Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for planning and carrying out crane operations during glass installation, with a strong focus on safety, control of loads, and protection of people and property. It helps Australian glazing and construction businesses manage high‑risk work involving cranes and fragile glass panels, while demonstrating compliance with WHS legislation and industry standards.

Crane use in glass installation is inherently high-risk: heavy, awkward glass panels, tight access, live public interfaces and work at height all combine to create a narrow margin for error. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable method for carrying out crane lifts specifically for glass installation, from early planning and lift studies through to demobilisation and post-job review. It addresses the unique challenges of handling fragile glass panels, including suction lifter use, wind limitations, exclusion zones and coordination with façade and fit-out trades.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate that crane and glass installation activities are planned, communicated and controlled in line with Australian WHS requirements for high-risk construction work. The procedure supports consistent pre-start checks, verification of lifting gear, communication protocols between crane crews and installers, and clear criteria for when a lift must be postponed or redesigned. This reduces the likelihood of dropped loads, glass breakage, property damage and serious personal injury, while also minimising rework, crane stand‑by time and costly project delays.

The document is designed to integrate with existing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), lift plans and traffic management plans. It gives supervisors and workers a practical, on-the-ground reference that translates legal obligations and standards into actionable steps that can be followed on any Australian construction or refurbishment site where cranes are used for glass installation.

Key Benefits

• Ensure crane-based glass installation activities are planned and executed in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.
• Reduce the risk of dropped loads, glass breakage and impact injuries through clear controls on lifting, positioning and securing glass panels.
• Improve coordination between crane operators, doggers, riggers and glass installation teams with defined communication and signalling protocols.
• Minimise project delays and costly rework by standardising pre-lift checks, wind and weather criteria, and equipment inspection requirements.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, principal contractors and regulators with a documented, defensible procedure for high-risk crane operations.

Who is this for?

• Glazing Contractors
• Glass Installation Supervisors
• Site Supervisors and Forepersons
• Crane Operators and Doggers
• Riggers
• Project Managers (Construction and Fit-Out)
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Facilities and Asset Managers overseeing façade works

Hazards Addressed

• Dropped or swinging loads during lifting and positioning of glass panels
• Glass breakage leading to lacerations and penetrating injuries
• Crush and pinch injuries between loads, structures and plant
• Struck-by incidents involving the crane, load, rigging gear or counterweights
• Failure or incorrect use of glass lifters, slings, spreader bars and lifting points
• Overloading or instability of the crane due to incorrect load assessment or setup
• Contact with overhead powerlines or underground services during crane setup and operation
• Falls from height during glass installation at elevated work areas or on scaffolds
• Manual handling injuries when manoeuvring large or awkward glass panels
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions, especially wind, affecting load control and stability
• Public interface risks where crane operations occur near public areas, building entries or live traffic
• Noise and dust exposure associated with construction crane operations
• Fatigue and reduced situational awareness during extended lifting operations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Standards
• 3.0 Definitions (Crane Types, Roles, Glass Handling Equipment)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisor, Crane Operator, Dogger/Rigger, Installers, Spotters)
• 5.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 6.0 Pre-Planning and Risk Assessment for Glass Lifts
• 7.0 Lift Planning (Load Calculations, Radius, Lift Path and Exclusion Zones)
• 8.0 Site Preparation and Crane Setup (Ground Conditions, Outriggers, Access and Egress)
• 9.0 Inspection of Cranes, Rigging and Glass Lifting Equipment
• 10.0 Weather and Environmental Conditions (Wind Limits, Visibility, Heat and Storms)
• 11.0 Traffic and Public Area Management for Crane Operations
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 13.0 Communication Protocols and Hand Signals
• 14.0 Step-by-Step Crane Operation Procedure for Glass Installation
• 15.0 Coordination with Work at Height (Scaffolds, EWPs, Roofs and Façade Access Systems)
• 16.0 Handling, Positioning and Securing of Glass Panels
• 17.0 Managing Non-Conformances, Near Misses and Changes to the Lift Plan
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures (Dropped Load, Glass Breakage, Injury, Powerline Contact)
• 19.0 Post-Lift Activities, Demobilisation and Site Handover
• 20.0 Documentation, Records and Review Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (including provisions for high risk construction work and plant)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Mobile Cranes
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use
• AS 1418 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Design, testing and commissioning
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 4991: Lifting devices
• AS 1735 series: Lifts, escalators and moving walks (where relevant to façade access and installation interfaces)
• State and territory crane and high-risk work licence requirements (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe QLD guidance)