Must-Have Personal Protective Equipment For Glass Fitters

Glass is a beautiful material, bringing light, sophistication and durability to domestic architectural features such as shower screens, balustrades, shelving or cabinets. However, it does need to be handled with care. If you are fitting glass as part of your DIY home renovation project, it’s essential to use the same protective gear as the professionals. 

While you should always use glass that is of a suitable toughness and thickness for your project, it’s still a potentially dangerous material if not handled properly. Careless handling can lead to strains, breakages, cuts, and lacerations, not to mention wasted time and money. Here are the top personal safety essentials for glass fitting, from gloves to glass dollies. 

Protective gloves

When handling glass, your hands are the most vulnerable part of your body. That’s why proper glass handling gloves are a must-have on every project. 

• Cut-resistant gloves provide protection from sharp edges while maintaining flexibility and grip. 

• Grip-enhanced gloves help you carry large panels with more control, reducing the risk of dropping them.

• For fine work, choose thinner protective gloves that balance safety with dexterity.

Investing in the right gloves not only reduces injury risk but also helps you work faster and with more confidence.

Wrist guards

Your wrists are another very vulnerable area, as they carry major arteries and are often in close proximity when cutting or handling glass panels. Wrist guards provide crucial support and protection against strain, accidental knocks, and cuts.

Our selection of wrist guards is designed specifically for glass handlers, and are comfortable, breathable, and can be worn on either arm. They add an extra layer of safety while still allowing the flexibility needed for precision fitting.

Safety glasses & goggles

It’s not just your hands that need protection. Cutting, drilling, or installing glass can create chips and fine dust that can cause serious damage to your eyes. A reliable pair of safety glasses or goggles is essential for every fitter.

Look for models with:

• Scratch-resistant lenses

• Side protection

• Anti-fog coatings for all-day use

• UV protection if you will be working for long periods of time in a brightly lit area

Don’t take any chances in this area: damage to your eyes really could have very serious consequences.

Vacuum lifters

While most people envisage a bloodbath from glass-related accidents, one of the biggest risks in glass fitting is actually strain from incorrectly lifting and manoeuvring large panels. Not only are they heavy, but they’re also fragile and awkward to handle. Vacuum lifters are designed to take the strain, giving you a secure grip and reducing the risk of dropping glass.

They’re especially useful for:

• Large window panes

• Shower enclosures

• Commercial glass installations

By using the right lifting equipment, you minimise physical strain and improve job site safety.

Glass dollies

When glass needs to be transported across a site or through tight spaces, carrying it by hand isn’t always practical or safe, and the use of glass dollies is strongly recommended. 

These specially designed trolleys allow you to move panels smoothly and with less effort, reducing the chance of accidents. For fitters working on large-scale projects, they’re an invaluable tool, protecting both people and materials.

Putty knives

It may not be the first tool you think of when considering safety, but a putty knife plays an important role in glass fitting. A high-quality putty knife allows you to:

• Remove old glazing without damaging the frame or cutting yourself

• Apply fresh putty smoothly for a secure hold

• Handle fine adjustments safely and with precision

It’s a simple, reliable tool that reduces the need to force or improvise, helping you work both safely and efficiently.

Glass cleaners and sealants

Safety isn’t just about preventing injuries during installation: it’s also about ensuring the finished product is secure and long-lasting. Using the right glass cleaners ensures panels are spotless and easy to inspect for cracks or chips. Meanwhile, contact cements and sealants help secure fittings and prevent leaks, reducing the risk of future accidents.

Why safety matters

Professional glass fitting requires balancing efficiency with safety. By equipping yourself with the right protective gear and tools — gloves, wrist guards, vacuum lifters, dollies, and more — you not only reduce the risk of injury but also deliver a higher-quality finish for your DIY project or clients.