Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for cleaning installed glass in Australian workplaces and construction environments. It protects workers from height, chemical and manual handling risks while helping businesses preserve glass quality, avoid costly damage, and demonstrate WHS due diligence.

Cleaning installed glass is a routine task across construction, commercial, and residential facilities, but it carries significant safety and quality risks if not properly controlled. From accessing high-level windows and balustrades to handling chemicals and specialist tools, workers are frequently exposed to falls, cuts, musculoskeletal strain and chemical exposure. At the same time, incorrect techniques can permanently damage coatings, tinting and seals, leading to expensive rectification works and disputes with clients or builders.

This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely cleaning installed glass in line with Australian WHS expectations and industry best practice. It covers pre-start inspections, safe access methods (including ladders, EWPs and rope access interfaces), selection and use of suitable cleaning agents and tools, control of overspray and run-off, and protection of adjacent finishes. The SOP also addresses communication with other trades, securing work areas to protect the public, and documenting cleaning activities for quality assurance and defect management. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce incident rates, safeguard the integrity of installed glass, and provide workers with consistent, practical guidance they can follow on any site.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls, cuts and chemical exposure during glass cleaning tasks.
• Protect installed glass from scratching, etching and seal damage through correct product and tool selection.
• Standardise cleaning methods across teams and sites to improve quality and consistency of finish.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice for work at height and hazardous chemicals.
• Streamline training and onboarding for new cleaners, glaziers and maintenance staff with clear, step-by-step instructions.

Who is this for?

• Commercial Cleaners
• Glaziers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Building Managers
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Strata Managers
• Maintenance Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height when accessing external or elevated glass surfaces
• Slips, trips and falls from wet or obstructed work areas
• Chemical exposure from glass cleaners, solvents and detergents (skin, eye and respiratory irritation)
• Cuts and lacerations from broken or chipped glass edges
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements and awkward postures when cleaning large or overhead panes
• Electrical hazards when working near live electrical installations or powered window systems
• Damage to glass coatings, tints and seals leading to breakage or failure
• Falling objects striking people below (tools, squeegees, buckets, bottles)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Installed Glass
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Approved Cleaning Products
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Checks and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 10.0 Safe Access Methods (Ladders, EWPs, Platforms and Interfaces with Rope Access)
• 11.0 Cleaning Procedures for Internal Glass
• 12.0 Cleaning Procedures for External and High-Level Glass
• 13.0 Procedures for Specialty Glass (Coated, Tinted, Laminated and Double-Glazed Units)
• 14.0 Protection of Surrounding Surfaces and Public Areas
• 15.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution and Storage Requirements
• 16.0 Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 17.0 Incident Reporting and Damage Management
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures (Injury, Chemical Exposure, Glass Breakage, Fall from Height)
• 19.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Replacement of Equipment
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Auditing and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)