Precautions and safety in handling glass
Ensuring Safety Amid Fragility: Guidelines for Handling, Storing, and Transporting Glass It is necessary to pay meticulous attention while handling glass to avoid accidents and injuries.
Ensuring Safety Amid Fragility: Guidelines for Handling, Storing, and Transporting Glass
It is necessary to pay meticulous attention while handling glass to avoid accidents and injuries.
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Technical Article<br />
<strong>Precautions</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>safety</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g <strong>glass</strong><br />
Ensur<strong>in</strong>g Safety Amid Fragility: Guidel<strong>in</strong>es for<br />
H<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g, Stor<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> Transport<strong>in</strong>g Glass<br />
It is necessary to pay meticulous attention while<br />
h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g <strong>glass</strong> to avoid accidents <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>juries.<br />
Glass is fragile <strong>and</strong> brittle by<br />
nature. These properties<br />
require a special attention<br />
when load<strong>in</strong>g /un-load<strong>in</strong>g, stack<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
storage <strong>and</strong> transportation of <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
Mish<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g can result <strong>in</strong><br />
accidents which can cause cut, <strong>in</strong>jury,<br />
amputation <strong>and</strong> even be fatal at<br />
times.<br />
HANDLING OF GLASS<br />
Need of <strong>safety</strong> <strong>in</strong> proper h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of <strong>glass</strong> is of prime importance. The<br />
<strong>safety</strong> measures must be put <strong>in</strong> place<br />
<strong>and</strong> rigidly followed when h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>glass</strong>, both <strong>in</strong> small <strong>and</strong> large volumes.<br />
Over the time, by experience, certa<strong>in</strong><br />
procedures have been adhered to by<br />
<strong>glass</strong> factories <strong>and</strong> fabricators. Some<br />
of the most pert<strong>in</strong>ent <strong>safety</strong> practices<br />
required are:-<br />
1. Wear<strong>in</strong>g of cut resistant gloves<br />
<strong>and</strong> not lift<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>glass</strong> by bare h<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
2. The <strong>glass</strong> must be lifted by two<br />
persons;, s<strong>in</strong>gle person h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
large size or heavy <strong>glass</strong> must be<br />
avoided. S<strong>in</strong>gle person h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g can<br />
result <strong>in</strong> twist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> tipp<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
3. Never lift a <strong>glass</strong> with bare toe or<br />
while wear<strong>in</strong>g slippers. Always wear<br />
tight boots. Fall<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>glass</strong> on the feet<br />
is most common. Also broken <strong>glass</strong> on<br />
the floor can get <strong>in</strong> to your feet.<br />
4. Use of vacuum grippers should<br />
be practiced. Use s<strong>in</strong>gle pad grippers<br />
for small size <strong>glass</strong>, <strong>and</strong> double or<br />
triple pad vacuum grippers for large<br />
size <strong>glass</strong>. Always use vacuum grippers<br />
<strong>in</strong> pairs.<br />
5. The <strong>glass</strong> should be clean <strong>and</strong> dry<br />
before lift<strong>in</strong>g. Wet <strong>glass</strong> can slip easily<br />
<strong>and</strong> also the vacuum griper will not<br />
grip the wet <strong>glass</strong> firmly.<br />
6. The lift<strong>in</strong>g capacity of a person<br />
must be kept <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d. Lift<strong>in</strong>g <strong>glass</strong><br />
heavier than the capacity or for longer<br />
duration can pose a big problem of<br />
fatigue, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> slippage.<br />
7. All lift<strong>in</strong>g tools like sl<strong>in</strong>gs, vacuum<br />
pads, straps, hooks should have a<br />
<strong>safety</strong> factor of 2-2.5 .Only the properly<br />
tested <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>spected equipment<br />
should be used.<br />
8. Worn out, cracked, broken <strong>safety</strong><br />
equipment, is a serious threat. It<br />
should never be used to h<strong>and</strong>le <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
9. Ensure that the path to the<br />
h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g area is clean; dry (no water<br />
or oil spillage) is there. This can be a<br />
major hazard <strong>and</strong> cause of mishap.<br />
10. Always wear the proper<br />
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)<br />
like gloves, arm guards, <strong>safety</strong> <strong>glass</strong>es,<br />
boots, helmet, reflective uniform. Do<br />
not wear loose clothes to reduce risk<br />
of <strong>in</strong>jury.<br />
A very important say<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>glass</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry is<br />
“NEVER TRY TO HOLD A FALLING GLASS, BETER<br />
TO RUN OR JUMP AWAY FROM THE GLASS”.<br />
The weight of the fall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>glass</strong> is 5 times the<br />
actual weight of the <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
Storage of Glass<br />
Storage of <strong>glass</strong> is required by all<br />
<strong>glass</strong> manufactures, fabricators,<br />
processors, resellers <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g small<br />
shopkeepers. Storage of <strong>glass</strong> is a<br />
very specialised work <strong>and</strong> should be<br />
done by tra<strong>in</strong>ed persons who should<br />
be aware of the risk of personal <strong>in</strong>jury<br />
<strong>and</strong> monetary loss <strong>in</strong> h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g flat<br />
<strong>glass</strong>. Underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g of accident<br />
prone areas like stairs, sharp turns &<br />
corners, <strong>and</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g effective steps,<br />
precautions will m<strong>in</strong>imise or elim<strong>in</strong>ate<br />
the accidents.<br />
Most important & foremost th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> storage is RACKING. RACKING<br />
is stack<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>glass</strong> at an angle of<br />
<strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ation also known as Lean Angle.<br />
The optimum angle of lean should be<br />
between 3-5 degrees. The storage can<br />
also be done aga<strong>in</strong>st a wall. The load<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g capacity of the wall should be<br />
taken <strong>in</strong>to consideration. The floor on<br />
which the <strong>glass</strong> is be<strong>in</strong>g stored should<br />
be levelled <strong>and</strong> even. Uneven floor<br />
can result <strong>in</strong> fall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> slipp<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>glass</strong>. The floor should also be strong<br />
enough to take the load of the <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
If the floor is not cemented or pacca,<br />
there can be chances that the floor<br />
might s<strong>in</strong>k with weight. Rodents etc.<br />
also are a threat <strong>in</strong> such a case.<br />
Dos <strong>and</strong> Don’ts of <strong>glass</strong> storage are:<br />
1. Never drag or slide the <strong>glass</strong><br />
across the ground. The best way is to<br />
lift <strong>and</strong> place the <strong>glass</strong>.<br />
2. The <strong>glass</strong> should be placed<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st each other softly. Impact on<br />
one sheet from another can break the<br />
<strong>glass</strong>.<br />
3. Use of plastic corners, foam /cork<br />
separators will ease out plac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong><br />
removal of <strong>glass</strong> sheets.<br />
4. Use of various k<strong>in</strong>ds of lifters<br />
(Manual, Electric, Pneumatic,<br />
Hydraulic), EOT cranes, <strong>and</strong> Fork lifts<br />
should be encouraged to lift <strong>and</strong> stack<br />
the <strong>glass</strong> sheets.<br />
<strong>Precautions</strong> required dur<strong>in</strong>g storage<br />
of <strong>glass</strong> are:<br />
1. Ensure that the <strong>glass</strong> is properly<br />
secured <strong>and</strong> strapped before lift<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Use of extra sl<strong>in</strong>gs, steel straps,<br />
<strong>and</strong> side sl<strong>in</strong>gs are an added <strong>safety</strong><br />
features but a must.<br />
2. Never move or st<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> front of<br />
the fork lift. Keep the <strong>glass</strong> strapped<br />
to the back of the fork lift to avoid it<br />
from fall<strong>in</strong>g flat to the front.<br />
3. Capacity of EOT crane, Fork lift,<br />
Vacuum gripers, lift<strong>in</strong>g equipment<br />
should be kept <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d. Never ever<br />
overload. Periodic check-up of all the<br />
lift<strong>in</strong>g equipment <strong>and</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
should be done to avoid any mishap.<br />
90 Glass Bullet<strong>in</strong> | April - June, 2024
Techno Trade L<strong>in</strong>ks • 2<br />
4. Dur<strong>in</strong>g storage look for defects,<br />
cracks, chipped corners <strong>in</strong> the <strong>glass</strong>,<br />
if noticed do not store such <strong>glass</strong>. The<br />
flawed <strong>glass</strong> can break or cause <strong>in</strong>jury<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g stack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> removal.<br />
5. Storage area should be well<br />
lit <strong>and</strong> well ventilated. Foul smell,<br />
sneez<strong>in</strong>g, nausea can also be the<br />
cause of slippage of <strong>glass</strong> when<br />
manual stack<strong>in</strong>g. Large size <strong>glass</strong>es<br />
can obstruct the light <strong>and</strong> can create<br />
dark spots, which can be risky area of<br />
accidents.<br />
6. ‘A’ Frames are commonly used to<br />
stack the <strong>glass</strong>. It is advisable to stack<br />
the <strong>glass</strong> on both sides of ‘A’ Frame to<br />
make it stable <strong>and</strong> not tumble <strong>and</strong> tilt<br />
due to imbalance.<br />
7. Always ensure that the storage<br />
place is clean, it is not cluttered <strong>and</strong><br />
the path is free for movement. Any<br />
obstruction can be the reason for<br />
tumbl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> tripp<strong>in</strong>g over.<br />
8. No pets <strong>in</strong> the storage area. Pets<br />
can hurt themselves <strong>and</strong> cause panic<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> accidents.<br />
9. Noise is also a big problem<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>glass</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry. Some mach<strong>in</strong>es<br />
like belt gr<strong>in</strong>ders, Edge gr<strong>in</strong>ders,<br />
<strong>and</strong> toughened <strong>glass</strong> plant create a<br />
lot of noise. This noise can make it<br />
difficult to hear the <strong>in</strong>structions <strong>and</strong><br />
movement of storage vehicles, which<br />
could result <strong>in</strong>to collision <strong>and</strong> mishap.<br />
Avoid storage <strong>in</strong> noisy area.<br />
10. The walk way for workers, area<br />
for movement of vehicles, trolleys<br />
etc. should be away from storage<br />
area. These areas should be clearly<br />
designated <strong>and</strong> marked. The storage<br />
area should be cordoned <strong>and</strong> fenced<br />
for <strong>safety</strong> reasons.<br />
11. Safety <strong>in</strong>structions, dos <strong>and</strong><br />
don’ts chart, caution notices must be<br />
prom<strong>in</strong>ently displayed. The tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
of storage area workers must be a<br />
regular feature. This will keep them<br />
updated <strong>and</strong> aware of the risks.<br />
12. If any shift or slip or untoward<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g is noticed <strong>in</strong> stack, the area must<br />
be earmarked as out of bounds. The<br />
problem must be attended to on top<br />
priority, without any delay.<br />
Transportation of Glass<br />
Transportation of any fragile good is a<br />
challenge <strong>in</strong> itself. When transport<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>glass</strong> lot of care, precautions <strong>and</strong><br />
alertness is required. Break<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
scratch<strong>in</strong>g, chipp<strong>in</strong>g, corner break<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g load<strong>in</strong>g/ unload<strong>in</strong>g are very<br />
common. The risk of <strong>in</strong>jury <strong>and</strong> gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hurt or bruised is very high dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
load<strong>in</strong>g/ unload<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>glass</strong> on truck or<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>er.<br />
When load<strong>in</strong>g on truck/ any vehicle<br />
or conta<strong>in</strong>er, the ma<strong>in</strong> problem is the<br />
constra<strong>in</strong>t of area. The movement<br />
is much restricted due to area<br />
availability that result <strong>in</strong> bruises <strong>and</strong><br />
cuts very often. Sever<strong>in</strong>g of f<strong>in</strong>gers is<br />
another serious issue.<br />
It is always better to use<br />
mechanical equipment like cranes,<br />
hoists <strong>and</strong> other manual lift<strong>in</strong>g<br />
devises such as cha<strong>in</strong> pulley blocks,<br />
hoists, tripods to m<strong>in</strong>imise human<br />
<strong>in</strong>teraction. Many a times the trucks<br />
are loaded <strong>in</strong> a pit, which makes it<br />
easier <strong>and</strong> efficient.<br />
<strong>Precautions</strong> to be taken for<br />
transportation:<br />
1. The truck or conta<strong>in</strong>er should be<br />
loaded with even load distribution.<br />
2. The <strong>glass</strong> should be secured <strong>in</strong><br />
wooden crates with steel strapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Corners of the <strong>glass</strong> should be<br />
secured with cardboard or plastic<br />
corner protectors.<br />
3. The <strong>glass</strong> loaded on the truck<br />
should be securely strapped, to<br />
avoid breakage due to bumps, pits or<br />
sudden break<strong>in</strong>g on the road.<br />
4. Foam, cork <strong>and</strong> other<br />
polyurethane separators are placed<br />
between the <strong>glass</strong> sheets, cover<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>glass</strong> by plastic film will help to take<br />
care of breakage <strong>and</strong> scratches due to<br />
friction dur<strong>in</strong>g transportation.<br />
5. The truck / conta<strong>in</strong>er should not<br />
be overloaded or driven at high speed.<br />
When turn<strong>in</strong>g it should be controlled<br />
<strong>and</strong> slow. Manoeuvr<strong>in</strong>g on sharp<br />
turns, high height speed breakers or<br />
multiple speed breakers should be<br />
done very carefully.<br />
6. Always lay the <strong>glass</strong> on the<br />
edge i.e., <strong>in</strong> upright position. The<br />
edge should be laid on soft wooden<br />
logs, with rubber <strong>and</strong> foam padd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
.This will avoid chipp<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
edges. Horizontal stack<strong>in</strong>g is not<br />
recommended.<br />
7. ‘A’ frame is used to transport <strong>glass</strong><br />
on tempos <strong>and</strong> smaller vehicles. The<br />
‘A’ Frame should be strong enough to<br />
take the load. Both sides should be<br />
loaded evenly. The ‘A’ frame should<br />
be very rigidly secured to the floor of<br />
the vehicle. The ‘A’ frame should be<br />
levelled to avoid slippage of <strong>glass</strong>. The<br />
<strong>glass</strong> crates should be strapped with<br />
rubber sl<strong>in</strong>gs very securely.<br />
8. Climatic conditions also affect<br />
the transportation of <strong>glass</strong>. Extreme<br />
heat or cold can cause thermal shock<br />
<strong>in</strong> the <strong>glass</strong>. Ra<strong>in</strong> water, dust can also<br />
damage the <strong>glass</strong>. The <strong>glass</strong> sheets<br />
should be covered by plastic sheets<br />
before putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the crate.<br />
9. Unload<strong>in</strong>g is equally important.<br />
Lot of caution <strong>and</strong> care is desired<br />
while open<strong>in</strong>g the crates. The open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of crates should be done slowly,<br />
10. Never st<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> front of the <strong>glass</strong><br />
while open<strong>in</strong>g the crate. Avoid us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sharp metal objects with <strong>glass</strong> as it<br />
may break the <strong>glass</strong>. One sheet at a<br />
time should be lifted. The next sheet<br />
must be secured before remov<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
front sheet.<br />
All this <strong>and</strong> many more precautions<br />
are required to h<strong>and</strong>le <strong>and</strong> m<strong>in</strong>imise<br />
the breakage of <strong>glass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>jury to the<br />
human be<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Have a safe h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g, storage <strong>and</strong><br />
transportation of <strong>glass</strong>. That is the<br />
purpose <strong>and</strong> aim of this article.<br />
The Author:<br />
MR. SUDHIR ARORA, B.Sc Engg. (Mech), LLB,<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director of Techno Trade L<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
Website: www.technotradel<strong>in</strong>ks.<strong>in</strong><br />
Glass Bullet<strong>in</strong> | April - June, 2024<br />
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