Health and Safety Considerations for Lifting Glass

When handling glass the most important thing is that you and others around you are safe. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has found that in the UK serious accidents continue to happen on the premises of the workplace where glass is frequently handled.

This shows us that we should all know the correct health and safety considerations when handling glass if we want to limit the amount of accidents that happen and keep them to a minimum.

Read on to discover the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) you should be wearing, as well as all the safety considerations when handling glass and what suction vacuum devices you can use to help you achieve safer glass handling when carrying out or completing a job.

 

The Correct PPE For Handling Glass

It is always recommended to wear safety goggles when handling glass of any kind, no matter how big or small the job or the size of the glass.

You could be cutting, lifting, or grinding glass and should keep your safety glasses on at all times. Your skin should also be covered by clothing, long sleeves and full-length trousers should be worn to save bare skin from any potential scratches, splinters or scrapes from the glass.

Safety boots are also advised when handling glass, as glass can be heavy and if dropped it could cause serious damage and pain to your foot.

In the event of glass breaking, smashing or cracking, fragments of glass could cause damage to your body, face or eyes - so it is important to wear protective gear at all times.

Vacuum Handling Glass

For ease of handling and for safety reasons too, vacuum lifting devices exist and can be used to help you lift and glass. This is especially useful when wanting to manoeuvre large and awkward lift sheets of glass and suction devices can even be used on other materials too.

Some devices are kitted out with suction loss detectors so that you can see when suction pressure has been lost and you need to reapply the device for a stronger hold.

Many suction tools can be found on the GGR Glass website, we have such a vast array of tools fit for any job - no matter how big or small, so be sure to check them out for all your glass suction needs.

 

Safety Considerations for Handling Glass

Take into consideration these glass handling safety tips that you can find down below. These tips could prevent an accident or injury from happening to you or others around you.

 

Carry Glass With Two Hands

You should always carry glass with two hands and also carry glass to your side. Never carry glass above your head or in front of you so you could trip over it.

 

Get Help When Necessary

If you need help, get some assistance from your coworkers and ask them to help you. You should always have at least two team members to help when moving large sheets of glass.

Make sure you communicate well through the lifting and carrying process, doing so will make sure accidents are kept to a minimum. Take extra care and communicate thoroughly when on uneven ground especially, going around blind corners and going up or down stairs.

 

Replace Old PPE

When needed, replace worn or damaged PPE and safety equipment. Regular inspections should be done on the quality of the safety equipment provided and if it is still up to standards. Do not use the equipment or PPE if it is damaged or unsuitable prior to use.

 

Be Aware

Be aware of others around you and your surroundings. Taking care and knowing your environment will help prevent accidents from happening.

 

Be Aware of Machinery

When in the presence of heavy machinery, stand well back when they are in operation and follow all safety signs at all times.

How to Handle Broken Glass

Broken glass is definitely something that you will encounter in the glazing industry, because of this it is useful to know how to deal with broken glass when an accident happens and broken glass appears.

 

Never Walk on Glass

If there is ever broken glass on the floor, do not stand or walk on it, even if you are wearing safety boots.

 

Never Try and Break Down Glass

You should never try and break the glass into smaller pieces on the floor or otherwise. You may think that it will make it easier to dispose of if it is in smaller pieces - however, this is extremely dangerous.

Glass can easily splinter and fly unexpectedly in different directions if you try and break it further, therefore never intentionally try and break any glass.

 

Never Pick Up Broken Glass

See some broken glass that needs disposing of? You should never pick it up with your bare hands. Small shards of glass can remain once the bulk of the breakage has been disposed of so it is important to be aware of this and any potential shards as it is enough to cause injury.

 

Never Catch Falling Glass

If glass happens to be falling, do not try and catch it or stop it from slipping or falling. Move well away if possible and get to a safe distance. If you see someone in danger from falling glass, be sure to warn them without alarming them or startling them.

 

GGR Glass

GGR Glass are experts in glass and glazing tools, we have been established for many years and are always happy to help you. We offer you an extensive range of glazing tools including glass handling equipment including suction cups, vacuum lifters and other accessories for you to browse through.

If you have any questions or queries about the safety of glass handling or any other questions surrounding glass or the industry, please feel free to contact us via our website.