Glass manufacturing requires great precision and attention to detail. Therefore, people who work with this material must do so in the best conditions of safety and comfort. Personal protective equipment for this type of work includes safety gloves with high cut protection and other protective clothing necessary for handling glass.

It is important that each PPE is adapted to the characteristics of the worker and the tasks he/she performs. The way glass is manufactured includes handling, finishing and manipulation. It is a multi-step process that presents risks of cuts, perforations and abrasions. Workers are also vulnerable to other hazards. For example, thermal risks due to the temperature of the glass being handled when it comes out of the machines. The environment of glass manufacturing plants, even in the food industry, can also be hazardous.

Risk prevention in the glass sector

The prevention of occupational hazards in the glass handling and manufacturing sector seeks to avoid the dangers arising from various actions. These include, for example, moving glass, removing it from a machine, lifting it for installation or moving it to a shelf.

Despite good practices, accidents can happen at some point and the best defense against injury is to prepare in advance by wearing appropriate protective clothing for cutting and handling glass. Ansell's safety equipment includes garments that provide cut, puncture and abrasion protection.

Protective clothing against cuts

Covering the body with protective clothing against glass is important for tasks involving the fabrication itself. Glass handling gloves with specific protection are among the most necessary items of clothing.

At the same level are cut-protection jackets and neck protection. Moving and handling large sheets of glass may require technicians to lift the material up to the chest and neck. This implies a high risk to the worker's physical integrity. Hence the importance of these elements in PPE.

In addition, it is important that cut protection, including gloves, sleeves, jackets and aprons, be comfortable for the user. In this way, no one will roll up their sleeves or remove their protections at any time, with the consequent danger that this would entail. In addition, a high level of breathability is required.

Thermal hazards

Glass is manufactured at high temperatures and when it comes out of the machines it presents handling hazards. Therefore, gloves and thermal protection must be worn during the process. Whether it is insulated, coated, laminated or float glass, thermal protection is required for handling or moving it.

In view of this, gloves that offer protection against cutting and heat allow safe handling of the glass. There are a wide variety of glove options to suit these types of tasks and Ansell manufactures a huge range of high quality gloves.

Low visibility hazards

Most plants and factories use forklifts and motorized equipment. These are used to lift heavy products and other materials. Various types of vehicles and trailers can be used to transport the finished glass or move it to the next point of production.

In this case, an impact hazard is generated. Preventive measures can ensure worker visibility and minimize the risk of injury. In this regard, it is advisable to opt for protective clothing that allows maximum mobility and visibility. 

High visibility workwear

High visibility clothing is useful in plant and factory areas that may have problems with low light and lack of visibility. Fluorescent orange and yellow mesh vests are recommended. Gloves can be added for manual protection.

Hearing risks

Noise in glass factories can be loud. Therefore, earplugs and earmuffs are part of the PPE recommended for eardrum protection.

Prevention and action plans

The risk of accidents in the glass industry is high. Therefore, it is vital that proper protective equipment for eyes, hands and other parts of the body is used as a priority. Safety glasses are essential, whether lifting, cutting or polishing glass. The skin should also be kept covered with long sleeves or a protective layer of clothing.

In glass PPE, Ansell is the most reliable option and the best ally for protection in every process. Their experience and the quality of materials and finishes are their guarantee.