Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit addresses the knowledge and skills required to prepare and install glass in structural and other architectural engineered applications.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify work requirements

1.1. Work requirements in the form of type of glass, frames and the method of fixing are identified from work instructions

1.2. Workplace health and safety requirements for fabrication and installation of architectural engineered glazing, including personal protection needs, are identified and observed throughout the work

1.3. The process for fabricating and installing architectural engineered glazing is identified

2. Prepare for work

2.1. Work sequence is planned in a logical order to suit the job

2.2. Tools, equipment and materials, other than glass and frames, are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

2.3. Type of glass to be fitted and frames are selected to match:

2.3.1. customer order

2.3.2. requirements for security, noise or light control

2.3.3. relevant Australian Standard

2.4. Glass is checked for type, size and imperfections

2.5. Glass fixing method is selected according to:

2.5.1. specification

2.5.2. type of glass and frame

2.5.3. security requirements

2.5.4. sealing methods

2.5.5. relevant Australian Standard

2.6. Frame or opening is prepared to receive glass by:

2.6.1. cleaning

2.6.2. surface preparation (if required)

2.6.3. checking size against specification

2.7. Fixing and sealing materials are prepared by mixing or cutting to length as appropriate

3. Identify site conditions and restraints

3.1. Site safety hazards are recognised and corrective action taken to reduce injury to self and others

3.2. Any on-site difficulties are identified and addressed in accordance with regulations and enterprise agreements

3.3. Special characteristics of the glass aperture are identified in relation to the effect of the glass fitting process on the finished job

3.4. Covering material is applied where necessary to protect existing fixtures and fittings

4. Fit glass

4.1. Glass is fixed to the frame or opening using the selected method and in accordance with recognised Australian and industry standards

4.2. Solvents and sealants are used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and Australian Standards

4.3. Excess sealing material is removed

4.4. Glass and/or frame are cleaned after fixing

5. Inspect final product and clean up work area

5.1. Completed installation is checked to ensure compliance with customer requirements, specifications and Australian Standards

5.2. Workplace documentation is completed in accordance with workplace requirements

5.3. Work area is cleaned and left in a safe condition and rubbish removed from work area and disposed of in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and enterprise requirements

5.4. Tools, equipment and materials are cleaned and stored following workplace procedures

5.5. Waste and scrap material is removed for disposal or recycling as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate work requirements, optimise glass sizes for economical cutting and assemble required materials
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to the preparation and installation of structural glazing

Required knowledge 

• the types, qualities and characteristics of glass, including the hazards and handling requirements
• the techniques, methods, materials and process of preparing and installing structural glazing
• relevant Australian Standards
• workflow in relation to the preparation and installation of structural glazing
• the application and operation of tools and equipment used
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures
• workplace safety system requirements related to the preparation and installation of structural glazing

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Interpret work order/job instruction and locate and apply relevant information to fabricate and install structural glazing
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• To complete a minimum of:

• measure glass for curtain walls, balustrades, suspended and overhead glazing
• select glass to comply with AS1288
• cut and process glass in accordance with AS4667
• identify and erect appropriate ladders and scaffolding to comply with the relevant regulations and standards
• identification and application of glazing, structural sealants and tapes
• install glazing materials and weatherproofing
• calculate the cost of glass and labour

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Frames, glass, fixing material, sealants, workplace operating procedures and work orders, personal protective equipment and an appropriate work area/site.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant fabrication and installation equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Unit context 

• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the planning and fitting of glass in structural and other architectural engineered applications
• Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, environment legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant regulations and organisation insurance requirements
• OHS requirements may include legislation, standards, building codes, material safety management systems and local safe operating procedures

Tools and equipment may include :

• general cutting and glazing tools
• electric and pneumatic portable power tools
• saws
• drills and portable compressors

Materials are to include but are not limited to :

• all forms of flat glass and acrylic glazing products
• plastic
• aluminium
• steel
• solid timber
• gaskets
• sealants and adhesives

Types of glass may include but are not limited to :

• annealed glass
• toughened glass
• laminated glass
• wired glass
• bandit resistant glass
• bullet resistant glass
• heat reflective glass
• solar controlled glass and spandral panels

Methods of glazing may include :

• beaded
• pocket
• flush
• channel glazing and structural glazing

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and enterprise policies and practices. It may include:

• gauntlets
• gloves
• safety glasses
• hard hats
• safety footwear
• aprons and overalls

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to fitting of glass for structural applications
• On-site procedures and regulations relating to the handling and movement of glass
• Equipment manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures
• Work instructions including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Safety standards include personal protective equipment, OHS regulations and enterprise requirements
• Australian Standards:

• AS1288 Glass in buildings, selection and installation
• AS2088 Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS4667 Quality requirements for cut to size and processed glass
• AS4285 Skylights
• AS4666 Insulating glass units

Unit sector 

Glass and Glazing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units