Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step approach to preparing glass installations for storms, cyclones and severe weather in Australian workplaces. It helps glazing and construction businesses protect people, property and projects by systematically managing the risks of glass failure, flying debris and structural damage before, during and after storm events.

Storm activity in Australia can escalate quickly, turning poorly secured glass installations into serious safety hazards. High winds, wind-borne debris and rapid pressure changes can cause glass panels, shopfronts, skylights and curtain walls to crack, shatter or fail, exposing workers and the public to lacerations, impact injuries and falling objects. This Storm Preparedness for Glass Installations SOP provides a structured, repeatable process to assess weather risk, secure glass elements, and manage site controls whenever severe weather is forecast or occurring.

The procedure guides your team through pre-storm inspections, temporary protection methods, securing work areas, and communicating with workers, clients and tenants about restrictions and access. It also covers emergency response during storm conditions and post-storm inspection, clean-up and rectification, with a focus on controlling glass breakage hazards and maintaining compliance with WHS duties. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of glass-related incidents, and minimise disruption and damage costs associated with storm events.

Designed specifically for the glazing and construction sectors, this SOP aligns storm-readiness planning with relevant Australian Standards for glazing and wind actions. It provides practical checklists and decision points that supervisors can apply on residential, commercial and industrial sites, ensuring that storm preparation is not left to last-minute judgement calls but is managed as a controlled, documented safety process.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of glass breakage, flying glass and impact injuries during storms and high-wind events.
• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to storm preparedness across all sites and projects.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties and Australian Standards related to glazing and structural safety.
• Minimise property damage, project delays and insurance claims arising from preventable storm-related failures.
• Improve communication and coordination between installers, supervisors, clients and building occupants during severe weather events.

Who is this for?

• Glaziers
• Glass Installation Teams
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Facility and Building Managers
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Strata and Property Managers
• Shopfitting Managers
• Operations Managers in Glass Manufacturing and Fabrication

Hazards Addressed

• Glass breakage and shattering due to high winds and wind-borne debris
• Falling glass panels, fragments and associated falling object risks
• Lacerations and puncture wounds from broken or unstable glass
• Structural instability of partially installed glass systems during storms
• Slip, trip and fall hazards from water ingress and storm debris around glass installations
• Electrical hazards where broken glass exposes or contacts electrical fittings or services
• Vehicle and plant impact risks when visibility is reduced during storm conditions
• Manual handling and overexertion injuries during rushed, unplanned storm preparations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Standards and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Definitions (Storm, Severe Weather Warning, Temporary Protection, Critical Glazing)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Glaziers, WHS Personnel)
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Storm and High-Wind Events
• 6.0 Pre-Storm Planning and Site Readiness
• 7.0 Inspection of Existing and Partially Installed Glass Systems
• 8.0 Securing and Protecting Glass Installations (Temporary Bracing, Barriers and Coverings)
• 9.0 Site Access Control, Barricading and Public Protection Measures
• 10.0 Plant, Equipment and Material Securing Around Glazed Areas
• 11.0 Communication and Escalation Protocols for Storm Warnings
• 12.0 Safe Work Restrictions and Suspension of High-Risk Activities
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures During Storm Conditions
• 14.0 Post-Storm Inspection, Make-Safe and Clean-Up of Broken Glass
• 15.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Broken Glass and Debris
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talks
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Incident Reporting
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS/NZS 2208: Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural design actions – Wind actions
• AS 2047: Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines