Product Overview

This General Glazing Window and Door Installation SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for glazing activities on Australian worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of glass handling, installation, and finishing tasks for windows, doors, and related structures to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe handling, lifting, and fitting of individual window panes to minimise manual handling and breakage risks
• Installation of double glazing units, including weight management, secure fixing, and sealing procedures
• Fixing glass into place using manual tools, with controls for tool selection, use, and maintenance
• Glazing of windows and doors, including preparation of frames, sealant application, and final positioning of glass
• Glazing for windows, glass doors, and flyscreens, including appropriate fixings and weatherproofing methods
• General glazing operations, from unpacking and staging glass through to final clean-down and inspection
• Glazing windows in both new builds and refurbishments, including working around existing structures and services
• Installation of large glass windows, including mechanical aids, team lifts, and exclusion zones for bystanders
• Installation of plate glass in clubhouses or similar facilities, with specific controls for public access areas
• Managing particular risks associated with installing toughened glass, including edge protection and shatter risk
• Securing glass in position using beads, clips, sealants, and fasteners to ensure long-term structural stability
• Working close to existing glass structures, including protection of adjacent glazing and prevention of impact damage
• Working with glass in greenhouses, terrariums, and similar environments, including confined space and heat-related risks
• Selection and use of appropriate PPE such as cut-resistant gloves, eye and face protection, and safety footwear
• Use of ladders, trestles, and mobile scaffolds for glazing at height, including fall prevention and access controls

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for glaziers, window and door installers, façade contractors, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing glazing works on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

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 window/door works
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for controlling fall risks when installing glazing at height or working from ladders and platforms
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy or awkward glass units
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of mechanical lifting aids, glass lifters, and powered tools used during glazing
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Ensuring safe access, egress, lighting, and housekeeping in glazing work areas
• AS/NZS 1288: Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation – Requirements for correct selection and installation of glass in windows and doors
• AS/NZS 2208: Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings – Performance requirements for safety glazing materials such as toughened and laminated glass
• AS 2047: Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings – Performance and installation standards for windows and external glazed doors
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017