Synonyms: Glass installer; glass setter; glass-worker
Job profile
Definition and/or description
Installs glass (including mirrors, stained and other specially treated glass) in openings (windows, doors, show- cases, frames, etc.) and on surfaces (walls, ceilings, screens, tabletops, etc.). May cut, tint, decorate or otherwise treat glass before setting. If occupied in construction and designated Glazier (construction): installs glass in windows, skylights, store fronts and display cases or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings and tabletops. Marks outline or pattern on glass and cuts glass, using glasscutter. Breaks off excess glass by hand or with notched tool. Fastens glass panels into wood sash with glazier’s points and spreads and smooths putty around edge of panes with knife to seal joints. Installs mirrors or structural glass on building fronts, walls, ceilings or tables, using mastic, screws or decorative moulding. Bolts metal hinges, handles, locks and other hardware to prefabricated glass doors. Sets glass doors into frame and fits hinges. May install metal window and door frames into which glass panels are to be fitted. May press plastic adhesive film to glass or spray glass with tinting solution to prevent light glare. May install stained glass windows. May assemble and install metal-framed glass enclosures for showers and be designated Shower-enclosure Installer (construction). May be designated according to type of glass installed as Glazier, Structural Glass (construction); Plate-glass Installer (construction) (DOT).
Related and specific occupations
Glazier, glass installer or glass setter designated according to industry (glazier (construction); glazier, metal furniture (furniture); refrigerator glazier (svc. ind. mach.); glass installer (automotive ser.); glass installer (woodworking)) or to a type of material used (mirror installer (construction); glazier, stained glass (glass products)). Also: edger, hand (glass mfg.; glass products); edger, touch-up (glass products); framer (glass products; wood prod., n.e.c.); frame repairer (glass products); glass cutter (any industry); glass decorator (glass mfg.; glass products); glass etcher (glass mfg.; glass products); glass finisher (glass products); glass sander, belt (glass products); glass tinter (glass products) (DOT).
Tasks
Adjusting; aligning; applying; assembling; bolting; boring; breaking-off; calculating; checking; cleaning; coating; colouring; connecting; covering; cutting; decorating; determining; drilling; driving; edging; estimating; etching; fastening; filing; finishing; fitting; framing; glazing; gluing; hammering; handling; installing; inserting; joining; laying; lifting; loading and unloading; marking; measuring; moving; operating (equipment); pencil-edging; placing; polishing; positioning; preparing; pressing; preventing; puttying; reinforcing; repairing; replacing; removing; sanding; screwing; scribing; sealing; selecting; setting; shaping; sketching; smoothing; soldering; spraying; spreading; staining; tacking; tapping; tinting; touching up; transporting; weatherproofing; wiping.
Hazards
Accident hazards
– Injuries, especially severe cuts to hands and feet and crushing of toes, caused by glass sheets and their sharp edges during cutting, moving, setting, and other handling operations;
– Cuts and stabs caused by working tools, such as chisels, glass-cutters, knives, etc.;
– Falls from heights while setting glass in windows, on walls and ceilings, etc., resulting in heavy traumas and sometimes death;
– Risk of being crushed under the weight of collapsed heavy glass sheet or pile of glass sheets;
– Slips, trips and falls on level surfaces, especially on wet, slippery and greasy floors, while moving glass sheets;
– Eye and skin injuries from glass splinters;
– Acute poisoning and/or chemical burns as a result of using strong reactives (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) for etching glass and similar purposes;
– Fire risk due to use of inflammables;
– Electric shocks caused by contact with defective electromechanical equipment.
Physical hazards
– Exposure of skin and eyes to ultraviolet radiation while working under direct solar rays;
– Cold or heat stress (resulting in effects ranging from temperature discomfort to frostbite or heatstroke, respectively) while working outdoors;
– Health effects (e.g., rheumatic, problems of airways, etc.) due to drafts, prolonged standing on concrete floors, etc.
Chemical hazards
– Chronic poisoning and/or skin diseases as a result of exposure to splinters of glass, containing lead, arsenic and other toxic elements;
– Chronic poisoning and/or dermatologic conditions (e.g., dermatitis) caused by putties, sealants, adhesives, solvents (e.g., when removing glass from its frame), cleansers, etc.;
– Chronic toxicological effects of exposure to fumes of strong reactives (e.g., hydrofluoric acid).
Biological hazards
Biological hazards may be encountered by glaziers working in an environment where they are potentially exposed to micro-organisms, allergenic plants, hair, fur, etc.
Ergonomic and social factors
– Acute musculoskeletal injuries caused by physical overexertion and awkward posture while carrying and otherwise handling bulky glass sheets;
– Cumulative trauma disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by long-time repetitive work involving primarily hand, arm, and finger movements;
– Tiredness and general ill feeling;
– Psychological stress resulting from the fear of falling from heights, or fear of failure while cutting, handling and setting expensive glass sheets, etc.