Product Overview

Summary: This Winterisation of Glazing Installations SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process to protect glazing systems, workers, and the public during cold, wet and windy conditions. It helps glazing contractors maintain structural integrity, prevent weather-related incidents, and stay compliant with Australian WHS and building requirements throughout the winter season.

Cold, wet and windy conditions can significantly increase the risks associated with glazing work, from slips and falls at height to glass breakage, sealant failure and damage to partially installed facade systems. This Winterisation of Glazing Installations Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable approach to planning and carrying out glazing activities in winter and adverse weather across Australian climates. It covers pre‑winter inspections, weather monitoring, safe work adjustments, product handling in low temperatures, and the protection of incomplete installations to prevent water ingress and structural damage.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can systematically control the additional hazards introduced by winter conditions while maintaining program and quality outcomes. The document supports organisations to meet their WHS duties, manage contractor interfaces, and demonstrate due diligence when working with glass, sealants, lifting equipment and access systems in challenging weather. It also helps reduce costly rework and defects by setting clear standards for temperature-appropriate materials use, curing times, temporary weatherproofing, and post-weather-event inspections, ensuring glazing systems remain safe, watertight and compliant over the life of the building.

Key Benefits

• Reduce weather-related incidents such as slips, trips, falls and glass breakage during winter works.
• Ensure glazing activities remain compliant with Australian WHS legislation and relevant building and facade standards in adverse weather.
• Protect partially installed glazing systems from water ingress, wind damage and temperature-related product failure.
• Standardise winter work planning, weather monitoring and go/no-go decision-making across projects and crews.
• Minimise rework, call-backs and warranty claims caused by improper installation or curing in low-temperature conditions.

Who is this for?

• Glazing Installers
• Facade Installers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Building Maintenance Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Operations Managers – Glazing & Facade Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls due to wet, icy or muddy access ways and work platforms
• Falls from height when working on scaffolds, EWPs or building edges in high winds or poor visibility
• Glass breakage and uncontrolled movement of panes during lifting and installation in windy conditions
• Manual handling injuries from handling heavy or awkward glazing units while wearing bulkier winter PPE
• Exposure to cold, wind and rain leading to cold stress, reduced dexterity and impaired decision-making
• Sealant and adhesive failure due to incorrect application or curing in low temperatures or high humidity
• Water ingress and damage to building fabric from inadequately protected openings and incomplete installations
• Electrical hazards from using power tools, cords and access equipment in wet conditions
• Increased traffic management risks around delivery vehicles in dark, wet or foggy conditions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Winter Conditions Criteria
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre‑Winter Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Weather Monitoring and Go/No‑Go Decision Process
• 7.0 Site Preparation for Winter Conditions (Access, Housekeeping and Lighting)
• 8.0 Winter PPE, Clothing and Equipment Requirements
• 9.0 Handling, Storage and Transport of Glazing Units in Cold and Wet Conditions
• 10.0 Use of Cranes, EWPs and Lifting Devices in Adverse Weather
• 11.0 Installation Procedures in Low Temperatures and High Humidity
• 12.0 Sealants, Adhesives and Curing Requirements in Winter
• 13.0 Temporary Weatherproofing of Openings and Partially Installed Facades
• 14.0 Controls for Work at Height in Wind, Rain and Reduced Visibility
• 15.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls with Winter PPE
• 16.0 Managing Cold Stress, Fatigue and Worker Health
• 17.0 Housekeeping, Debris Management and Glass Waste in Wet Conditions
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response in Adverse Weather
• 19.0 Post-Weather-Event Inspections and Rectification
• 20.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talks for Winterisation
• 21.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the Winterisation Procedure
• 22.0 Document Control and Records Management

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and associated state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural design actions – Wind actions
• AS/NZS 1288: Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS 2047: Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 4501 series: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)