Standard Operating Procedure

This Standard Operating Procedure establishes the minimum requirements for the safe manual handling, crane-assisted lifting, and movement of glass and mirror on the Rossen Glass & Mirror Ltd. shop floor. It covers all glass and mirror products processed at the facility, including raw stock, cut pieces, polished and mitred pieces, and tempered glass. The goal is to protect employees from lacerations, crush injuries, and musculoskeletal strain, and to prevent product damage.

This SOP applies to all shop floor employees who handle, move, lift, or position glass or mirror at any stage of fabrication. It covers the following materials:

All Shop Floor Employees

• Read, understand, and follow this SOP before handling any glass or mirror.
• Wear required PPE appropriate to the edge condition of the glass being handled (see Section 5).
• Use the overhead crane and vacuum lifter whenever the piece is within crane coverage and the lift warrants it.
• When in doubt about whether a piece is safe to handle alone — ask for help. There is no expectation to lift beyond personal comfort or capability.
• Report any near-miss, cut, breakage, or equipment fault to a supervisor immediately.

Supervisor

• Ensure all employees are trained and have reviewed this SOP before working on the shop floor.
• Maintain the overhead cranes, vacuum lifters, and all handling equipment in safe working order.
• Investigate all incidents and near-misses and implement corrective actions.

The required level of hand protection depends on the edge condition of the glass or mirror being handled. Steel-toed safety footwear is mandatory at all times on the shop floor. Safety glasses and hard hats are highly recommended and should be worn whenever there is a risk of flying debris or overhead hazard.

Rossen Glass & Mirror Ltd. operates two overhead cranes, each fitted with a vacuum lifter, covering the majority of the shop floor. The crane is the preferred method for all lifts where it is practical to use it.

Use the overhead crane and vacuum lifter when:

• The piece is within the coverage area of either crane.
• The piece is large, heavy, or awkward enough that carrying it manually presents a strain or control risk.
• The destination requires the piece to travel more than a short distance across the floor.
• The piece is tempered glass — tempered glass should be crane-lifted wherever possible due to spontaneous breakage risk during manual handling.

Two-person handling applies when:

• The piece is outside crane coverage and is too large or heavy for safe solo handling.
• An employee has any doubt about their ability to control the piece alone — when in doubt, ask for help.
• The piece must be manoeuvred into a tight or awkward position where a second person is needed for control.

Solo handling is acceptable when:

• The piece is small and light enough that the employee is confident they can maintain full control throughout the move.
• The path is clear and the destination is close.
• The employee has the experience and comfort level for the specific piece and move.

Whether solo or two-person, the following principles apply to all manual glass handling on the shop floor.

The shop is served by two overhead cranes, each equipped with a vacuum lifter. The crane must be used whenever it is the practical choice for the lift. All operators must be trained and authorised before using the crane independently.

• All glass and mirror must be stored on edge in A-frame or L-shaped glass racks — never stacked flat.
• Racks must be inspected before loading. Do not use a rack with missing padding, broken uprights, or structural damage.
• Store heaviest and largest pieces at the back of the rack; lighter or smaller pieces toward the front.
• Keep pieces of the same thickness and type together where possible to avoid damage from uneven contact.
• Mirror must be stored with its backing facing away from abrasive surfaces. Use cardboard or foam separators between mirror and glass panes in the same rack.
• Never overload a rack beyond its rated capacity. If in doubt, use a second rack.
• Tempered glass must be clearly labelled or separated from non-tempered stock to prevent unintended cutting attempts after tempering.
• Glass leaning against a wall without a proper rack is not acceptable storage — it is a hazard. Use a rack at all times.

Routine Housekeeping

• Keep the shop floor clear of glass offcuts, cullet, and dust at all times. These are slip and laceration hazards.
• Sweep glass dust and fine cullet with a broom into a dustpan and dispose of in the designated glass waste bin — not general waste.
• Do not use bare hands to pick up offcuts or cullet — use a brush and dustpan or wear gloves.

Broken Glass Response

• Call out "Glass down" immediately when a breakage occurs so other employees can stop moving and clear the area.
• Do not rush to clean up broken glass. Take a moment to assess the extent of the breakage, particularly for tempered glass which shatters into many small fragments.
• Wear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses when cleaning up any broken glass.
• Use a broom, not hands, to gather large pieces. Use a wet paper towel or commercial glass pickup pad for fine fragments and slivers.
• Inspect the area thoroughly — glass fragments travel farther than expected. Check machinery, racks, and the floor within a wide radius.
• Report the breakage to the supervisor, including the cause, so it can be recorded and any pattern identified.

• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), R.S.O. 1990
• Ontario Regulation 851 — Industrial Establishments
• CSA Z142 — Code for Power-Operated Lifting Devices
• Vacuum Lifter Manufacturer's Operator Manual (keep on file with equipment)
• Overhead Crane Operator Manual and Inspection Log
• Rossen Glass & Mirror Ltd. PPE Policy
• Incident Reporting Procedure

By signing below, all parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Standard Operating Procedure.