What are the most important safety precautions for a glazier working at height on a skyscraper?

For a glazier working at height on a skyscraper, fall prevention, secure glass handling, and control of dropped objects are the biggest priorities. In U.S. construction, OSHA identifies falls as the leading cause of construction fatalities.

Most important precautions

• Use a proper fall-protection system. Use compliant guardrails where possible and a properly fitted personal fall-arrest/restraint system where required. On suspended scaffolds, OSHA generally requires fall protection above 10 ft, and two-point suspension scaffolds require both guardrails and personal fall arrest.
• Use only approved anchor points. Never clip a harness to an improvised structural member, glazing frame, pipe, or scaffold component unless it has been specifically designed and verified as an appropriate anchorage.
• Inspect everything before use. Check harnesses, lanyards/SRLs, lifelines, anchors, scaffolds, hoists, ropes, platforms, glass-handling equipment, and lifting accessories. Remove damaged equipment from service.
• Treat the suspended platform as a critical system. For swing stages, verify the roof/support rigging, suspension ropes, counterweights/anchors, platform, hoists, tie-ins, and emergency arrangements. OSHA requires suspension scaffolds to be secured against dangerous swaying and appropriately supported.
• Control the glass mechanically whenever possible. Use rated vacuum lifters, glazing robots, hoists, or other engineered lifting equipment rather than manually carrying large panes at an exposed edge.
• Protect against falling objects. Secure hand tools and equipment with appropriate tethering where compatible with the work, establish exclusion zones below, and use toe boards, screens, canopies, or other engineered protection as appropriate. Falling tools and materials are recognized scaffold hazards.
• Never work in unsuitable weather. High winds are particularly dangerous with large glass panels because they can behave like sails. Suspend lifting or installation when wind, lightning, rain, ice, or other conditions exceed the equipment/site limits. OSHA specifically prohibits scaffold use during storms or high winds under its field safety guidance.
• Maintain safe access and egress. Don't climb scaffold cross-braces or improvise access. Use designated ladders, stairways, personnel hoists, or other approved access systems.
• Control the work area. Keep platforms clear of debris, glass shards, sealant, cords, and other trip hazards. Maintain a safe working position rather than leaning or overreaching outside the platform.
• Wear appropriate PPE. Typically this includes a properly fitted harness where required, hard hat, eye protection, cut-resistant hand protection suitable for the glass, safety footwear, and task/site-specific PPE. PPE should complement—not replace—engineered fall and material-handling controls.
• Have a rescue plan before starting. A fall-arrest system can leave a suspended worker incapacitated. The crew needs a realistic, site-specific rescue procedure, suitable equipment, communications, and trained personnel—not simply an instruction to "call 911."
• Use competent, trained personnel. Workers should be trained in fall protection, scaffold/swing-stage operation, glass handling, lifting/rigging, emergency procedures, and the specific equipment being used. OSHA explicitly requires training in recognizing hazards and safely using ladders, scaffolds, and fall-protection systems.

A useful rule of thumb

For skyscraper glazing, don't solve a fall hazard with a worker's balance. First look for an engineered solution: guardrail → restraint → fall arrest, while separately controlling the glass and anything that could fall onto people below.

The exact requirements depend heavily on whether the glazier is using a swing stage, mast climber, aerial lift, building maintenance unit, suspended rope access, or a floor/edge system, as well as the jurisdiction. For a real job, the site's competent/qualified persons and applicable regulations should determine the specific system and procedures.

Working at height on a skyscraper as a glazier involves severe risks, including falls from elevation, dropped objects, and heavy structural load failures. Here are the most critical safety precautions required for this high-hazard trade:

• Fall protection systems: 100% tie-off compliance is mandatory. Glaziers must use a combination of full-body harnesses, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), and certified anchor points. When working near unprotected edges or on scaffolding/swing stages, guardrail systems and safety nets must be rigorously inspected and secured before work begins.
• Rigging and crane safety: Heavy glass lites are susceptible to wind loading and swinging. Lifts require certified rigging, wind-speed monitoring (suspending lifts when wind exceeds safe thresholds), and strict exclusion zones below to prevent crushing or struck-by injuries.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves and sleeves are essential due to razor-sharp glass edges. Additionally, workers must wear hard hats with chin straps, high-visibility vests, and specialized safety footwear with puncture-resistant soles.
• Safe material handling and suction cups: Vacuum cup lifters (manual or battery-powered mechanical cups) must be inspected daily for pressure loss, cracked pads, and battery health before lifting any glass panel. Never overload a lifter past its rated capacity.
• Scaffolding and swing stage integrity: Suspended scaffolds, bosun chairs, and motorized cradles must be tied off, checked for structural soundness, and equipped with secondary independent lifeline brakes. Overloading platforms with extra glass or tools is strictly prohibited.
• Weather condition monitoring: High winds, heavy rain, ice, and electrical storms drastically increase the danger of handling large, sail-like glass panes. Work must be immediately halted and secured when weather parameters exceed safe operational limits.
• Communication and drop prevention: Establish clear, standardized hand or radio signals between the ground crew, crane operator, and glaziers at height. Tool lanyards must be used for all hand tools to prevent deadly falling object hazards to pedestrians or workers below.

Would you like me to expand on OSHA regulations for suspended scaffolding or detail the inspection checklist for vacuum suction cup lifters?

For a glazier working at height on a skyscraper, the biggest risks are falls, dropped glass/materials, wind, suspended access equipment, and glass-handling injuries. The precautions should be built around eliminating or controlling those hazards before work starts.

Most important precautions

• Use a proper fall-protection system. Prefer guardrails, fully protected platforms, or other fall-prevention measures. Where personal fall arrest is required, use a properly fitted full-body harness connected to an approved anchorage/lifeline—not improvised attachment points. OSHA generally requires fall protection at 6 ft (1.8 m) on unprotected construction walking/working surfaces, with specific rules for different scaffold types.
• Inspect the suspended scaffold, swing stage, mast climber, or aerial lift before use. A competent person should verify the platform, rigging, anchors, guardrails, lifelines, controls, emergency systems, and communications. Scaffolds also need inspection after events that could compromise their integrity.
• Never work beyond the protected platform. Don't climb guardrails, stand on buckets or boxes, overreach, or lean outside the work platform to position glass. Reposition the equipment instead.
• Control the glass mechanically. Use properly rated vacuum lifters, cranes/hoists, carts, or other engineered handling equipment appropriate for the pane's weight and configuration. Verify the glass, lifting equipment, attachment points, and rated capacities before lifting.
• Keep people out of the drop zone. Establish barricaded exclusion zones below and around the work area. Secure tools, glazing components, and other loose materials so they cannot fall. OSHA specifically calls for measures such as toeboards, screens, debris nets, catch platforms, canopies, or barricades where appropriate.
• Treat wind as a critical hazard. Large panes act like sails. Stop work when wind or weather exceeds the limits specified by the equipment manufacturer, engineered plan, or site safety procedure. OSHA prohibits scaffold work during storms or high winds unless a competent person determines it is safe and the required protections are in place.
• Wear appropriate PPE. Typically this includes a hard hat, eye protection, suitable cut-resistant hand protection, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing where required, and fall-protection equipment appropriate to the system. PPE should supplement—not replace—engineering controls.
• Protect against glass breakage. Use the specified safety glazing and handling procedures. Never assume a pane is safe to handle simply because it appears intact; inspect it for damage and follow the manufacturer's handling requirements.
• Maintain good housekeeping. Keep the platform free of glass shards, packaging, tools, sealant, and other trip hazards. OSHA specifically prohibits cluttered scaffold platforms.
• Have a rescue plan before connecting a harness. A fall-arrest system isn't enough by itself. The crew needs a practical plan and equipment for promptly rescuing someone after a fall, because simply leaving a suspended worker hanging can create another serious hazard. OSHA emphasizes having an effective rescue plan as part of fall-protection planning.
• Coordinate the whole operation. On a skyscraper, glazing often involves cranes, hoists, other trades, façade systems, electrical equipment, and workers above and below. Use a pre-task briefing/JHA, clear radio or hand-signal procedures, and a designated person in charge of the lift.

The three rules I'd emphasize most

1. Never expose yourself to an unprotected edge. 2. Never allow glass or tools to enter an uncontrolled drop zone. 3. Never lift or position a large pane unless the lifting method, equipment capacity, weather conditions, and communication plan have all been verified.

These are general safety principles; the actual procedure should follow the project's engineered façade/glazing plan, equipment manufacturer's instructions, and applicable OSHA requirements. For U.S. construction, the exact fall-protection requirements vary depending on whether you're on a suspended scaffold, supported scaffold, aerial lift, roof/edge, etc.

The most critical safety precaution for a glazier working on a skyscraper is the 100% tie-off fall protection rule using certified anchor points and full-body harnesses to prevent fatal falls from elevation.

Working at extreme heights with heavy, fragile glass units introduces severe hazards. Glaziers must follow strict operational protocols provided by organizations like the National Glass Association and guidelines from OSHA.

Essential Safety Precautions

• Fall Arrest Systems : Wear a full-body harness attached to an independent, certified lifeline or anchor point at all times when working near unsealed building edges, scaffolds, or swing stages.
• Vacuum Cup and Lifting Monitoring : Inspect mechanical and manual vacuum lifting pads, power systems, and vacuum gauges constantly before hoisting heavy glass panes.
• Wind and Weather Monitoring : Cease exterior glass lifting and installation immediately when wind speeds exceed safe operational limits that can cause a panel to act as a sail.
• Tethering Tools and Materials : Use lanyards to secure all hand tools, suction cups, and hardware to prevent dropped objects from striking workers or pedestrians far below.
• Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Wear cut-resistant gloves or gauntlets, heavy-duty work boots, hard hats, and safety glasses to guard against sharp edges and sudden impacts.
• Controlled Access Zones : Establish barricades and warning lines on the ground level directly beneath the active work area to keep foot traffic away from potential falling debris.
• Tag Lines for Load Control : Use non-conductive tag lines to guide large glass units and prevent them from spinning or striking the building structure during crane or hoist operations.

If you'd like, let me know:

• What specific type of platform is being used (swing stage, tower scaffold, or spider crane)?
• Are you looking for training guidelines or regulatory compliance details?

For a glazier working at height on a skyscraper, the most critical hazards are falls, falling glass/materials, suspended loads, wind, and cuts. In the U.S., OSHA requirements apply, but the project's site-specific fall-protection plan and competent-person instructions are also essential.

Key precautions

1. Use a proper fall-protection system

   • At exposed edges, use compliant guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall-arrest system as required.
   • A worker 6 ft (1.8 m) or more above a lower level generally needs fall protection under OSHA construction rules.
   • Use only approved anchorage points; never improvise by attaching fall-arrest equipment to a guardrail or unsuitable structural member.
   • Inspect harnesses, lanyards/SRLs, connectors and anchor systems before use. OSHA requires personal fall-arrest systems to be inspected before each use.

2. Have a rescue plan—not just fall arrest

   • A fall-arrest system can save someone from hitting the ground but still leave them suspended and injured.
   • OSHA requires employers to provide for prompt rescue after a fall or ensure workers can rescue themselves.
   • Workers should know the emergency procedure, communication method, and who initiates rescue before work begins.

3. Control glass and other falling objects

   • Establish an exclusion/drop zone below and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering it.
   • Secure tools and materials against wind or accidental displacement.
   • Use toeboards, screens, barricades, canopies or other appropriate controls where necessary. OSHA specifically requires measures to protect people from falling objects.
   • Wear an appropriate hard hat and eye protection.

4. Treat glass panels as suspended loads

   • Use engineered lifting equipment and properly rated suction cups/clamps/rigging.
   • Inspect lifting devices before use and follow their manufacturer-rated capacities.
   • Keep people out from underneath suspended glass and never stand between a suspended panel and the building.
   • Use designated signalers/communication procedures with crane or hoist operators.

5. Respect wind and weather limits

   • Large glass panels behave like sails. Wind can make them uncontrollable even when they are relatively light.
   • Stop work when wind, lightning, rain, ice, visibility or other conditions exceed the limits established by the equipment manufacturer and site plan.
   • Don't rely on a worker's judgment alone for wind limits—follow the project's engineered/equipment-specific limits.

6. Make the work platform safe

   • Inspect scaffolds, suspended platforms, mast climbers or aerial lifts before use.
   • Keep platforms clean and free of glass shards, packaging, sealant, tools and trip hazards.
   • Never bypass platform gates, overload the platform, or use makeshift platforms.
   • OSHA notes that scaffold and crane work have additional fall-protection requirements under their respective OSHA subparts.

7. Prevent glass cuts and crushing injuries

   • Use appropriate cut-resistant gloves and sleeves, eye/face protection and safety footwear.
   • Use mechanical handling rather than manually carrying large panes whenever practicable.
   • Maintain a clear escape path when positioning a panel; don't put hands, feet or the body between the glass and the frame.
   • Handle broken or damaged glass according to the site's procedure rather than trying to stabilize it casually.

8. Control silica and other dust hazards

   • Cutting/drilling concrete, stone, mortar or other silica-containing materials around the glazing operation can create respirable crystalline silica.
   • OSHA requires construction employers to control silica exposure, generally using engineering/work-practice controls such as wet methods or appropriate dust extraction.
   • Don't assume that simply wearing a respirator substitutes for proper engineering controls.

9. Coordinate the entire façade operation

   • Before starting, conduct a task-specific hazard assessment/toolbox talk covering access, anchors, lifting, wind, exclusion zones, simultaneous trades, emergency procedures and changes in conditions.
   • Stop work if the planned protection isn't in place or conditions change.

Bottom line: On a skyscraper, the safest approach is engineered fall protection + controlled lifting/handling of glass + exclusion zones below + strict weather limits + inspected equipment + a practiced rescue plan. PPE is important, but it should be the last layer—not the primary control.

OSHA Fall Protection Standard — 29 CFR 1926.501 

Fall prevention and dropped object mitigation are the most critical safety precautions for a glazier working at height on a skyscraper.

1. Fall Protection Systems

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) : Wear a full-body harness inspected daily for wear, tears, or burns.
• 100% Tie-Off : Remain attached to an approved anchor point at all times using a dual-lanyard system.
• Anchor Points : Connect exclusively to certified overhead structural anchors capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker.
• Safety Nets : Ensure perimeter safety netting is installed below the active work zone to catch falling workers or large debris.

2. Dropped Object Prevention

• Tool Tethers : Secure every hand tool, cordless drill, and suction cup to your harness or wrist using dedicated lethers.
• Debris Nets : Install fine-mesh vertical debris netting around the exterior scaffolding or perimeter to contain flying fragments.
• Exclusion Zones : Barricade the ground-level drop zone directly beneath the work area with clear warning signs to protect pedestrians.
• Tethered Buckets : Use self-closing, load-rated hoisting buckets to transport bolts, gaskets, and small hardware.

3. Glass Handling & Lifting Equipment

• Suction Cup Inspections : Check specialized vacuum lifters and manual suction cups for lip damage or low battery vacuum alerts before lifting.
• Tag Lines : Attach nylon tag lines to the glass panels during crane hoists to control rotation and prevent wind-driven swinging.
• Proper Storage : Secure glass panels in heavy-duty, rubber-lined A-frame racks on the floor slab to prevent tipping from wind gusts.
• Cut-Resistant PPE : Wear Level A4 or higher cut-resistant gloves, wrist gauntlets, and safety glasses to protect against sudden glass breakage.

4. Environmental & Environmental Monitoring

• Wind Speed Thresholds : Cease all high-rise glazing operations immediately if sustained wind speeds or sudden gusts exceed 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Weather Tracking : Monitor live meteorological reports for sudden lightning, heavy rain, or high-altitude thermal updrafts.
• Thermal Stress Management : Take scheduled hydration breaks to combat the intense heat and UV exposure amplified by reflective glass facades.

5. Access & Training

• Daily Inspections : Evaluate suspended scaffolds, swing stages, and mast-climbing work platforms prior to every shift.
• Specialized Training : Complete mandatory certifications for high-rise rigging, signaling, and emergency suspension trauma rescue.

If you are planning a specific job, would you like me to find local OSHA compliance offices , high-rise safety equipment suppliers , or specialized glazier safety training programs near you?

Working as a glazier at height on a skyscraper involves extreme hazards, including fall risks, heavy material handling in windy conditions, and suspended work platforms. The most critical safety precautions are structured below for clarity:

• Fall Protection Systems : Always use a comprehensive, inspected fall arrest or restraint system. This includes full-body harnesses tied off to certified anchor points or static lines, independent of the suspended scaffold or swing stage.
• Rigging and Swing Stage Inspection : Thoroughly inspect all rigging, wire ropes, hoists, and motor-driven swing stages before every shift. Ensure secondary emergency braking systems and lifelines are fully operational and independent of the primary platform support.
• Weather and Wind Monitoring : Continuously monitor wind speeds and weather forecasts. High-altitude wind gusts can act as a sail against large glass panes, causing loss of load control or dangerous platform oscillation. Work must halt if winds exceed safe operational thresholds (typically 20 to 30 mph or per specific site engineering limits).
• Material Handling and Rigging Gear : Use specialized vacuum cup lifting devices (manual or battery-powered crane attachments) that feature dual-vacuum circuits and low-vacuum warning alarms. Secure all glass panes with taglines to prevent rotation or striking the building structure during lifts.
• Exclusion Zones and Ground Control : Establish heavily barricaded drop zones and safety exclusion zones on the ground directly below the work area. Deploy toe boards, debris netting, and sidewalk sheds to protect pedestrians and lower-level workers from falling objects or sealants.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Wear mandatory high-altitude PPE, including hard hats with chin straps, high-visibility vests, ANSI-approved cut-resistant gloves (handling sharp glass requires heavy-duty protection like Kevlar or leather-palm composites), and slip-resistant footwear.
• Communication Protocols : Maintain clear, uninterrupted communication (via two-way radios or standardized hand signals) between the glaziers on the platform, the crane or hoist operator, and the ground safety spotter at all times.

If you'd like, I can dive deeper into:

• Specific OSHA or international safety standards for suspended scaffolding
• Glass handling techniques in high winds
• Emergency rescue procedures for a harness suspension event

Let me know how you want to proceed.

For a glazier working at height on a skyscraper, the biggest risks are falls, dropped glass/tools, suspended work hazards, and glass handling injuries. The most important precautions are:

1. Use proper fall protection at all times

   • Wear a properly fitted full-body harness when required.
   • Use approved anchor points, lifelines, self-retracting lifelines, or other fall-arrest systems as designed.
   • Inspect harnesses, lanyards, connectors, and anchors before use.
   • Never disconnect from fall protection while exposed to a fall hazard. Fall protection requirements depend on the work situation and jurisdiction; in U.S. construction, OSHA generally requires protection for unprotected edges 6 feet or more above lower levels.

2. Plan the work before starting

   • Complete a site-specific hazard assessment.
   • Identify fall edges, openings, wind exposure, crane/hoist operations, fragile surfaces, and escape routes.
   • Hold a pre-task briefing so everyone understands roles and hazards.
   • Ensure workers are trained and competent for the equipment being used.

3. Use the right access equipment

   • Use properly installed scaffolds, powered platforms, mast climbers, or suspended access equipment.
   • Verify equipment inspections and load ratings.
   • Do not improvise with ladders, makeshift platforms, or unstable surfaces.
   • Maintain three points of contact when climbing.

4. Control glass and tool hazards

   • Use tool lanyards to prevent dropped tools.
   • Secure glass panels, suction lifters, rigging, and materials against wind and accidental release.
   • Establish exclusion zones below the work area.
   • Use toe boards, barriers, or other controls where falling objects are possible.

5. Handle glass safely

   • Wear appropriate PPE: cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, hard hat, safety footwear, and task-specific protection.
   • Inspect glass for cracks, defects, and damage before lifting.
   • Use mechanical lifting aids or properly rated glass handling equipment for large panels.
   • Avoid carrying large sheets in strong winds.

6. Monitor weather and building conditions

   • Stop or modify work during high winds, storms, lightning, ice, or unsafe conditions.
   • Be especially cautious with suspended platforms and exterior façade work, where wind can create sudden movement.

7. Maintain communication

   • Use reliable communication systems between workers, ground crews, crane operators, and supervisors.
   • Confirm signals and procedures before lifting or positioning glass.

8. Have an emergency and rescue plan

   • Plan how a worker will be rescued after a fall arrest; suspension in a harness can become dangerous if rescue is delayed.
   • Ensure rescue equipment and trained personnel are available.
   • Know emergency access routes and site contacts.

9. Keep the work area organized

   • Remove trip hazards.
   • Keep walkways clear.
   • Store materials away from edges.
   • Secure loose items that could be blown or knocked down.

The core principle is: prevent the fall first (guardrails, safe platforms, planning), then protect against a fall (harnesses and arrest systems), and always control what can fall onto people below.

Working as a glazier on a skyscraper involves high-risk activities like handling heavy, fragile glass panels in high-wind environments at extreme elevations. Safety is paramount to prevent falls, dropped objects, and structural failures.

• Fall Protection Systems : Utilizing full-body harnesses tied off to certified anchor points, lifeline systems, or retractable lanyards is mandatory whenever working near unprotected edges or on scaffolding 6 ft (1.8 m) or higher above lower levels.
• Controlled Access Zones (CAZs) : Establishing strictly designated drop zones and ground-level barricades with warning lines and safety watchers to prevent pedestrian and worker access beneath active overhead installation areas.
• Wind Speed Monitoring : Continuously tracking meteorological data and on-site anemometers to halt exterior crane lifts and glass maneuvers when wind velocities exceed safe operational thresholds (typically 20 to 30 mph, depending on panel surface area).
• Rigging and Lifting Equipment Inspection : Conducting rigorous daily pre-use inspections of cranes, hoists, vacuum suction cup lifters, and slings to ensure zero mechanical defects before hoisting multi-ton glass units.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Wearing high-impact safety glasses, hard hats with chin straps, puncture-resistant cut-protective gloves (due to sharp glass edges), and high-visibility apparel.
• Scaffolding and Swing Stage Safety : Inspecting suspended staging, parapet clamps, and counterweights daily, ensuring toe boards and debris netting are active to prevent tools or hardware from sliding off platforms.
• Emergency Rescue Planning : Having a site-specific rescue plan and readily available equipment to rapidly retrieve a worker who has fallen and is suspended in a harness, mitigating the risk of suspension trauma.

Would you like me to dive deeper into ** OSHA fall protection standards** or detail the safe operation protocols for vacuum lifters on site?

For a glazier working at height on a skyscraper, the biggest risks are falls, falling glass/tools, suspended loads, wind, and glass breakage. The most important precautions are:

1. Use a properly planned fall-protection system.
   On U.S. construction sites, workers exposed to unprotected sides/edges 6 feet or more above a lower level generally need guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall-arrest system.

   • Prefer guardrails or other passive protection where feasible.
   • When using a harness, use an approved anchor and compatible lanyard/SRL, and inspect the entire system before use.
   • Never connect to an anchor point that hasn't been designed/approved for fall protection.
   • Have a rescue plan for a worker who falls and is left suspended; don't rely solely on 911.

2. Treat the building edge as a fall hazard at all times.
   Keep floor openings, window openings, leading edges, and unfinished façade areas guarded or protected. Verify that the surface can safely support the worker and equipment before working on it.

3. Use properly designed access equipment.
   Whether working from a suspended scaffold, swing stage, mast climber, aerial lift, scaffold, or other platform, workers should be trained and the equipment inspected before use. Don't improvise platforms or stand on guardrails, window sills, buckets, or boxes.

4. Control glass and tools against falling.

   • Establish an exclusion/drop zone below.
   • Secure tools and small equipment with appropriate tethering where permitted.
   • Secure glass panels against movement during staging and installation.
   • Never work underneath a suspended load or allow people into the drop zone.
   • Coordinate hoisting operations with the crane/rigging crew.

5. Use the right glass-handling equipment and technique.
   Large façade panels can be extremely heavy and difficult to control, especially in wind. Use engineered lifting devices, vacuum lifters, cranes/hoists, and tag lines as specified by the project. Don't attempt to manually control a panel that exceeds the crew's safe handling capability.

6. Take wind and weather seriously.
   High-rise glazing can become dangerous very quickly in strong or gusty winds. Follow the equipment manufacturer's and project's wind limits, and stop work when conditions exceed them. Wet, icy, or contaminated surfaces also substantially increase slip hazards.

7. Inspect glass before handling it.
   Don't install or handle damaged, cracked, chipped, or otherwise compromised glass without following the manufacturer's/project procedure. Wear appropriate cut-resistant hand protection and other PPE, but don't assume gloves make broken glass safe to handle.

8. Wear appropriate PPE.
   Depending on the task and site assessment: hard hat, safety glasses/face protection, cut-resistant gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection, and fall-protection equipment. PPE must be compatible with the work and properly fitted.

9. Control silica and other construction exposures.
   If drilling, cutting, or grinding masonry, concrete, or other silica-containing materials around the glazing operation, use the required engineering controls and respiratory protection program. OSHA's construction silica standard requires employers to control respirable crystalline-silica exposure and maintain an exposure-control plan.

10. Be trained for the specific equipment and hazards.
    OSHA requires fall-hazard training covering recognition of hazards and the procedures used to minimize them. www.osha.gov Workers should also be trained for the particular suspended scaffold/aerial lift, lifting equipment, fall-arrest system, glass-handling equipment, and emergency procedures they'll use.

The golden rule: don't start a high-rise glazing task until fall protection, access, glass lifting/handling, dropped-object controls, weather limits, and rescue arrangements have all been addressed. On a skyscraper, a seemingly minor shortcut can have catastrophic consequences.

For U.S. work, the applicable requirements are primarily in OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M — Fall Protection, with additional requirements depending on whether the glazier is working from scaffolds, aerial lifts, cranes, ladders, or other equipment.