Color is pressed through fabric.

Part of the glazier's day happens close to old building parts and here you occasionally encounter substances that cannot simply be removed with a scraper and gloves. Knowing the rules for PCB, epoxy and isocyanates is part of working safely and legally.

PCB was banned in open applications such as sealants in Denmark from 1 January 1977. Elastic seams around windows and facades from around 1950 to 1977 may therefore contain PCB in high concentrations — something to keep in mind every time you need to replace seams or windows in an older building.

• 01Assess whether the building's age makes PCB likely in existing joints.
• 02Delineate the work site so PCB does not spread to the surroundings.
• 03Use appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid grinding or heating joints unnecessarily.
• 04Dispose of removed material as hazardous waste according to municipal instructions.

Lime, sealants and surface treatments in the trade can contain epoxy and isocyanates, and the Working Environment Authority requires a mandatory course before you can work with products above the limit value. The course is a fixed part of the glazier training, precisely because these substances are a natural part of the work.

Since 24 August 2023, stricter rules apply: also the person who trains or supervises work with isocyanates must have completed the training, and it must be repeated every 5 years. The requirement covers products where the content of monomeric isocyanates exceeds 0.1 % by weight — a limit that affects more common adhesive and sealant products than many think.

• 01Always read the product safety data sheet before use.
• 02Ensure proper ventilation when working with glue, sealants and surface treatment.
• 03Use the personal protective equipment that is prescribed — not the one that happens to be easiest to get hold of.
• 04Keep training certificates and course renewals updated so you can always perform the task legally.