Curtain Walling & Structural Glazing RAMS — Generate in Minutes
Generate comprehensive RAMS for curtain walling and structural glazing installation. Covers unitised and stick systems, point-fixed glass, glass fin installation, facade access, glazing unit handling, and structural silicone application. Compliant with CDM 2015, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and CWCT standards.
What a Curtain Walling RAMS Covers
- Facade access planning — powered cradles, MEWPs, mast climbers
- Curtain wall frame, transom, and mullion installation method statements
- Glazing unit handling with vacuum lifters and mechanical manipulators
- Glass breakage risk assessment and broken glass handling procedures
- Structural silicone and wet seal application with COSHH controls
- Weather-tight testing per CWCT standards at each installation stage
- Temporary protection of installed glazing from construction damage
Regulatory Framework
- CDM 2015 — construction phase management
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 — facade access controls
- COSHH Regulations 2002 — sealant and silicone hazardous substances
- Building Regulations Part N — glazing safety requirements
- CWCT Standard for Curtain Walling testing and specification
- LOLER 1998 — vacuum lifters and powered cradle examination
Frequently Asked Questions
- How should glass breakage risks be managed?
- Use vacuum lifters or mechanical manipulators for units over 25kg, require two-person minimum for all glass handling, specify cut-resistant gloves and full-face protection, and establish ground-level exclusion zones beneath all glass handling operations.
- What weather restrictions apply to curtain walling?
- Structural silicone requires a minimum 5°C substrate temperature and dry conditions. Wind speed limits apply to access equipment and glass handling. Specify environmental monitoring requirements and stop-work criteria for each activity in the method statement.
- What COSHH hazards are present in curtain walling?
- Structural silicone sealants and wet seals may contain acetic acid (causing acetic acid vapour during curing), isocyanates, or tin catalysts. Product-specific COSHH assessments must be completed, with appropriate RPE and ventilation specified for confined application areas.
- What access system is best for curtain walling installation?
- Powered suspended access platforms (cradles) are the preferred option for full-height facade work. MEWPs offer flexibility for lower levels. The access system selection and risk assessment must account for outreach, overlap with other trades, and load capacity for glazing units.
- How should temporary glazing protection be specified?
- Protection film, hoarding, and barriers prevent impact damage from other trades. Specify prohibition on stacking materials against glass, exclusion zones below installed glazing during construction, and regular inspection for film degradation in UV-exposed conditions.