Demolition & Deconstruction · 5 minutes · English · Continental Environmental Training
Key message: Control both sides of the work area before disturbing glass.
Read aloud
A crew may barricade the room where it is working and overlook the sidewalk outside. Glass fragments can fall or travel beyond the person removing the pane.
Before removal, the supervisor must assess the glass, frame, surrounding structure, and areas where fragments could go. Establish the removal method, suitable protection, handling equipment, and a controlled waste route. Keep occupants and other trades outside the affected area on both sides.
Do not start if you cannot verify the outside boundary. Stop if someone enters it or if the glass shifts unexpectedly. Never ask a helper to catch falling glass. Large, damaged, overhead, or uncertain glazing requires appropriately trained people and a specific handling plan.
OSHA’s demolition preparatory rule requires hazards from glass fragmentation to be removed. The crew must translate that requirement into a workable plan for the actual site.
Scenario
An interior crew prepares to remove a window while a delivery driver waits directly outside.
Supervisor follow-up
Verify boundaries immediately before removal and whenever adjacent activity changes.
Session notes
Suggested session: 3–5 minutes including discussion and practical check. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850(f) — Glass fragmentation hazards
Show the crew
Mark both boundaries and the waste route on a drawing. Use no glass samples.
Ask the crew
Who needs protection? Workers, occupants, other trades, and the public within the possible fragment area.
What happens if the outside boundary cannot be maintained? Pause removal and resolve access control.