Product Overview

Summary: This Glazing Hazard Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, step‑by‑step approach for controlling the unique risks associated with glass handling, installation and removal. It helps Australian glazing businesses meet their WHS obligations while protecting workers, the public and property from cuts, crush injuries, falls and glass breakage incidents.

Glazing work presents a complex mix of hazards: large, awkward glass panels, sharp edges, overhead installations, live construction sites and public interfaces. Without a structured approach, businesses expose their workers and subcontractors to serious lacerations, crush injuries, musculoskeletal disorders and fall risks, as well as the potential for costly damage to property and reputation. This Glazing Hazard Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for identifying, assessing and controlling these hazards at every stage of the job – from off‑loading glass at the depot through to final clean and sign‑off on site.

Developed for the Australian construction and glazing industry, this SOP aligns with WHS legislation and relevant codes of practice, making it easier to demonstrate due diligence during audits, tenders and regulator inspections. It standardises safe work methods across teams and projects, clarifies responsibilities between principal contractors and glazing subcontractors, and embeds risk management into everyday tasks such as manual handling, cutting, drilling, fitting and working at height. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce incident rates, improve productivity through better planning, and provide workers with clear, visual guidance on how to complete glazing work safely and efficiently.

The document is suitable for both commercial and residential glazing operations, including new builds, refurbishments, shopfronts, curtain walls, balustrades and splashbacks. It can be readily integrated with existing SWMS, risk assessments and site‑specific safety plans, giving your organisation a consistent, defendable approach to glazing hazard management across all projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent identification and control of glazing-specific hazards across all projects and sites.
• Reduce the risk of lacerations, crush injuries, glass breakage and falls through clearly defined safe work methods.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and industry standards during audits, inspections and tenders.
• Streamline onboarding and refresher training for glaziers, apprentices and subcontractors with a single reference document.
• Minimise rework, delays and damage costs by integrating hazard management into planning, delivery and installation stages.

Who is this for?

• Glaziers
• Glazing Team Leaders
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Small Business Owners in Glazing and Window Installation

Hazards Addressed

• Lacerations and puncture wounds from broken or sharp glass edges
• Crush injuries and musculoskeletal disorders from manual handling of heavy or awkward glass panels
• Glass panel instability, tipping or falling during storage, transport and installation
• Falls from height when installing glazing in elevated positions, on scaffolds, EWP or ladders
• Falling objects, including glass and tools, impacting workers or members of the public below
• Exposure to hazardous substances such as sealants, adhesives and cleaning chemicals
• Noise and vibration from cutting, drilling and grinding associated with glazing work
• Pinch points and entrapment hazards from glass lifting devices, clamps and mechanical aids
• Vehicle and mobile plant interactions during loading, unloading and site movements
• Environmental hazards such as wind loading on glass panels during handling and installation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Glaziers, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Consultation, Training and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment for Glazing Works
• 6.0 Glass Storage, Racking and Housekeeping Controls
• 7.0 Transport, Loading and Unloading of Glass Panels
• 8.0 Manual Handling of Glass – Techniques and Mechanical Aids
• 9.0 Use of Glass Lifting Equipment, Suction Lifters and Cranes
• 10.0 Site Access, Exclusion Zones and Public Protection Measures
• 11.0 Working at Height for Glazing Installations (Scaffolds, EWP, Ladders)
• 12.0 Cutting, Drilling and Edge Treatment of Glass – Safe Methods
• 13.0 Use of Sealants, Adhesives and Chemicals – Hazardous Substances Controls
• 14.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements for Glazing Tasks
• 15.0 Hazard Identification, Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Incident, Near Miss and Glass Breakage Response
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and First Aid for Glazing Injuries
• 18.0 Environmental Considerations and Waste Glass Disposal
• 19.0 Documentation, Records and Review of the SOP
• 20.0 Continuous Improvement and Audit Checklist

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 – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 2208: Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS/NZS 4994 series: Temporary edge protection
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection