Safely Handling Hurricane-Resistant Products
At the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference held in Orlando, FL, from February 17-20, a safety expert offered guidance on how to properly handle hurricane-resistant products. The session, titled “Safe Manufacturing of Hurricane Resistant Products,” was sponsored by the FGIA Fenestration Safety Committee and led by a Senior Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Manager at PGT Innovations. The speaker’s presentation covered important topics, including the history of hurricane codes, the need for hurricane-resistant products, and best practices for safely handling these products during manufacturing and assembly.
History of Hurricane Codes
The speaker explained that the foundation for today’s hurricane codes was laid following the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a Category 5 storm that caused billions in damages. “That’s when many of the codes we use today were created,” they noted. In 1994, the Miami-Dade area introduced the first hurricane codes, which were later incorporated into the Florida Building Code in 2002. “Over time, all Gulf and East Coast states adopted hurricane wind load codes,” the speaker added.
Testing and Use of Hurricane-Resistant Products
Hurricane-resistant products undergo more rigorous testing than typical windows and doors. The speaker highlighted that these products must pass impact testing (both large and small missile) and positive and negative pressure cycling tests. These products are suitable for use in residential, commercial, or high-rise residential applications.
The Need for Impact-Resistant Products
With four of the top 10 strongest storms occurring in the past five years, impact-resistant products are more critical than ever. The speaker emphasized that impact-resistant windows and doors are designed to endure flying debris and extreme pressure. “They use laminated glass, reinforced frames, more robust glazing sealants, and stronger, more secure hardware to ensure the structural integrity of the building envelope,” they explained.
Safety Considerations Throughout the Manufacturing Process
Manufacturing hurricane-resistant products involves numerous safety concerns, including risks such as lacerations, strains or sprains, and chemical exposure. The speaker stressed that protective coatings on gloves could make glass more slippery, and that cleanliness of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to avoid injury and product defects during processes like laminating glass.
When transporting glass, the speaker warned that stacked glass can be extremely heavy and recommended using carts, ideally with a track system. For trimming lamination, they cautioned that box cutters and hot tools are often used, which can cause injury if not handled carefully. “Proper training is crucial when using such equipment,” the speaker said.
Automated machinery like ovens, washers, dryers, and conveyors can pose thermal burn or other machine-related hazards. The speaker pointed out that equipment sourced outside the U.S. may not have the same safety standards, underscoring the responsibility of employers to ensure equipment safety.
During assembly, the speaker highlighted potential hazards such as metal dust (a risk to eye safety), loud metal cutting (requiring hearing protection), and repetitive motions (leading to ergonomic issues). To minimize risks, they suggested using machines to handle finished products as much as possible.
Key Safety Measures
The speaker shared a list of safety measures to protect workers:
- Comprehensive training for all levels of employees
- Clear safety expectations with accountability
- Properly identifying required PPE
- Using a hierarchy of controls to address risks in top loss areas
- Work rotation and work hardening practices
In conclusion, the speaker reminded attendees of the importance of safety. “Your workers have loved ones who expect them to come home safely,” they said. “They deserve to work in a safe environment.
