Risk assessments are made to establish any hazards arising from our work and a system of site specific

 Method Statements backed by data sheets sets out safe methods of working. A commitment to training, inspection and regular review ensures a continuous focus on all aspects of safety.

COSHH assessment
(Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health)

There are no substances within the installed products which can be regarded as hazardous. When maintaining the products, use of silicone & silicone spray lubricants and glass cleaners in normal ventilated areas will not pose a hazard provided manufacturers instructions are followed.

Risk assessments

In accordance with BS 6262, glass which extends below 800mm from finished floor level must be specified as safety glass. Each pane will have a permanent visible mark showing:

• the applicable British Standard BS 6206
• a material code. L for Laminate, T for Toughened, P for Plastic, W for Wired and F for Safety Film Backed
• a classification relating to impact test behaviour- A, B or C ( A being the highest)
• an identifiable name or mark showing the manufacturer or processor of the material.

Raised access floors fitted at a later date will require the glass to be re-assessed for possible replacement or application of safety film.

Window cleaners must make the same risk assessments when cleaning windows. In particular, ensure that the outer window is firmly closed to avoid accidental opening. Safety harnesses must be worn if there is a risk of a fall.

When removing  glazing panels for cleaning or maintenance, there must be a full manual handling assessment, taking into account the weight, size and shape of the panel and it's position relative to the floor level. A panel will weigh approximately 12 Kg. per square metre when glazed in 4mm float glass. This rises to 17Kg per square metre in 6mm float and 29Kg. per square metre in 11.5mm laminate. A minimum of two people should be employed when lifting wide or heavy panels or those at significant heights. The use of appropriate non slip gloves is recommended.

Whenever glass edges become exposed, gloves must be worn and if a panel has to be fully deglazed, wrist and foot protection must also be worn.

 Practical issues affecting design include:

Glass safety

• Use heavier or toughened glass for larger panels over 1.8m²
• In accordance with BS 6262-4:2005 safety glass must be specified for:

- windows extending below 800mm from the existing or proposed Finished Floor level (FFL)
- doors and adjacent windows within 300mm of doors to a height of 1500mm above FFL

• Guarding
  For new buildings and those undergoing major refurbishment, glazing to upper floors which is below 800mm from FFL must be sufficiently strong to contain a person’s fall. The applicable Building Regulation is Part K in England and Wales, Part S in Scotland and Part H in Northern Ireland. In some cases the glass in the secondary glazing must be specified to meet the requirement.

Manual handling

• Manual handling guidelines allow a fit man to lift 25Kg. A two metre square aluminium framed panel glazed in 4mm glass will weigh approximately 21kg , in 6mm 31kg and in 11.5mm laminate 55kg. Where panels have to be removed for cleaning or access a full manual handling assessment must be completed.

Access

• The window design should take into account access for the safe handling of materials both at installation stage and during future maintenance.