Glass & Glazing Contractor Safety Manual

Glass & Glazing Contractor Workplace Hazards

Glazing employees may encounter hazards involving:

• Sharp glass edges
• Broken glass
• Large and heavy glass panels
• Manual material handling
• Falling glass
• Glass racks
• Suction lifting devices
• Cranes and hoisting equipment
• Vacuum lifting equipment
• Storefront installation
• Curtain-wall systems
• Windows and doors
• Building openings
• Elevated work
• Ladders
• Scaffolds
• Aerial lifts
• Power tools
• Sealants and adhesives
• Construction traffic
• Vehicle transportation
• Wind and weather
• Other contractors
• Members of the public

Employees should receive training appropriate to their assigned duties and workplace hazards.

Pre-Job Planning

Before glazing work begins, the contractor should evaluate the planned work and site conditions.

Planning should consider:

• Type and size of glass
• Glass weight
• Handling method
• Delivery location
• Storage
• Installation height
• Building openings
• Lifting equipment
• Access equipment
• Wind and weather
• Traffic
• Pedestrians
• Other contractors
• Electrical hazards
• Emergency access
• Broken-glass disposal

Large or unusual glazing operations should be planned before material is moved into position.

Job Hazard Assessment

Conditions can vary significantly between glazing projects.

Employees should identify hazards associated with:

• Glass handling
• Glass storage
• Material movement
• Lifting
• Hoisting
• Installation
• Removal
• Elevated work
• Tools
• Chemicals
• Vehicle operations
• Site conditions

Appropriate controls and PPE should be established for identified hazards.

Glass Handling

Glass should be treated as a potentially hazardous material even when edges appear smooth.

Employees should:

• Inspect glass before handling.
• Wear appropriate hand protection.
• Maintain control of the panel.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with edges.
• Keep hands away from pinch points.
• Maintain clear travel paths.
• Communicate during team handling.
• Avoid placing themselves in the potential fall path of glass.

Glass should not be handled in a manner that exposes employees to uncontrolled breakage or falling material.

Cut & Laceration Prevention

Glazing work presents significant cut and laceration hazards.

Employees should use appropriate protection based on the task, which may include:

• Cut-resistant gloves
• Arm protection
• Safety glasses
• Face protection
• Long sleeves
• Protective footwear

PPE does not eliminate the need for proper glass-handling practices.

Glass Edges

Edges may be sharp enough to cause severe injuries.

Employees should:

• Avoid sliding bare hands along edges.
• Use appropriate gloves.
• Maintain awareness of unfinished edges.
• Protect exposed edges where practical.
• Avoid striking edges against hard surfaces.

Special care should be used when handling chipped or damaged glass.

Broken Glass

Broken glass should be addressed promptly.

Employees should:

• Restrict access to the area.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Use tools rather than bare hands to collect small pieces where practical.
• Place broken glass in suitable containers.
• Inspect the surrounding area for fragments.
• Dispose of material according to established procedures.

Employees should not place loose broken glass in ordinary waste containers where it could injure others.

Cracked or Damaged Glass

Cracked, chipped, or damaged panels may fail unexpectedly.

Employees should not attempt to handle or install damaged glass unless an appropriate safe procedure has been established for the specific situation.

The area around unstable glass should be controlled until the hazard is addressed.

Manual Material Handling

Glass panels may be heavy, oversized, and difficult to grip.

Before manually moving glass, employees should evaluate:

• Weight
• Dimensions
• Shape
• Edge condition
• Travel path
• Destination
• Number of employees needed
• Availability of lifting equipment

Mechanical assistance should be used when practical.

Team Handling

Large panels may require multiple employees.

Team handling should include:

• A designated person coordinating movement when appropriate.
• Clear communication.
• Planned travel paths.
• Coordinated lifting and lowering.
• Awareness of pinch points.
• Controlled positioning.

Employees should not suddenly release their portion of a load without communicating with other members of the team.

Mechanical Glass Handling

Mechanical handling devices can significantly reduce manual lifting but introduce additional hazards.

Equipment may include:

• Glass carts
• Dollies
• Vacuum lifters
• Powered glass manipulators
• Cranes
• Hoists
• Forklifts
• Telehandlers

Only employees trained and authorized for applicable equipment should operate it.

Glass Carts & Dollies

Glass carts should be:

• Appropriate for the glass being transported.
• Inspected before use.
• Loaded within capacity.
• Loaded to maintain stability.
• Controlled during movement.
• Secured when unattended where necessary.

Employees should keep hands and feet clear of wheels, frames, and pinch points.

Suction Cups

Handheld suction cups may be used to improve control of glass.

Employees should:

• Inspect suction cups before use.
• Ensure contact surfaces are clean and suitable.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Verify secure attachment before lifting.
• Avoid exceeding rated capacity.
• Maintain control of the glass.

A suction cup should not be assumed to provide permanent attachment.

Vacuum Lifting Equipment

Vacuum lifting equipment may be used for large or heavy glass panels.

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment before use.
• Verify rated capacity.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Confirm proper vacuum before lifting.
• Monitor indicators and alarms.
• Maintain required backup systems where applicable.
• Keep employees clear of suspended glass.

Employees should never position themselves beneath suspended glass.

Glass Storage

Glass should be stored to prevent tipping, sliding, falling, or unintended movement.

Storage systems should:

• Be designed for the material.
• Remain stable.
• Be located on suitable surfaces.
• Be protected from vehicle impacts where necessary.
• Maintain required access and walkways.

Glass should not be leaned against walls or other surfaces unless the arrangement provides adequate stability.

Glass Racks

Glass racks should be inspected and maintained.

Employees should verify:

• Structural condition
• Restraints
• Load capacity
• Stability
• Attachment to vehicles where applicable

Damaged racks should be removed from service or repaired before continued use.

Loading & Unloading Glass

Loading and unloading should be planned before glass is moved.

Employees should consider:

• Vehicle position
• Traffic
• Ground conditions
• Rack condition
• Glass size and weight
• Wind
• Mechanical lifting equipment
• Pedestrian exposure
• Overhead hazards

Employees not involved in the operation should remain clear.

Glass Transportation

Glass transported on company vehicles should be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or breaking.

Employees should inspect:

• Racks
• Straps
• Restraints
• Fasteners
• Glass position

Loads should be checked before travel and as appropriate during transportation.

Vehicle-Mounted Glass Racks

Vehicle-mounted racks should be suitable for the vehicle and intended load.

Employees should not exceed applicable rack or vehicle capacities.

Glass should be secured independently of assumptions about friction or panel weight.

Storefront Glazing

Storefront installation often occurs near:

• Sidewalks
• Parking lots
• Entrances
• Customers
• Pedestrians
• Vehicle traffic
• Other contractors

Work areas should be controlled to prevent unauthorized persons from entering glass-handling or installation zones.

Curtain-Wall Installation

Curtain-wall and large architectural glazing may involve:

• Heavy panels
• Cranes
• Hoists
• Vacuum lifters
• Elevated floors
• Building edges
• Suspended loads
• Wind exposure
• Coordination with multiple trades

Installation should be planned and coordinated with the controlling contractor and other affected employers.

Window Installation

Window installation may expose employees to:

• Building openings
• Falling objects
• Sharp materials
• Heavy units
• Ladders
• Scaffolds
• Elevated work platforms

Employees should maintain required fall protection and control materials during removal and installation.

Door & Entrance Systems

Glass doors and entrance systems may be heavy and difficult to control.

Employees should consider:

• Door weight
• Hinges
• Closers
• Pivot systems
• Pinch points
• Glass edges
• Temporary support
• Public access

Doors should be supported during installation and adjustment.

Mirrors & Interior Glass

Large mirrors and interior architectural glass may create significant handling hazards even when work is performed at floor level.

Employees should plan:

• Access
• Handling
• Adhesive use
• Temporary support
• Public separation
• Broken-glass response

Skylights

Skylight work may expose employees to serious fall hazards.

Employees should not assume skylights can support body weight.

Skylights and surrounding roof openings should be protected according to applicable fall-protection requirements.

Building Openings

Window, door, curtain-wall, and other building openings may expose employees to falls.

Required guardrails, personal fall-arrest systems, or other protective measures should be maintained.

Employees should not remove fall protection without authorization and appropriate alternative protection.

Fall Protection

Glazing contractors may work near:

• Building edges
• Window openings
• Floor openings
• Roof edges
• Skylights
• Stairwells
• Elevated platforms

Fall hazards should be evaluated before work begins.

Required fall-protection systems should be used and maintained.

Personal Fall-Arrest Systems

Where personal fall-arrest systems are required, employees should be trained in:

• Equipment inspection
• Proper harness use
• Anchorage
• Connecting devices
• Fall clearance
• Swing-fall hazards
• Rescue considerations

Damaged fall-protection equipment should be removed from service.

Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts may be used for exterior glazing, curtain-wall work, window installation, and other elevated activities.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate aerial lifts.

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain required fall protection.
• Remain within the platform.
• Maintain clearance from overhead hazards.
• Consider wind conditions.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts should be inspected and operated according to manufacturer requirements.

Employees should:

• Maintain guardrails.
• Keep gates closed.
• Remain on the platform floor.
• Avoid climbing rails.
• Maintain clearance from overhead hazards.
• Use equipment only on suitable surfaces.

Scaffolds

Scaffolds should be erected, inspected, and used according to applicable requirements.

Employees should:

• Use proper access.
• Maintain stable platforms.
• Avoid overloading.
• Keep platforms reasonably clear.
• Maintain required guardrails.
• Follow fall-protection requirements.

Suspended Scaffolds

Where suspended scaffolds are used for glazing work, employees should receive appropriate training.

Procedures should address:

• Rigging
• Anchorage
• Support systems
• Fall protection
• Access
• Load limits
• Inspection
• Weather
• Emergency procedures

Ladder Safety

Ladders should be selected and positioned appropriately.

Employees should:

• Inspect ladders.
• Maintain stable placement.
• Face ladders while climbing.
• Avoid overreaching.
• Maintain appropriate contact.
• Keep ladders clear of electrical hazards.
• Remove damaged ladders from service.

Ladders should not be used as makeshift glass supports.

Crane & Hoisting Operations

Large glass panels may require cranes or hoisting equipment.

Operations should be planned based on:

• Load weight
• Rigging
• Lifting device
• Equipment capacity
• Wind
• Landing area
• Communication
• Personnel positioning

Employees should remain clear of suspended loads.

Rigging

Rigging used for glass handling should be appropriate for the load and lifting arrangement.

Rigging should be inspected before use.

Damaged rigging should be removed from service.

Only qualified or appropriately trained employees should perform assigned rigging duties.

Suspended Loads

Employees should not stand, walk, or work beneath suspended glass or other suspended loads.

The lift area should be controlled to prevent unauthorized entry.

Loads should be guided from safe positions.

Tag Lines

Tag lines may be used where appropriate to help control loads.

Employees should:

• Maintain safe positioning.
• Avoid wrapping tag lines around hands or body.
• Remain clear of pinch points.
• Avoid positioning themselves where the load could swing toward them.

Wind Hazards

Glass panels can act like sails.

Wind can rapidly change the force required to control a panel and can cause suspended glass to rotate, swing, or become unstable.

Wind conditions should be evaluated before:

• Manual handling
• Crane lifts
• Vacuum lifting
• Aerial-lift work
• Exterior installation

Operations should stop when wind conditions exceed safe equipment, manufacturer, site, or work-plan limitations.

Severe Weather

Exterior glazing may be affected by:

• High winds
• Rain
• Lightning
• Snow
• Ice
• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold

Work should be adjusted or suspended when conditions create unacceptable risk.

Glass Removal

Removing existing glass can be more hazardous than installing new glass because the condition of the material and attachment system may be uncertain.

Before removal, employees should evaluate:

• Glass condition
• Glass type
• Attachment
• Weight
• Support
• Access
• Falling-object exposure
• Public exposure

Glass should be supported before fasteners or framing components are removed where necessary.

Broken Window Removal

Broken windows may contain loose fragments capable of falling unexpectedly.

Employees should:

• Establish a controlled area.
• Wear appropriate cut and eye protection.
• Remove unstable fragments using safe methods.
• Control material below the work.
• Use suitable disposal containers.

Demolition & Renovation

Glazing work in existing buildings may expose employees to:

• Lead-containing materials
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Silica
• Mold
• Damaged structural components
• Electrical hazards
• Hidden utilities

Existing conditions should be evaluated before disturbance.

Sealants & Adhesives

Glazing contractors may use:

• Silicone sealants
• Structural glazing products
• Adhesives
• Primers
• Solvents
• Cleaners
• Caulks

Employees should review labels and Safety Data Sheets before use.

Appropriate ventilation, gloves, eye protection, and other controls should be used based on product hazards.

Hazard Communication

Employees should receive Hazard Communication training for applicable workplace chemicals.

Labels and Safety Data Sheets should be maintained as required.

Employees should understand the hazards and protective measures associated with the products they use.

Solvents & Cleaners

Some cleaners and surface-preparation products may produce harmful or flammable vapors.

Employees should:

• Maintain ventilation.
• Keep containers closed.
• Control ignition sources.
• Avoid unnecessary skin contact.
• Wear appropriate PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected based on the work being performed.

PPE may include:

• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Cut-resistant sleeves
• Protective clothing
• Safety footwear
• Hard hats
• Hearing protection
• High-visibility apparel
• Fall-protection equipment
• Respiratory protection

Cut-Resistant PPE

Cut-resistant gloves and sleeves should be selected based on the glass-handling task.

Employees should understand that cut-resistant PPE is not necessarily cut-proof.

Damaged protective equipment should be replaced.

Eye & Face Protection

Eye protection should be used when employees may be exposed to:

• Glass fragments
• Flying particles
• Drilling
• Grinding
• Cutting
• Chemical splashes

Face shields may be appropriate for certain high-fragment or splash exposures but generally supplement rather than replace required eye protection.

Foot Protection

Appropriate safety footwear can help protect employees from:

• Falling glass
• Sharp fragments
• Heavy framing components
• Material-handling hazards

Footwear should also provide appropriate traction for work conditions.

Hand & Power Tools

Glazing work may involve:

• Glass cutters
• Drills
• Drivers
• Grinders
• Saws
• Caulking equipment
• Pry tools
• Hand tools

Employees should inspect tools before use and follow manufacturer instructions.

Defective tools should be removed from service.

Glass Cutting

Glass cutting should be performed on stable, appropriate surfaces.

Employees should:

• Maintain control of the glass.
• Keep hands clear of scoring and breaking areas.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Keep others clear.
• Manage offcuts safely.

Drilling & Fastening

Before drilling or fastening into building components, employees should consider concealed:

• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing
• Gas lines
• Fire-protection systems
• Communication systems
• Other utilities

Employees should follow applicable project procedures for identifying concealed hazards.

Grinding & Metal Work

Storefront and curtain-wall systems may require cutting or grinding aluminum, steel, or other components.

Employees should:

• Maintain guards.
• Wear eye and face protection.
• Control sparks.
• Consider nearby combustible materials.
• Use appropriate hearing protection.

Electrical Safety

Employees should inspect electrical tools, cords, and equipment before use.

Damaged equipment should be removed from service.

Electrical equipment should be protected from water and other conditions that could create hazards.

Temporary Electrical Power

Construction projects may use temporary electrical systems.

Employees should use required ground-fault protection and properly maintained extension cords.

Cords should be routed to minimize damage and trip hazards.

Machine Guarding

Required guards on saws, grinders, and other equipment should remain in place.

Employees should not bypass safety devices or reach into moving machinery.

Lockout/Tagout

Employees performing servicing or maintenance may be exposed to hazardous energy.

Applicable energy-control procedures should be followed where unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy could cause injury.

Only trained and authorized employees should perform covered lockout/tagout activities.

Ergonomics

Glazing work can create substantial ergonomic stress due to:

• Heavy materials
• Large panels
• Awkward gripping
• Reaching
• Overhead work
• Repetitive sealant application
• Carrying
• Pushing and pulling

Mechanical assistance and improved work positioning should be used where practical.

Pinch & Crush Hazards

Employees should keep hands and other body parts clear of pinch points created by:

• Glass panels
• Frames
• Doors
• Carts
• Racks
• Lifting equipment
• Building openings

Employees should communicate before moving or setting glass.

Falling Objects

Tools, glass, framing components, and installation materials can fall from elevated work areas.

Controls may include:

• Controlled access
• Barricades
• Tool management
• Toe boards
• Debris control
• Hard hats
• Appropriate material securement

Employees should not work beneath uncontrolled overhead activities.

Housekeeping

Glazing work areas should be kept orderly.

Employees should promptly address:

• Glass fragments
• Packaging
• Sealant containers
• Cords
• Tools
• Scrap framing
• Straps
• Other debris

Walkways and access routes should remain reasonably clear.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Common hazards may include:

• Glass fragments
• Packaging
• Cords
• Tools
• Sealant
• Uneven surfaces
• Temporary construction conditions
• Wet exterior surfaces

Employees should maintain clear travel paths and correct hazards when practical.

Construction Traffic

Glazing employees may work near:

• Forklifts
• Telehandlers
• Cranes
• Delivery trucks
• Aerial lifts
• Other mobile equipment

Employees should avoid equipment blind spots and use designated pedestrian routes where provided.

Traffic Control

Storefront and exterior glazing may occur near parking lots, roadways, driveways, or loading areas.

Appropriate traffic-control measures should be established when employees are exposed to vehicle movement.

High-visibility apparel should be used where appropriate or required.

Working Around Other Contractors

Glazing contractors often work alongside:

• General contractors
• Steel contractors
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Drywall contractors
• Painters
• Roofing contractors
• Other trades

Work should be coordinated so one employer’s operations do not unnecessarily expose another employer’s employees to hazards.

Working Around the Public

Glass installation and replacement frequently occurs in occupied commercial areas.

Where the public may approach the work:

• Work zones should be controlled.
• Glass-handling areas should be restricted.
• Tools should be secured.
• Broken glass should be removed promptly.
• Appropriate signs and barriers should be used.
• Alternate access routes should be established where necessary.

Occupied Buildings

Glazing contractors may work in:

• Offices
• Retail stores
• Hotels
• Healthcare facilities
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Apartments
• Homes
• Other occupied properties

Work should be coordinated with the customer to protect employees, occupants, visitors, and property.

Storefront Replacement

Storefront glass replacement can expose both employees and the public to significant hazards.

Employees should establish a controlled work area before removing damaged or existing glass.

Public access should not be permitted through active glass-removal or installation areas.

Interior Barricades

Where glass work affects entrances, corridors, or occupied interior spaces, temporary barriers may be necessary.

Barriers should:

• Clearly identify the work area.
• Prevent inadvertent entry.
• Avoid creating additional trip hazards.
• Maintain required emergency access.

Vehicle Safety

Employees driving company vehicles should:

• Wear seat belts.
• Follow traffic laws.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Inspect vehicles as required.
• Adjust driving for conditions.
• Ensure glass and equipment are secured.

Backing

Drivers should minimize unnecessary backing.

Where visibility is restricted or site conditions warrant, a spotter or other appropriate backing control should be used.

Employees acting as spotters should remain visible to the driver and clear of the vehicle’s path.

Forklift & Telehandler Safety

Forklifts or telehandlers may be used to move glass racks, framing systems, or other materials.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate applicable equipment.

Loads should be stable and within equipment capacity.

Pedestrians should remain clear of operating equipment.

Fire Prevention

Employees should maintain good housekeeping and control ignition sources when using flammable products or performing spark-producing work.

Required fire extinguishers and emergency routes should remain accessible.

Hot Work

Grinding, welding, cutting, or other spark-producing activities may qualify as hot work.

Applicable permit, fire-watch, and fire-prevention requirements should be followed where required.

Emergency Action Plan

Employees should understand procedures for foreseeable emergencies such as:

• Severe cuts
• Falls
• Falling or broken glass
• Equipment incidents
• Fire
• Severe weather
• Chemical exposure
• Building evacuation
• Workplace violence

Employees working at customer sites should become familiar with applicable site emergency procedures.

First Aid

Glazing operations can produce serious cuts requiring immediate medical attention.

Appropriate first-aid supplies should be available, and employees should know how to summon emergency medical assistance.

Severe bleeding should be treated as an emergency.

Working Alone

Glazing employees may work alone during:

• Service calls
• Measurements
• Minor repairs
• After-hours work
• Small installations

Working-alone procedures should consider communication, emergency assistance, glass handling, access equipment, and site security.

Large or hazardous glass-handling tasks should not be performed alone when the work requires additional employees or mechanical assistance.

Workplace Security

Employees working at customer locations should maintain awareness of:

• Unauthorized persons
• Isolated areas
• After-hours conditions
• Theft
• Aggressive behavior
• Other security concerns

Employees should have a reliable method for obtaining assistance.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Cuts
• Near misses
• Broken-glass incidents
• Dropped glass
• Falls
• Equipment incidents
• Vehicle incidents
• Property damage
• Unsafe conditions

Prompt reporting allows hazards to be evaluated and corrective action taken.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents and near misses should be reviewed to identify contributing factors.

Investigations may consider:

• Glass-handling methods
• Lifting equipment
• Rigging
• PPE
• Access equipment
• Weather
• Site conditions
• Employee positioning
• Communication
• Training
• Supervision

Corrective actions should address identified causes where practical.

Glass & Glazing Contractor Safety Training

Employee training should correspond to assigned duties and may include:

• Glass-handling hazards
• Cut and laceration prevention
• Broken-glass procedures
• Manual material handling
• Glass carts and racks
• Suction cups
• Vacuum lifting equipment
• Crane and hoisting safety
• Rigging
• Suspended loads
• Fall protection
• Building openings
• Aerial lifts
• Scissor lifts
• Scaffolds
• Ladders
• Wind hazards
• Glass removal
• Hand and power tools
• Hazard Communication
• Sealants and adhesives
• PPE
• Electrical safety
• Vehicle and load securement
• Traffic control
• Working around the public
• Working in occupied buildings
• Emergency procedures
• Incident reporting

Training should be updated when employees are assigned new equipment, glass systems, installation methods, or workplace hazards.

Customized Glass & Glazing Contractor Safety Manuals

Glass and glazing contractors vary considerably in their operations. Some specialize in residential windows and doors, while others perform commercial storefront work, curtain-wall installation, architectural glazing, mirrors, interior glass, skylights, service and replacement work, or large construction projects.

A customized Glass & Glazing Contractor Safety Manual can be developed around your glass products, installation methods, glass-handling equipment, cranes and vacuum lifters, fall hazards, access equipment, vehicles, storefront or curtain-wall operations, occupied-building work, construction projects, and employee hazards.