IFS, Staines
Location:
Staines
Summary:
Glazing Renovations replaced three vandalised double-glazed units in a curtain wall system. Despite difficult riverfront access, the team used a MEWP and crane, implemented strict safety measures, and successfully installed matching units to a high standard.
Introduction
Glazing Renovations, commercial glass replacement specialists, were contracted to replace three large double-glazed units within a toggle curtain wall system after they had been damaged by vandalism. The glass units had been shot, causing the outer pane of the DGU to break and fracture, which left them requiring urgent replacement.
During our complimentary site survey, we observed that the damaged glass had a solar control tint. Glazing Renovations wanted to ensure the replacement glass matched the original specification. We requested the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manual from the facility management (FM) team. This allows us to confirm the precise glazing tint required for an accurate match.
Scope of works
The challenge
We identified a significant challenge: the broken glazing was located at the rear of the property, which faced a river. This presented an access issue because there was no suitable access directly beneath the affected area.
How we overcame it
To overcome this access issue, we coordinated a second site survey and, after careful consideration, we devised a plan to position a lorry-mounted mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) at the side of the building. The MEWP provided enough reach to access the damaged windows, whilst a crane was stationed behind the MEWP. The crane’s jib would extend up and over the building’s rear, which allowed us to reach the broken glass with precision.
The end project
The outcome
Seven days prior to the scheduled work, we submitted our Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) to the client for approval. This included:
1) Project Overview: This is the summary of the work, site specifics, and the challenges they may face.
2) Risk assessment:
Hazards & Controls: They identified risk( e.g., heights, glass handling) and safety measures(e.g., PPE, tool security)
3) Method statement:
Work procedure: This includes steps for safe execution, including roles and emergency protocols.
4) Lift Plan:
Access & Load assessment: This is a strategy for reaching the site and ensuring safe load handling.
5) Environmental Considerations: There are measures to protect the river and the surrounding areas.
6) Health & Safety checks: Compliance checks and a final safety review.
This ensured the client was fully informed of the process and had an opportunity to provide timely feedback. We also communicated which parts of the building would be temporarily inaccessible for safety reasons on the day of the installation.
On the day of the installation, we made sure to implement strict safety protocols. The area around the crane and MEWP was physically barriered off, as were the interior rooms agreed upon with the client. This prevented any interaction between the general public and our work area. All contractors wore 5-point Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ), which involved:
Hard hats: To protect against any potential head injuries from falling debris or equipment
High-Visibility Vests: Ensured visibility in the work zone, especially around heavy machinery like the crane and MEWP.
Safety Gloves: Provided hand protection when handling glass and other materials.
Safety goggles: Shield eyes from any glass shards or dust while clearing broken panes.
Steel-toe boots: protect feet from falling objects and provide stability.
Since all external glass panes were shattered, we first had to carefully clear the broken glass from the outer pane. To protect the property below, we installed protective boards before removing the damaged glass piece by piece, using buckets to contain debris and minimise the mess or potential damage.
The entire project was completed by our team of highly trained glaziers within an agreed-upon timeframe. Thanks to our planning and execution, the new double-glazed units were successfully installed, matching the original specifications.
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