• What does a glazier do?
• What are some health and safety issues for glaziers?
• What are some preventative measures for a glazier?
• What are some good general work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What does a glazier do?

A glazier is a person who works with glass - installing, repairing or replacing glass in a commercial, industrial or residential buildings or in automobiles.

The main duties of a glazier include:

• Cutting, grinding, polishing and drilling glass.
• Handling of sheets of glass in the warehouse, during transportation, and at the work site. This may involve using slings and power lift devices.
• Applying adhesives, sealants and caulks.
• Using, cleaning and maintaining various types of equipment.
• Administrative tasks such as preparing estimates and invoices, supervising assistants, and ensuring compliance with building codes.

What are some health and safety issues for glaziers?

Glaziers can work in a variety of settings. Some of these settings, such as construction sites, may contain many hazards which glaziers must be aware of.

The main health and safety issues for glaziers include:

• Work at heights, including work on ladders and scaffolds - fall injuries.
• Handling large, awkward, heavy sheets of glass - back and arm injuries.
• Working in awkward positions and standing for long periods of time - back and arm injuries.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Cuts and lacerations from sharp edges of glass.
• Dust from cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing of glass.
• Using hand tools and powered hand tools.
• Exposures to solvents in adhesives, sealants and cleaning products.
• Working outdoors in hot or cold weather.

What are some preventative measures for a glazier?

• Proper procedures for working at heights on ladders and scaffolds.
• Apply safe lifting techniques.
• Ensure that tools and equipment are in good working order.
• Use correct personal protective equipment such as eye protection when cutting and grinding.
• Use protective gloves and footwear when handling glass sheets.
• Avoid fatigue.

What are some good general work practices?

• On construction sites, know the safety rules and procedures.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including footwear, head protection, eye protection and gloves.
• Read the material safety data sheets for any hazardous products that you use and follow any recommended safety precautions.
• Avoid stress and fatigue associated with working long workdays, shift work, and tight deadlines.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

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Document last updated on July 2, 2004

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