Free Glazing SWMS Template
Covers site glazing, shopfront and curtain wall installation, glass balustrades and glazing replacement for residential and commercial buildings. No signup, no email required.
How is this template compliant?
Every state and territory publishes its own guidance on what a SWMS should cover. We've taken the highest-common-denominator approach: for each required element — job steps, hazards, controls, PPE and the rest — we've built this template to the most complete state recommendation for that category, not the lowest. The result is a single template that meets the bar in every state, rather than one written for a single state and hoping it holds up elsewhere.
Applicability
This template covers glazing work that falls under one or more high-risk construction work (HRCW) categories, where a SWMS is mandatory before work starts. It's written for use in every Australian state and territory — under the WHS Regulations in most jurisdictions, and the equivalent OHS Regulations in Victoria.
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20 high risk activities, hazards, and controls unique to Glazing for a SWMS
This template is built specifically for window, curtain wall and structural glazing installation — not a generic SWMS with the trade name swapped in. Here's what's pre-filled.
Manual handling and glass panel lifting injuries
- ✓ Mechanical lifting aids (vacuum lifters, cranes) used for large or heavy panels
- ✓ Team lift used for panels that cannot be mechanically lifted
- ✓ Correct manual handling technique briefed at toolbox talk
Lacerations from broken or handled glass edges
- ✓ Cut-resistant gloves worn when handling glass
- ✓ Edges checked and taped before handling where practical
- ✓ Broken glass swept up immediately and disposed of in a rigid container
Falls from height installing glazing on upper floors or scaffolding
- ✓ Edge protection or guardrails installed before elevated glazing work begins
- ✓ Harness and anchor point used for work above 2 metres
- ✓ EWP or scaffold used for elevated glass installation, not ladders
Falling glass and struck-by incidents below elevated glazing work
- ✓ Exclusion zone maintained below all elevated glazing work
- ✓ Glass panels secured with straps or clamps immediately after lifting
- ✓ Toe boards fitted to scaffold and elevated platforms
Glass panel slipping or dropping during lifting
- ✓ Vacuum lifter suction tested before every lift
- ✓ Lift plan followed for panels over the single-person handling limit
- ✓ Second person used to guide and steady panels during placement
Struck by crane or EWP during glass panel delivery and lifting
- ✓ Exclusion zone maintained during crane lifts
- ✓ Spotter used for reversing delivery vehicles
- ✓ No work permitted under a suspended load
Manual handling of glazing bars, frames and curtain wall mullions
- ✓ Mechanical aids used for long or heavy frame sections
- ✓ Team lift used for awkward or overweight sections
- ✓ Materials staged close to the installation point
Cuts from glass cutting and edge-working tools
- ✓ Guards fitted and checked on glass cutting equipment
- ✓ Cut-resistant gloves worn during cutting and edge finishing
- ✓ Tools inspected before each use
Silica or glass dust exposure from edge grinding and polishing
- ✓ On-tool dust extraction used for grinding and polishing
- ✓ P2 respirator worn for extended grinding tasks
- ✓ Work area ventilated during and after grinding
Chemical exposure from sealants, adhesives and cleaning solvents
- ✓ SDS reviewed before use of any sealant, adhesive or solvent
- ✓ Gloves and ventilation used when applying sealants
- ✓ Product stored and capped correctly between uses
Wind loading on large glass panels during lifting and placement
- ✓ Work stopped in high wind conditions per manufacturer limits
- ✓ Panel size and lift plan matched to forecast wind conditions
- ✓ Additional restraint used for large panels in exposed locations
Struck by mobile plant or vehicles on active construction sites
- ✓ High-visibility clothing worn at all times on site
- ✓ Spotter used when working near reversing plant
- ✓ Site traffic management plan followed
Noise exposure from cutting, grinding and power tools
- ✓ Hearing protection worn for high-noise tools
- ✓ Task duration near loud tools limited where practical
- ✓ Low-noise tool selection used where available
Hand-arm vibration from extended use of powered tools
- ✓ Tool use time limited and rotated between crew members
- ✓ Low-vibration tools selected where available
- ✓ Any tingling or numbness reported and reviewed
Trip hazards from glass crates, packaging and offcuts on site
- ✓ Work area kept clear of crates, packaging and offcuts throughout the day
- ✓ Cords and leads routed away from walkways
- ✓ Site cleaned up at the end of each shift
Contact with existing energised services during frame and fixing work
- ✓ Services located and isolated before drilling or fixing near switchboards or cabling
- ✓ Live services identified and avoided during frame fixing
- ✓ Licensed electrician engaged if service relocation is required
Heat stress working outdoors during summer glazing installation
- ✓ Hydration breaks scheduled during hot conditions
- ✓ Heavy glazing work rescheduled to cooler parts of the day where practical
- ✓ Shade provided for breaks
UV exposure during extended outdoor glazing work
- ✓ Sun-protective clothing and hat worn
- ✓ Sunscreen applied and reapplied through the day
- ✓ Shade used for breaks where available
Working alone on isolated glazing repair or replacement tasks
- ✓ Check-in procedure maintained with the office or supervisor
- ✓ Mobile phone carried and charged at all times
- ✓ Lone work avoided for elevated-risk glazing tasks
Glass panel instability before final fixing is complete
- ✓ Panels temporarily braced or clamped until permanent fixing is installed
- ✓ Panels not left free-standing in high-traffic or high-wind areas
- ✓ Final fixing sequence followed per the manufacturer installation guide
Frequently asked questions
What is a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legally required document for high-risk construction work. It sets out the job steps, the hazards involved, and the controls you'll use to manage them before work starts.
Do I need a SWMS for window, curtain wall and structural glazing installation?
If the work falls into one of the 18 high-risk construction work categories under the WHS Regulations, a SWMS is mandatory before work can start. This template is pre-mapped to the categories that typically apply to glazing work of this kind.
Is this template really free?
Yes. Join with your Google account in 10 seconds, no card required, and it's saved to your account ready to customise, publish and get signed by your crew online.
Can I use this template as-is?
Treat it as a starting point, not a finished document. Every site is different — add your site-specific hazards, confirm the controls suit the actual job, and have it reviewed before workers sign it.
This template is a starting point only. Review and adapt it for your actual site conditions before use — it is not a substitute for a competent person's own risk assessment.