Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Use of Glazing Tools Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for using hand and power tools involved in glazing work without compromising safety or quality. It helps Australian glazing and construction businesses control common site hazards, meet WHS obligations, and protect workers when handling glass, sealants, and specialised glazing equipment.

Glazing work involves a unique combination of sharp, heavy and fragile materials, often handled at height or in confined spaces using specialised tools. From glass cutters, suction lifters and glazing shovels to sealant guns, grinders and cordless drills, each tool introduces specific risks that can quickly lead to serious lacerations, crush injuries, eye damage or musculoskeletal disorders if not managed correctly. This Safe Use of Glazing Tools SOP provides a structured, step-by-step framework that guides workers through pre-use inspection, correct tool selection, safe handling techniques, and clean-up, all aligned with Australian WHS expectations.

For businesses, inconsistent work practices and ad‑hoc “on the job” training can result in avoidable injuries, damaged glass, rework, and non‑compliance with client and regulatory requirements. This document helps standardise how glazing tools are used across your workforce and subcontractors, supporting a defensible safety management system. It clearly defines responsibilities, required competencies, PPE, and hazard controls for typical glazing environments—from residential window installation to commercial curtain wall systems and shopfronts. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce incident frequency and severity, and support safer, more efficient glazing operations on every site.

The procedure is written specifically for the Australian context, referencing relevant WHS legislation, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards. It is suitable for integration into existing safety management systems, induction programs, toolbox talks and site-specific SWMS/JSA documentation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of lacerations, crush injuries and eye damage associated with glazing tools and glass handling.
• Ensure consistent, best‑practice use of glazing tools across employees, apprentices and subcontractors.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and industry standards for glass and glazing work.
• Minimise costly damage to glass, frames and building elements caused by incorrect tool use.
• Support faster onboarding and competency development through a clear, step‑by‑step procedure.

Who is this for?

• Glaziers
• Apprentice Glaziers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Maintenance Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Small Business Owners in Glass and Glazing
• Window and Door Installers

Hazards Addressed

• Severe cuts and lacerations from glass cutters, broken glass and sharp edges
• Crush and pinch injuries from suction lifters, clamps and manual handling of large glass panes
• Eye injuries from glass shards, splinters and flying particles during cutting, drilling or grinding
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive use of glazing tools and awkward postures while installing glass
• Hand–arm vibration exposure from powered glazing tools such as drills and grinders
• Slips, trips and falls around glazing work areas cluttered with tools, offcuts and packaging
• Electrical hazards from corded or battery-powered tools used in wet or outdoor conditions
• Noise exposure from power tools used in enclosed or reverberant spaces
• Chemical exposure and skin/respiratory irritation from sealants, adhesives, primers and cleaners
• Falling objects and dropped tools when working at heights or on scaffolds and elevated work platforms

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Glazing Tools
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required PPE for Glazing and Tool Use
• 6.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Tool Inspection
• 7.0 Safe Use of Hand Glazing Tools (glass cutters, glazing shovels, setting blocks, etc.)
• 8.0 Safe Use of Suction Lifters, Clamps and Handling Aids
• 9.0 Safe Use of Powered Tools in Glazing (drills, grinders, oscillating tools, sealant guns)
• 10.0 Manual Handling and Team Lifting of Glass and Frames
• 11.0 Working at Heights and Use of Ladders, Scaffolds and EWPs in Glazing
• 12.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures for Glazing Tasks
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Storage and Maintenance of Glazing Tools
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures for Cuts, Eye Injuries and Crush Incidents
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 16.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the SOP
• 17.0 Document Control and Record Keeping

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 risks of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 4024 series: Safety of machinery (for powered tools and equipment)
• Relevant state and territory Codes of Practice for Construction Work