Safety and quality in glasswork

Glass is beautiful, but it is also sharp and heavy. Most injuries in the trade occur when handling glass that breaks or slips. Good professional work is therefore always safe work too.

Your body is your most important tool and glass does not forgive mistakes. Always use the right safety equipment regardless of how small the task is.

• 01Cut-resistant gloves when handling glass.
• 02Safety glasses against splinters especially when cutting and breaking.
• 03Solid footwear that protects against falling glass.
• 04Lift heavy glass with suction cups and multiple people — never alone if it is too large.

Much glass work takes place on ladders, scaffolding or lifts at facades and large windows. Handling heavy glass at height requires extra care. Ensure a safe underlay, use fall protection where required, and cordon off the area below you so no one is hit by a piece of fallen glass.

A glass job that looks nice today but is leaky in a year is not good craftsmanship. Quality in the trade is about the pane being correctly positioned, sealed and lasting many years.

• 01Make sure that the pane is supported with blocks and doesn't rest against a hard edge.
• 02Make a realistic timeline for both the drawing and the practical part
• 03Choose the right type of glass for the location and requirements.
• 04Clean up thoroughly for glass shards — also the small pieces.

Finally quality is also about honesty. If a pane cannot be repaired, say so. A customer remembers a glazier who gave honest advice far better than one who made a quick and poor repair.