Structural / Spider / Point-Fixed Glazing SWMS
SWMS template for structural / spider / point-fixed glazing. Covers Bolt-fixed structural glass, spider fittings, suction lifts.. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed editable DOCX delivered within 24 hours of payment.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Structural, spider and point-fixed glazing systems involve the installation of large-format glass panels secured directly to a building's primary structure via bolt-fixings, spider fittings or countersunk button heads — without conventional framing. The work typically involves suction-lift handling of heavy annealed, toughened or laminated glass panels (often exceeding 200 kg per panel), working at heights on EWPs or scaffolds, and making torque-critical structural connections that become part of the building's load path. This is high-consequence specialist glazing work where a single failure can result in catastrophic glass fall, façade collapse or fatal crush injury.
Under the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and WHS Regulation 2017 (and equivalents in each Australian jurisdiction), this work is classified as High Risk Construction Work under Regulation 291 because it involves work at heights greater than 2 m, structural alterations requiring temporary support, and the use of powered mobile plant. Section 19 of the WHS Act imposes a primary duty of care on the PCBU, and Regulation 299 specifically requires a written Safe Work Method Statement to be prepared before the HRCW commences, kept available for inspection, and reviewed if controls are revised.
This SWMS has been prepared and reviewed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist to align with the Construction Work Code of Practice, the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice, and AS 1288-2021 Glass in buildings — Selection and installation. It is editable, jurisdiction-aware across all 8 Australian states and territories, and ready to issue to your crew or principal contractor.
Hazards identified
6 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Fatal or serious injury from fall to lower level; struck-by injury to workers below
Crush, laceration or fatal impact injury; uncontrolled glass fall onto public or trades below
Progressive façade failure, glass detachment post-handover, third-party fatality
Acute back, shoulder and crush injuries; chronic musculoskeletal disorders
Deep lacerations, eye injury, tendon damage requiring surgical repair
Sudden release of suspended load; fatal crush or fall of panel
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Engage a structural engineer to verify all spider/bolt-fix connection details, torque values and edge distances against AS 1288-2021 and the project structural drawings before any panel is lifted; retain stamped shop drawings on site.
- 2Use only certified vacuum lifters (e.g. Woods Powr-Grip, GGR or equivalent) with current 12-monthly inspection tags, dual-circuit redundancy, audible low-vacuum alarm, and SWL clearly exceeding the panel weight by a minimum 2:1 factor.
- 3Establish an exclusion zone below all glazing work using hard barriers and spotters; no persons (workers or public) permitted within the drop zone during lifting, positioning or de-rigging of suction equipment.
- 4Implement a fall-prevention hierarchy: prefer EWPs (scissor or knuckle boom) with operators holding HRWL class WP licence; where edge work is unavoidable, use guardrails or a travel-restraint system anchored to engineered points.
- 5Pre-clean glass faces and suction pads with isopropyl alcohol immediately before lifting; verify vacuum gauge reads in the green zone for 60 seconds before releasing manual support.
- 6Apply a torque-controlled tightening sequence to all point-fix bolts using a calibrated torque wrench (calibration certificate <12 months old); record actual torque values on an ITP and have the supervisor sign off each panel.
- 7Conduct a documented pre-start toolbox talk each shift covering wind speed limits (cease lifting above 36 km/h or as per lifter manufacturer), panel-specific weight, lift plan, and emergency glass-breakage response.
- 8Provide and enforce PPE: cut-level D gloves to AS/NZS 2161.3, impact-rated safety glasses to AS/NZS 1337.1, steel-cap boots, hard hat with chinstrap when working at height, and high-visibility clothing.
- 9Maintain a glass-breakage emergency procedure including spill-kit location, first-aid responder on site, and immediate evacuation of the area below until fragments are cleared and the panel is made safe.
- 10Verify wind-load conditions using an on-site anemometer; cease all panel handling when sustained wind exceeds the lower of 36 km/h or the manufacturer's stated limit for the vacuum lifter.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Directly applies to HRCW including work at heights and structural alterations; sets the baseline for SWMS content under r299.
Mandates the hierarchy of fall controls applied throughout this SWMS for work above 2 m on EWPs, scaffolds and edges.
Applies to handling of heavy glass panels; requires risk assessment of force, posture, repetition and duration.
The governing Australian Standard for structural and point-fixed glazing design, edge clearances, and installation tolerances.
Applies to access equipment selected for the elevated installation work.
Governs anchor points, harnesses and lanyards used where fall-prevention is not reasonably practicable.
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Structural glazing is almost always installed on facades, atriums or curtain-wall elevations exceeding 2 m, with workers on EWPs or scaffolds for extended periods.
Point-fixed and spider-mounted glass becomes part of the structural envelope; during installation, panels rely on temporary support until all bolts are torqued to specification.
EWPs (scissor lifts, knuckle booms) and vacuum-lifter robots/glass manipulators are powered mobile plant routinely used to position heavy panels.
Because this work falls within multiple HRCW categories under WHS Regulation 291, a written SWMS is mandatory under Regulation 299 before work commences. Failure to prepare, comply with or produce the SWMS on request by an inspector exposes the PCBU to penalties under the WHS Act — up to $30,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a body corporate for a Category 3 offence, with substantially higher penalties for Category 1 and 2 offences involving reckless conduct or serious injury.
Who this is for
- →Glazing subcontractors installing structural, spider or point-fixed glass façades on commercial projects
- →Principal contractors requiring a compliant SWMS from glazing trades before site access is granted
- →Self-employed glaziers and small glazing businesses tendering for commercial curtain-wall packages
- →Façade engineers and project managers coordinating high-rise atrium, balustrade or canopy glazing
- →Shopfitters and architectural metalworkers installing point-fixed entry portals and internal feature glazing
What you receive
- ✓Editable Microsoft Word (DOCX) SWMS template fully populated for structural/spider/point-fixed glazing
- ✓State-specific legislation schedule covering WHS/OHS Acts and Regulations for NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT
- ✓Pre-filled hazard register with risk ratings, controls and residual risk scoring aligned to AS/NZS ISO 31000
- ✓Worker sign-on register and daily pre-start review sheet for documented consultation under s47 WHS Act
- ✓CIH-reviewed control measures referencing AS 1288-2021, AS/NZS 4994 and the Construction Work Code of Practice
- ✓Delivery within 24 hours of payment, ready to brand with your company logo, ABN and project details
- ✓Free minor revision support for 30 days post-purchase if site conditions require additional hazards
Worked example
A glazing subcontractor in Parramatta NSW is engaged to install 38 point-fixed laminated glass panels (each 2.4 m × 1.8 m, 165 kg) to a 9 m high atrium curtain wall. Before mobilisation, the site supervisor downloads this SWMS, edits the project header with the principal contractor's details, attaches the structural engineer's stamped connection detail, and conducts a sign-on toolbox talk with the four-person crew. The SWMS identifies the work as HRCW under categories 1, 6 and 17, triggering the principal contractor's obligation under r309 to ensure compliance. On day three, the crew leader notes wind gusts climbing toward 35 km/h on the on-site anemometer. Referring directly to the wind-control measure in the SWMS, he ceases lifting, lowers the panel currently on the vacuum lifter back onto the A-frame, and waits 40 minutes for conditions to drop. A SafeWork NSW inspector arrives that afternoon for a routine audit, asks to see the SWMS, and is satisfied that controls are documented, signed by all workers, and being actively followed — closing the visit without notice or direction.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model) — s19 primary duty of care, s47 consultation
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) — r291 HRCW definition, r299 SWMS requirement, r309 principal contractor duties
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC) and OHS Regulations 2017 — Part 5.1 Construction
- Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and WHS (General) Regulations 2022
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD) and WHS Regulation 2011
- Building Code of Australia / National Construction Code Volume 1 — Section B structural provisions
Frequently asked questions
Is a SWMS legally required for point-fixed glazing installation in Australia?
Yes. Under Regulation 299 of the model WHS Regulations (adopted in NSW, QLD, ACT, NT, TAS, SA and WA), a written SWMS must be prepared before any High Risk Construction Work commences. Structural and point-fixed glazing on commercial projects almost always involves work above 2 m and powered mobile plant, both of which are HRCW categories. Victoria has equivalent requirements under the OHS Regulations 2017 (High Risk Construction Work).
Does this SWMS cover both bolt-fixed and spider-fitting systems?
Yes. The template addresses bolt-fixed structural glass (countersunk and protruding), spider fittings (2-arm, 3-arm and 4-arm rotules), and articulated point connections. It covers both internal feature applications (atriums, balustrades) and external curtain-wall installations, with hazard controls scaled to glass weight and installation height.
How is the SWMS delivered and how quickly?
After payment, the editable DOCX is emailed to you within 24 hours (typically within 2-4 business hours). It includes the state-specific legislation schedule, hazard register, controls matrix and worker sign-on register, ready for you to add your company branding, ABN, project name and crew details.
Has this SWMS been reviewed by a qualified safety professional?
Yes. The template has been authored and reviewed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with reference to AS 1288-2021, the Construction Work Code of Practice, the Managing the Risk of Falls Code of Practice, and AS/NZS 4994. It reflects current model WHS Regulation requirements as at 2025.
Can I use this SWMS in Victoria where the OHS Act applies instead of the WHS Act?
Yes. The state-specific schedule includes the Victorian OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017, mapping the equivalent High Risk Construction Work provisions in Part 5.1. The hazard controls themselves are jurisdiction-neutral and align with both frameworks.
What if site conditions reveal hazards not listed in the template?
The SWMS is fully editable and includes blank rows in the hazard register for site-specific additions. WHS Regulation 300 requires the SWMS to be reviewed and revised whenever controls are inadequate or work changes — you are expected to tailor the document to actual site conditions, and free revision support is included for 30 days after purchase.