Ever seen a large sheet of glasses being carried out and hoisted up the buildings by some strange machines and thought, now, how does this work? And those are Glass lifting machines, the game changer in the industries. Glass lifting machines are invaluable assets to diverse industries which include ranging from construction to manufacturing.
Manually lifting of glass panels is too risky as there are chances for potential complications which may lead to damage or injury. Designed to lift and move glass panels of diverse weight and size with the use of vacuum suction cups which provide firm grip, glass lifters enable the smooth and secure transit and installation of glass panels.
But even with the use of glass lifting machines accidents can happen if proper safety precautions are not followed. Hence a proper understanding of the safety measures regarding the handling of glass lifters and the manual handling of glass panels is necessary. Let us delve into the safety guidelines related to the glass lifting machines to ensure safety.
Safety Guide to Secure Glass Lifting
The use of glass lifters have made the process of handling glass panels a lot easier and efficient, still the misuse of the machine can lead to potential damage. Hence some factors are to be taken into consideration to ensure that the machines are used in the proper way.
1. Safety Guide to Secure Glass Lifting
- Select an appropriate glass lifter that is suitable for the preferred work. Vacuum glass lifters come in a wide range of load capacity, so make sure that the one opted has the apt load capacity.
- Also give special emphasis to the suction pad spread. It should cover a certain area of the glass panel so as to ensure that it is attached firmly to the surface whilst causing no scratches to the panel.
2. Surrounding Conditions
- Consider the environmental factors while using the glass lifters, such as the climate and wind speed. It is to be noted that glass vacuum lifters should not be used while it’s raining or if the glass panel is wet, as there is a higher risk for glass slippage and injury.
3. Trained Technician
- The technician must be well trained in the process of operating the glass lifting machine. They should be well- versed regarding all the aspects of the glass lifters so that they can detect when a glitch happens and act accordingly.
4. Preliminary Check
- Conduct a pre use check of the glass lifters to verify that the machines are in good working order. Confirm that the security alarms which include the battery level alarm, overload alarm and other such alarms are working accordingly. Review the positioning of the glass lifter. The lift bar should be positioned directly above the glass panel. This can prevent glass slippage while lifting and
installing.
5. Proper On-site Monitoring
- Make sure that the vacuum pump generates the necessary vacuum enabling firm suction. Instead of lifting the glass all the way up, lift it just a few centimeters away from the ground and wait for a couple of seconds and ensure that it is firmly adhered to the glass panel.
- Never leave the suspended glass panels unattended. Proper monitoring of the worksite is non negotiable.
6. Readiness for Potential issues
- The employees and staff should be prepared for potential emergencies or accidents. They should be aware of the safety protocols and act without any delay in case an issue occurs.
Safety Guidelines For Workers Handling Glasses
- Workers should wear suitable PPE to prevent any harm while manually handling glasses. It includes :
• Safety goggles
• Safety boots
• Full coverage clothing with long sleeves and trousers. - It is important that the staff work together to transport the glasses and hold the panel firmly with both hands on the front to ensure proper grip.
- Ensure that the route is clear while transporting the glass, this includes checking the ground and the surroundings to avoid breakage and injury.
- Should the glass panel break, abstain from the rushed handling of the broken pieces.
By following the necessary precautions the whole process of glass lifting and installations could be done with accuracy and minimal damage. Adhering to the safety protocols will ensure a better working environment which ensures productivity and efficient work process.
