Transporting glass is no easy task. Its weight, size, and fragility make it one of the most challenging materials to move safely. In the glazing industry, there are two main types of glass transport equipment: mechanical handling equipment and manual handling equipment.
Because glass is so difficult to move, safety is always the top priority. In fact, around 300,000 people in the UK suffer from back pain each year due to manual handling accidents. Choosing the right glass transport equipment is therefore essential—not only to protect workers, but also to improve efficiency and productivity on site.
At GGR Glass, we supply a wide range of glass transport accessories to make lifting safer and easier. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of equipment available and how they can benefit your business.
Mechanical Glass Lifting
Mechanical lifting equipment is designed to handle heavy and fragile loads with minimal effort. A common example is the glazing robot, which uses suction cups to secure large panes of glass to the machine. This makes installing glazing units far safer and more efficient.
One of the major advantages of glazing robots is that they have little environmental impact, while offering clear safety and productivity benefits. By using mechanical aids instead of relying on manpower alone, you reduce the risk of injuries and speed up installation work.
Benefits of Mechanical Lifting
Mechanical lifting has a number of advantages over manual handling. First, it minimises the risk of injury by reducing strain on workers’ backs, joints, and muscles. These machines are designed specifically to move heavy items without putting stress on the human body.
Second, they improve safety on site. Glass is fragile and hazardous to carry by hand, but glazing robots allow large panels to be moved and positioned securely, even in high or hard-to-reach locations.
Third, mechanical lifting reduces the need for large teams of workers on a single job. A task that would normally take several people can be completed with fewer workers, freeing up others to complete different tasks and increasing overall productivity.
Drawbacks of Mechanical Lifting
Despite the many advantages, there are some considerations. Mechanical lifting equipment requires regular servicing and maintenance, which adds to its cost. Repairs can also be expensive if the equipment isn’t properly looked after.
In addition, every machine has its limitations. Choosing the wrong model or ignoring the safe working load can put both equipment and workers at risk. That’s why it’s important to seek expert advice before investing in a lifting aid.
With regular maintenance and by choosing the right equipment for the job, most of these challenges can be managed, making mechanical lifting the safest and most efficient option for transporting glass.
Manual Glass Handling
Manual handling refers to moving glass by hand or with simple equipment like slings or carrying straps. While it comes with more risks, it does have some benefits. Training staff in proper lifting techniques helps them understand how to move heavy objects safely, and it encourages them to be cautious and mindful of the risks involved.
However, even with training, manual handling cannot eliminate injuries entirely. Repeated lifting of heavy objects can cause long-term problems such as back pain, joint strain, and muscle fatigue. Short-term injuries such as cuts, bruises, and sprains are also common, and these can result in lost working hours if staff are forced to take time off.
At GGR Glass, we offer manual handling accessories such as glass trolleys, hand cups, and carrying straps. These tools make it easier and safer to transport glass by hand, helping to reduce strain and improve safety on site.
Conclusion
Both manual and mechanical methods of glass transport have their place in the glazing industry. Manual handling is the more cost-effective option, but it comes with greater risks and limitations. Mechanical lifting, on the other hand, offers superior safety, efficiency, and productivity, making it the better long-term investment for most businesses.
The key is to choose the right solution for your needs. With regular servicing and proper use, mechanical lifting equipment such as glazing robots can transform the way you handle glass. At the same time, manual lifting accessories like slings and straps can still play a valuable supporting role in day-to-day tasks.
To explore the full range of glass lifting and transport equipment we offer, visit our lifting accessories section. If you’d like tailored advice or have any questions, you can contact our expert team by email or call us directly.
