Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, step-by-step end-of-day protocols for glazing sites to ensure they are left safe, secure, and compliant with Australian WHS requirements. It helps glazing businesses control residual site risks after hours, protect unfinished works and materials, and provide a defensible process in the event of incidents or inspections.

Glazing sites often remain partially completed at the end of each shift, with exposed glass edges, unsecured openings, elevated work platforms, and valuable materials left in situ. Without a structured end-of-day protocol, these sites can present serious after-hours risks to workers, other trades, cleaners, security personnel, and members of the public. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, repeatable framework for shutting down glazing works safely each day, including securing glass and frames, isolating equipment, managing waste and offcuts, and documenting the site handover.

Designed specifically for Australian glazing operations, the SOP supports compliance with WHS legislation and principal contractor requirements by standardising how your teams leave a site. It addresses common pain points such as unsecured panels, trip hazards from packers and offcuts, exposed edges at height, and poorly managed access to partially glazed openings. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce the likelihood of after-hours incidents, protect their materials and reputation, and demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators, and insurers.

Key Benefits

• Ensure glazing sites are left in a safe, compliant condition at the end of each shift.
• Reduce the risk of after-hours incidents involving unsecured glass, tools, or access points.
• Standardise end-of-day checks across crews and sites, improving consistency and accountability.
• Protect valuable glass, frames, and equipment from damage, theft, and weather exposure.
• Support documented WHS due diligence for principal contractors, audits, and insurance claims.

Who is this for?

• Glazing Site Supervisors
• Glaziers
• Leading Hands
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Advisors and Coordinators
• Operations Managers in Glazing and Facade Companies
• Principal Contractors
• Small Business Owners in Glass and Glazing

Hazards Addressed

• Unsecured glass panels or frames falling or shifting after hours
• Unprotected glass edges causing cuts or lacerations
• Unbarricaded or partially glazed openings leading to falls from height
• Trip hazards from offcuts, packers, sealant tubes, and packaging materials
• Residual risks from powered tools, MEWPs, and other plant left energised or poorly parked
• Manual handling injuries when relocating or stacking glass and frames at shift end
• Exposure to weather causing glass breakage or structural instability
• Unauthorised access to work areas due to inadequate barriers or signage

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Sites
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Glaziers, Leading Hands, Site Supervisors)
• 4.0 Required PPE, Tools and Documentation for End-of-Day Shutdown
• 5.0 Pre-Shutdown Safety Check (Stop Work, Housekeeping, Hazard Review)
• 6.0 Securing Glass, Frames and Temporary Supports
• 7.0 Managing Openings, Edges and Fall Risks at the End of the Day
• 8.0 Isolation and Parking of Plant, Tools and Equipment
• 9.0 Waste, Offcuts and Housekeeping Requirements
• 10.0 Site Security, Signage, Barriers and Access Control
• 11.0 Weather Protection and Protection of Unfinished Works
• 12.0 End-of-Day Inspection Checklist and Sign-Off
• 13.0 Communication and Handover to Principal Contractor or Other Trades
• 14.0 Incident, Damage and Near Miss Reporting Procedures
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Review of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1170: Structural design actions (relevant to temporary stability and loading)
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment