Glazier (Glass Worker)

A glazier is a person who works with glass - installing, repairing or replacing glass in 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 handling 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.

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.
• Eye injuries from flying particles when cutting and grinding glass.
• Exposure to 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.
• Working alone.

• 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 ergonomic friendly tools.
• Know how to use tools and equipment safely.
• Use correct personal protective equipment such as eye protection when cutting and grinding.
• Use protective gloves and footwear when handling glass sheets.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Keep a first-aid kit/box within easy access.
• Learn how to prevent heat stress and cold stress when working in extreme hot and cold environments.
• Carry a mobile phone or other alternative means to contact with a designated person when working alone.

• 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.