Glass installation supervisors work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the nature of the installation project. They may work on construction sites, commercial buildings, residential properties, or other structures that require glass installation. The work can involve climbing, working at heights, and heavy lifting, requiring physical strength and stamina. Safety precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment and following proper lifting techniques, are essential to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. The role may involve traveling to different project sites, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Working hours can vary, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate project deadlines and client requirements.
The educational and professional requirements for a glass installation supervisor may vary depending on the employer and the complexity of the projects. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, supplemented with vocational training or an apprenticeship in glass installation, construction, or a related field. Extensive hands-on experience in glass installation is essential to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary to effectively supervise and coordinate a team. Familiarity with glass installation techniques, equipment, and industry standards is crucial for successful project execution. Additionally, certifications or training in glass installation, safety, and relevant construction regulations may be advantageous.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Glass installation supervisor is a Skill level 3 occupation.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of glass installation supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of glass installation supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of glass installation supervisor.
Types of glazing: Various types of glass, insulating glazing and mirror glass. Their usage cases, advantages and disadvantages, and price points.
Glass coatings: Coatings used to protect glass from damage, to influence its behaviour when damaged, to keep harmful UV rays out, and others. Their usage cases, advantages and disadvantages and price points.
Inspect glass sheet: Inspect the drawn sheets of glass in order to detect any flows such as blisters or stones, signalling the defective glass sheets.
Check compatibility of materials: Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.
Manage health and safety standards: Oversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support the alignment of these requirements with the company’s health and safety programmes.
Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
Evaluate employees work: Evaluate the need for labour for the work ahead. Evaluate the performance of the team of workers and inform superiors. Encourage and support the employees in learning, teach them techniques and check the application to ensure product quality and labour productivity.
Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
Liaise with managers: Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of glass installation supervisor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Construction product regulation: Regulations on construction products quality standards applied throughout the European Union.
Cost management: The process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of glass installation supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Install frameless glass: Set frameless glass panes, usually in showers and on bathtubs. Use plastic shims to make sure the glass doesn’t touch any hard surfaces, which may cause scratching or breaking. Make sure the glass is level and attach any brackets to keep the glass in place. Waterproof the edges with silicone rubber caulk.
Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Provide first aid: Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
Use shims: Set shims in gaps to keep objects firmly in place. Use the suitable size and type of shim, depending on the purpose.
Use squaring pole: Use a squaring pole, a telescopic measurement pole that allows for checking the length of the diagonals of an inset area of a structure. If the diagonals are of equal length, the inset is straight.
Use sander: Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.
Install sill pan: Install different types of sill pans, systems that sit underneath the window sill to collect any excess moisture or fluids and convey it outside as to prevent moisture damage to the window or adjacent structures.
Install roof windows: Install various types of windows on the roof such as skylight, dormer windows and flat roof windows.
Smooth glass edges: Use automated abrasive belts to smooth or shape glass edges.
Rig loads: Safely attach loads to different types of hooks and attachments, taking into account the weight of the load, the power available to move it, static and dynamic tolerances of all instruments and materials, and the mass distribution of the system. Communicate with the operator verbally or with gestures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Detach loads.
Recruit employees: Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.
Assemble insulating glazing units: Assemble two glass panes with a spacer, usually made of stainless steel, aluminium or structural foam, and apply an adhesive sealant to press the glass panes against the spacer. Drill holes in the spacer to draw out the air, fill the space with gas or leave the vacuum, then seal the holes.
Apply a protective layer: Apply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.
Install construction profiles: Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
Manage contracts: Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes.
Rinse glass: Rinse the glass following the bevelling process using water in order to remove the abrasive residue.
Remove glass from windows: Remove glass from windows without causing damage. Inspect the windows and take the necessary steps, like removing putty and prying out glazer’s points. Recover the pane in one piece and clean it if called for.
Install structural glazing: Assemble the support structures, fix them on the building facade, insert the chassis if necessary, and fit the glass panes into the structures. In case of large construction projects, fix pre-assembled modules on the facade using rigging equipment and power tools.
Adjust glass sheets: Adjust glass sheets` thickness, according to the gauge readings, using asbestos pads on the sides of the kilns` cooling jacket.
Apply insulation strips: Apply insulation strips, which prevent air exchange between outdoors and indoors areas.
Smooth glass surface: Smooth glass or lens surfaces of optical instruments with grinding and polishing tools, such as diamond tools.
Provide technical expertise: Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision-makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Negotiate supplier arrangements: Reach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.
Handle broken glass sheets: Handle the damaged glass sheets so that they do not collapse into the kiln by closing the roll of the drawing kiln.
Install glass frames: Securely set frames in place to be fitted with glass panes. Set storefront frames, balustrades, and curtain wall framing for a variety of usage cases.
Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single-person lifts etc., since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
