Curtain Wall & Window Wall Installers
Curtain wall is the glass and metal skin of many commercial buildings. Units can weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds, are installed from floor edges or exterior platforms, and may be lifted by crane or hoist. Falls, falling glass and hoisting hazards are the main risks.
- Glaziers
- Ironworkers
- Crane Crews
Hazards
- Falls from slab edges, outside platforms and lifts where the wall is not yet in. See Leading Edge Work.
- Falling objects: glass, anchors, tools and panels dropped onto people below.
- Hoisting unitized panels: heavy, large panels that swing in wind. See Below-the-Hook Devices and Lift Wind Limits.
- Glass cuts and breakage: sharp edges, shards and thermal breakage.
- Pinch and crush points while setting units.
- Sealants and cleaners: silicone, solvents and primers may irritate skin and lungs. See Solvents.
- Strain from awkward lifting. See Lifting Ergonomics.
Planning
- Follow the installation drawings and the manufacturer's instructions, including lifting points and rigging
- Do a lift plan with weights, wind limits and drop zones. See Lift Planning
- Establish controlled access zones below the work with barricades, overhead protection or sidewalk sheds
- Provide fall protection: guardrails, personal fall arrest tied to engineered anchors, or aerial lifts and suspended scaffolds. See Suspended Scaffolds and Personal Fall Arrest Systems
- Store glass on proper A-frames or racks and protect from tipping
Installation practices
- Use vacuum lifters, glazing robots or hoist attachments rated for the weight; check suction level alarms. Never rely on suction cups past their rating.
- Use tag lines and a qualified signal person. Keep hands out of pinch points.
- Secure each unit with temporary connections before releasing the hoist.
- Tether tools and keep materials from sliding off edges.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, hard hat and sleeves when handling glass.
- Stop work in high winds, lightning and rain, per the plan.
- Control sealant fumes with ventilation and gloves; follow SDSs.
Standards & references
Last updated: