Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step method for carrying out glass sealing and waterproofing works safely, consistently and in line with Australian WHS and building requirements. It helps businesses control the risks associated with working at height, using sealants and handling glass, while delivering durable, watertight finishes that protect the building envelope.

Glass sealing and waterproofing is critical to the performance and longevity of building facades, windows, curtain walls and glazed balustrades. Poorly executed sealing can lead to water ingress, mould growth, corrosion, damage to finishes, and costly call‑backs, while unsafe work practices expose workers to serious risks such as falls, cuts from glass, chemical exposure and musculoskeletal injuries. This SOP provides a structured, WHS‑aligned approach to planning and executing glass sealing and waterproofing tasks so that work is completed safely, efficiently and to specification.

Developed for Australian construction and maintenance environments, the procedure covers the full lifecycle of the task: from pre‑start checks, surface preparation and product selection through to application techniques, quality checks, clean‑up and waste disposal. It embeds hazard identification and risk control into each stage, addressing common challenges such as working on scaffolds or EWPs, managing sealant fumes in confined or occupied spaces, and maintaining compatibility between sealants, primers and glazing materials. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce defects and rework, and provide workers with clear, practical guidance that supports both safety and high‑quality finishes.

The document is designed to integrate easily with existing SWMS, quality plans and maintenance schedules. It standardises how teams approach glass sealing and waterproofing across different projects and sites, supporting consistent training, onboarding of new staff, and clear communication with clients and principal contractors about how risks are managed and performance standards are maintained.

Key Benefits

• Reduce incidents and injuries associated with glass handling, working at heights and chemical exposure.
• Ensure consistent, high‑quality sealing and waterproofing outcomes that minimise leaks, defects and call‑backs.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant building and waterproofing standards.
• Streamline training and onboarding by providing clear, step‑by‑step instructions for field teams.
• Improve coordination between trades by clearly defining responsibilities, sequencing and hold points for inspection.

Who is this for?

• Glaziers
• Facade Installers
• Waterproofing Technicians
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Project Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Building Maintenance Managers
• Strata and Facilities Managers
• Commercial Fit‑out Contractors
• Residential Building Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height when sealing glass on upper storeys, balconies, roofs or from ladders and scaffolds
• Cuts and lacerations from handling glass panes, sharp edges and broken glass
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals in sealants, primers and cleaning agents (skin and eye irritation, respiratory effects)
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning glass units and access equipment
• Slips, trips and falls due to sealant spills, hoses, tools and offcuts in work areas
• Inhalation of fumes and vapours in poorly ventilated or confined spaces
• Contact with live electrical components near window penetrations or building services
• Environmental contamination from incorrect disposal of sealant cartridges, solvents and contaminated rags

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Licensing Requirements
• 6.0 Tools, Materials and Equipment
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 9.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 10.0 Access and Working at Heights Requirements (Ladders, Scaffolds, EWPs)
• 11.0 Product Selection, Compatibility and Manufacturer Instructions
• 12.0 Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Glass and Substrates
• 13.0 Masking, Joint Design and Backing Rod Installation
• 14.0 Sealant Application – Step‑by‑Step Procedure
• 15.0 Tooling, Finishing and Cure Time Management
• 16.0 Quality Control, Inspection and Testing (Leak Checks, Visual Standards)
• 17.0 Managing Work in Occupied or Sensitive Areas
• 18.0 Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 19.0 Emergency Procedures (Spills, Exposure, Falls, Glass Breakage)
• 20.0 Post‑Completion Handover and Documentation
• 21.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• 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 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161.1: Occupational protective gloves – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS 2047: Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
• AS 4654.2: Waterproofing membranes for external above‑ground use – Design and installation
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Performance requirements for weatherproofing and glazing