for glass products, particularly safety and toughened glass in critical locations
  • • Inadequate documentation of changes, variations or repairs to glazing systems over the building life
  • • Failure to use audit and inspection findings to drive improvements in glazing safety management

Need to add specific hazards for your workplace?

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Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
  • Model Code of Practice – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Guidance on systematic risk management processes.
  • Model Code of Practice – Construction Work: Requirements for managing WHS risks in construction-related glazing activities.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Controls for working at heights during window and door installation.
  • Model Code of Practice – Hazardous Manual Tasks: Guidance on managing manual handling and ergonomic risks when handling glass and frames.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Consideration of noise exposure from cutting, grinding and powered tools.
  • Model Code of Practice – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Requirements for safe access, amenities and general site conditions.
  • AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018: Risk management — Guidelines
  • AS/NZS 2208: Safety glazing materials in buildings — Requirements and test methods for toughened and laminated safety glass.
  • AS 1288: Glass in buildings — Selection and installation requirements for architectural glazing.
  • AS/NZS 1170 Series: Structural design actions — Loads including wind actions relevant to glazing design and installation.
  • AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems — Principles for integrating this Risk Assessment into broader WHS management frameworks.
Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)
  • Comprehensive hazard identification for all activities
  • Risk rating matrix with likelihood and consequence analysis
  • Existing control measures evaluation
  • Residual risk assessment after controls
  • Hierarchy of controls recommendations
  • Action priority rankings
  • Review and monitoring requirements
  • Consultation and communication records
  • Legal compliance references
  • Sign-off and approval sections

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