Product Overview

Summary: This Structural Glazing Systems Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely installing, inspecting and maintaining structural glazing on Australian construction projects. It helps your business manage the significant risks associated with working at height, glass handling and facade installation, while demonstrating due diligence under WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards.

Structural glazing systems are high-risk, high-visibility elements of modern buildings, combining large-format glass, specialised sealants, fixings and support structures. Errors in installation or maintenance can lead to glass panel failure, water ingress, loss of structural integrity, falling objects and serious injury to workers and the public. This SOP sets out a disciplined, repeatable process for planning, installing and maintaining structural glazing systems on Australian sites, from pre-start design verification and engineering sign-off through to final inspection and handover.

Developed for the Australian construction and glazing sector, the procedure integrates WHS obligations with practical site controls for working at height, manual handling of glass, use of mechanical lifting equipment, and coordination with other trades on busy facades. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between the principal contractor, facade contractor, engineers and installers, and provides a documented framework that supports toolbox talks, training and contractor management. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce rework, prevent incidents, demonstrate compliance with relevant Australian Standards and Codes of Practice, and protect both their workforce and their reputation on complex facade projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure structural glazing works are planned, installed and maintained in line with Australian WHS legislation and relevant facade standards.
• Reduce the risk of dropped objects, glass breakage and falls from height during installation and maintenance activities.
• Standardise installation methods, inspection points and sign-off requirements across projects and subcontractor teams.
• Improve coordination between engineers, facade designers, installers and site management through clearly defined responsibilities and communication steps.
• Support defensible documentation for audits, incident investigations, client requirements and certification processes.

Who is this for?

• Facade Installation Supervisors
• Glaziers and Structural Glazing Technicians
• Site Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Facade Engineers
• Building Maintenance Managers
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height during facade and glazing installation
• Falling glass panels or components striking workers or the public
• Glass breakage and laceration injuries during handling and fitting
• Crush and pinch injuries from glass lifters, cranes and mechanical handling equipment
• Musculoskeletal disorders from manual handling of heavy or awkward glazing units
• Failure of temporary supports, anchors or fixings during installation
• Exposure to hazardous substances from sealants, adhesives and cleaning chemicals
• Environmental exposure such as wind loads affecting panel handling at height
• Electrical contact hazards near overhead services or building services
• Inadequate access and egress on scaffolds, elevated work platforms and building ledges

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Glossary (Structural Glazing Terminology)
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Principal Contractor, Engineers, Installers)
• 5.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 6.0 Pre-Start Planning and Design Verification
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and Safe Work Method Integration
• 8.0 Required Tools, Plant, Lifting Equipment and PPE
• 9.0 Material Handling, Storage and Transport of Glazing Units
• 10.0 Access Systems: Scaffolds, EWPs and Rope Access Controls
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Structural Glazing Installation Procedure
• 12.0 Sealant Application, Curing and Weatherproofing Requirements
• 13.0 Temporary Fixings, Bracing and Progressive Load Transfer
• 14.0 Inspection, Testing and Quality Control Checkpoints
• 15.0 Maintenance, Inspection and Replacement of Structural Glazing
• 16.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (JSA/SWMS Linkage)
• 17.0 Environmental and Public Safety Controls (Exclusion Zones, Hoardings)
• 18.0 Emergency Response Procedures (Glass Breakage, Falls, Equipment Failure)
• 19.0 Incident Reporting, Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 20.0 Documentation, Records and Handover Requirements
• 21.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 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: Construction Work
• AS/NZS 1170.0: Structural design actions – General principles
• AS/NZS 1170.1: Structural design actions – Permanent, imposed and other actions
• AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural design actions – Wind actions
• AS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS/NZS 2208: Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS 2047: Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (where adopted by the organisation)