OSHA Broken Glass Handling Procedures

In manufacturing environments, the safe handling of glass is crucial to prevent injuries, especially when dealing with broken glass. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines to ensure worker safety and minimize risks associated with glass handling.

OSHA Guidelines

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OSHA recommends that workers handling glass—whether whole or broken—wear appropriate PPE. This includes heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots. Gloves should be cut-resistant to protect hands from sharp edges, while safety goggles safeguard the eyes from flying glass shards.
2. Proper Training and Procedures: Workers must be trained in safe glass handling procedures. This includes proper lifting techniques to avoid dropping glass, how to dispose of broken glass safely, and how to recognize and mitigate potential hazards. Wakefield Equipment provides many manufacturing facilities with glass lifting equipment which is designed to reduce some of the inherent risks with working with glass.
3. Glass Storage and Handling: OSHA advises that glass be stored securely in designated areas where it is less likely to fall or be knocked over. Glass should be transported using carts or dollies with safety features, such as high sides or other protective barriers, to prevent breakage during movement. Wakefield offers a complete line of glass shipping racks that can be used to safely transport glass products.
4. Clean-Up of Broken Glass: When glass is broken, OSHA emphasizes immediate cleanup to prevent accidents. The broken glass should be swept up using a broom and dustpan or picked up with mechanical equipment, never by hand. Employees should be instructed to place the broken glass in labeled, puncture-resistant containers for disposal. Additionally, warning signs should be placed around the area to alert others of the hazard.
5. Accident Reporting: In case of an injury, it’s important to follow OSHA’s incident reporting requirements, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up to prevent future occurrences.

By following OSHA’s glass handling procedures, manufacturers can maintain a safe work environment and reduce the risk of injury.

Wakefield Equipment

The experts at Wakefield Equipment help glass manufacturers evaluate their manufacturing floors and pinpoint areas where adding glass handling equipment could reduce injury, breakage and ultimately save time and money. To speak to one of our glass experts, reach out and we would love to help.