Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for identifying, controlling and monitoring health hazards in glass work environments, from fabrication and glazing to installation and repair. It supports Australian businesses to meet their WHS obligations while protecting workers from long‑term respiratory, musculoskeletal and injury risks associated with glass handling and processing.

Glass work environments – including fabrication plants, glazing workshops, on‑site installation areas and repair facilities – present a unique mix of health hazards that are often underestimated. Workers may be exposed to airborne glass dust, chemical sealants and adhesives, repetitive and awkward manual handling, sharp edges, noise and thermal stress. Without a structured, documented approach, these hazards can lead to serious lacerations, chronic respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal disorders and long‑term occupational illness, as well as regulatory non‑compliance and reputational damage.

This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a comprehensive, step‑by‑step method for managing health hazards wherever glass is cut, edged, toughened, transported or installed. It guides businesses through hazard identification, risk assessment, engineering and administrative controls, PPE selection, housekeeping, health monitoring and incident response, all aligned with Australian WHS legislation and guidance. By implementing this SOP, organisations create a consistent, defensible system of work that supports worker consultation, simplifies training, and embeds a culture of proactive hazard management across the glass supply chain.

Key Benefits

• Reduce worker exposure to glass dust, chemicals and noise through clearly defined control measures.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards for glass handling and processing.
• Standardise safe work practices across fabrication, workshop and on‑site glass installation activities.
• Improve incident reporting, investigation and corrective actions related to health hazards in glass work.
• Support effective training, induction and ongoing competency for all personnel working with glass.

Who is this for?

• Glass Factory Managers
• Glazing Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Fabrication Workshop Supervisors
• Glass Installers and Glaziers
• Construction Project Managers
• Small Business Owners in Glass and Glazing
• Facilities Managers for Commercial Buildings with On‑site Glazing Workshops
• OHS Consultants in Manufacturing and Construction

Hazards Addressed

• Airborne glass dust and fine particulates from cutting, grinding and polishing
• Exposure to sealants, adhesives, solvents and cleaning chemicals
• Sharp edges and splinters causing cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning heavy or awkward glass panels
• Repetitive strain and musculoskeletal disorders from frequent, forceful or awkward tasks
• Noise exposure from cutting, grinding and processing equipment
• Eye injuries from flying glass chips and particles
• Thermal stress and burns from toughening furnaces or heated glass processes
• Slip, trip and fall hazards from offcuts, broken glass and poor housekeeping
• Psychosocial stress related to high‑risk work, time pressure and working at heights with glass

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology Specific to Glass Work
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Description of Glass Work Environments and Processes
• 5.0 Hazard Identification for Glass Work Activities
• 6.0 Risk Assessment Methodology and Risk Rating
• 7.0 Control Measures for Airborne Glass Dust and Particulates
• 8.0 Control Measures for Hazardous Chemicals (Sealants, Adhesives, Solvents)
• 9.0 Control Measures for Cuts, Lacerations and Sharp Edge Hazards
• 10.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls for Glass Handling
• 11.0 Noise Management and Hearing Protection Requirements
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection, Use and Maintenance
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Broken Glass Disposal
• 14.0 Health Monitoring, Fitness for Work and Reporting of Symptoms
• 15.0 Safe Work Procedures for Common Glass Tasks (Cutting, Grinding, Installation)
• 16.0 Emergency Response and First Aid for Glass‑Related Injuries
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 18.0 Inspection, Monitoring, Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Version Control
• 20.0 References, Legislation and Applicable Standards

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding State and Territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding State and Territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Occupational protective footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 4667: Quality requirements for cut‑to‑size and processed glass
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation