Window and Door Installation

Window and door installation involves handling heavy glazed units, using power fixings, and working at height on external openings.
Glazed units are heavy, fragile, and have sharp edges — a broken pane causes deep lacerations and falling glass injures workers below.
Manual handling of window frames and door sets causes back and shoulder injuries due to their weight and awkward dimensions.
Working at height from internal platforms or external scaffolds to install upper floor windows requires fall protection throughout.
Power fixing tools including nail guns, screw guns, and resin anchors create projectile, noise, and vibration hazards.
Sealant and adhesive products used in window installation contain chemicals requiring COSHH assessment and skin protection.
Temporary bracing must hold window and door frames in position until permanent fixings and building connections are complete.
Glass handling requires gauntlet gloves and arm guards — standard site gloves do not protect against glass edge lacerations.
Removing old windows during refurbishment may disturb asbestos-containing putty or lead paint on existing frames.
Protection of installed windows from follow-on trades prevents damage, but protective film must not obscure fire escape signage.

Glass laceration	Broken glazing units have razor-sharp edges that cause deep, potentially fatal lacerations — specialist handling PPE is essential.
Falling glass	A dropped or shattered pane from height falls as lethal projectiles — exclusion zones below protect workers from impact.
Heavy and awkward	Window and door units combine significant weight with awkward size — team handling and mechanical aids prevent injuries.

Do

Don't

Use gauntlet gloves and arm guards when handling all glazed units.
Plan team lifts or use suction cup lifters for heavy window and door units.
Install fall protection when working at external openings on upper floors.
Establish exclusion zones below window installation areas to protect from falling glass.
Wear hearing protection when using power fixing tools in enclosed rooms.
Read the COSHH assessment for sealants and adhesives before applying them.
Install temporary bracing to hold frames until permanent fixings are complete.
Test existing putty and paint for asbestos and lead before removing old windows.
Handle glass carefully — a broken pane creates sharp edges and falling hazards.
Protect installed windows from damage by following trades without obscuring fire signs.

DON'T handle glass without gauntlet gloves and arm guards for laceration protection.
DON'T carry heavy window units alone — use team handling or suction lifters.
DON'T work at external openings on upper floors without fall protection in place.
DON'T allow workers below window installation without exclusion zones for falling glass.
DON'T use power fixings without hearing protection in enclosed installation areas.
DON'T apply sealants without checking the COSHH assessment for skin protection requirements.
DON'T leave frames unsupported — temporary bracing prevents them falling from openings.
DON'T strip old windows without testing the putty and paint for asbestos and lead.
DON'T rush glass handling — haste causes breakage that injures the handler and others.
DON'T obscure fire escape signs with protective film on newly installed windows.

See also: Building Works Safety Awareness | Glazing Safety

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