Product Overview

Summary: This Glass Replacement Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely removing, handling and installing glass in Australian workplaces. It helps control risks from breakages, manual handling and working at height, while supporting compliance with WHS duties and glazing requirements across construction, maintenance and facilities operations.

Glass replacement work is inherently high‑risk, involving sharp edges, breakable materials, heavy panels and often work at height or in public-facing areas. Without a structured procedure, businesses are exposed to lacerations, crush injuries, falling objects, and non-compliant glazing that can create long-term liability. This Glass Replacement Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, WHS-aligned method for planning, executing and reviewing glass replacement tasks in line with Australian expectations for safe work and building compliance.

The SOP walks your team through pre-start assessment, selection of compliant glass types, isolation of the work area, safe removal of damaged glass, handling and transport of new panels, and installation and clean-up. It embeds risk controls such as correct PPE, mechanical aids, safe lifting techniques, and controls for working near the public, traffic and live services. By standardising how glass replacement is carried out across your sites, you reduce variability, improve worker competence, and create a defensible record of due diligence under WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards.

This document is suitable for both small maintenance teams and larger glazing or construction businesses. It can be adapted for domestic, commercial and industrial settings, including shopfronts, partitions, balustrades, windows, doors and glazing in high-traffic areas. Implementing this SOP helps ensure that every glass replacement job is not only completed efficiently, but also safely and in line with Australian building and safety requirements.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of cuts, crush injuries and falls by applying a consistent, risk-based approach to all glass replacement tasks.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Australian glazing standards across construction, maintenance and facilities operations.
• Standardise work methods to improve training quality, on-site supervision and contractor management.
• Minimise disruption to building occupants and the public through clear controls for barricading, signage and site housekeeping.
• Support defensible documentation and incident investigations with clearly defined roles, checklists and record-keeping requirements.

Who is this for?

• Glaziers
• Maintenance Technicians
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Building Managers
• Shopfitting Contractors
• Property Services Managers
• Insurance Repair Coordinators
• Operations Managers in Glass and Aluminium Businesses

Hazards Addressed

• Lacerations and puncture wounds from broken or sharp glass edges
• Crush and musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of heavy or awkward glass panels
• Falls from height when replacing glass in elevated positions (ladders, scaffolds, EWP)
• Falling objects striking workers or members of the public during removal or installation
• Exposure to hazardous weather conditions (wind, rain, heat) affecting glass stability and handling
• Trips, slips and housekeeping hazards from offcuts, tools and packaging materials
• Contact with live electrical installations or services located near glazing systems
• Vehicle and mobile plant interactions when using EWPs, forklifts or delivery vehicles
• Eye injuries from glass shards, dust or debris during removal and clean-up
• Non-compliant glazing leading to increased breakage risk and long-term safety issues

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Required Tools, Equipment and PPE
• 6.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment
• 7.0 Site Preparation, Barricading and Signage
• 8.0 Verification of Glass Type and Compliance (AS 1288 / AS/NZS 2208)
• 9.0 Safe Removal of Damaged or Existing Glass
• 10.0 Handling, Lifting and Transporting Glass Panels
• 11.0 Installation of New Glass – Step-by-Step Procedure
• 12.0 Working at Height and Use of Ladders, Scaffolds and EWPs
• 13.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures
• 14.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Recycling of Glass
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures (Breakages, Injuries, Structural Instability)
• 16.0 Inspection, Quality Checks and Sign-Off
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS/NZS 2208: Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 4501.2: Occupational protective clothing