First, describe the work and worksite
A glazing crew will move a specified glass panel from a secured rack to a receiving support with a vacuum lifting device and an approved hoisting arrangement at ground level. This fictional learning example records planned controls; it supplies no actual inspections or work authorization.
- Panel weight, surface, geometry and orientation must suit the actual lifter configuration and instructions.
- The receiving support and controlled travel area are ready before attachment.
- This excludes elevated glazing, damaged glass and treating a hand suction cup as a rated hoisting device.
Questions before work
- What confirms panel and lifter compatibility in the intended orientation?
- Which vacuum checks and alarm responses does this unit require?
- How will the panel be supported before vacuum is released?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Identify the panel and movement
Hazard: Unknown weight or unsuitable glass can exceed device limits or lose attachment.
Control: Glazing lead confirms panel identification, weight, condition and surface compatibility with the lifter’s configuration and planned movement. Hold unresolved capacity or suitability.
Verification: Compare the actual panel with lifting documents and the unit instructions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A nominal capacity alone may not apply to every orientation or surface.
2. Prepare receiving support and the route
Hazard: A suspended panel can strike people or arrive at an unstable support.
Control: Set the receiving support and separate the travel, swing and potential fall zones. Agree signals and safe guide positions.
Verification: Lead checks the route and receiving support before attachment.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The receiving arrangement must exist before the panel moves.
3. Inspect and attach the lifter
Hazard: Damaged pads, contamination or failed vacuum controls can drop glass.
Control: Use the manufacturer’s inspection, pad preparation, attachment and specified safe function-check procedure. Verify required indicators and alarms; remove a defective lifter from service.
Verification: Authorized operator records the unit-specific checks before the lift.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Pad contact does not prove a reliable vacuum attachment.
4. Move the panel under control
Hazard: A vacuum loss, swing or rotation can crush or cut workers.
Control: Use the planned hoist and lifter method, maintain required indicators and keep people out of the panel’s fall and pinch paths. Follow the unit’s response to an alarm; never stand beneath to catch glass.
Verification: Operator monitors attachment status; lift lead maintains communication and boundary.
Why this belongs in the analysis: An alarm requires the prescribed response rather than a faster lift.
5. Support the panel and release vacuum
Hazard: Early release can drop or overturn the panel.
Control: Land on the prepared support and secure the panel by the planned receiving method. Release vacuum only after the designated lead confirms independent support.
Verification: Lead verifies support and restraint before authorizing release.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Independent support ends reliance on the lifting device.
6. Secure the device and hand over
Hazard: An unsecured panel or damaged device can expose the next user.
Control: Confirm the panel’s storage or installation restraint, inspect the lifter after use and isolate defects. Communicate actual panel and equipment status.
Verification: Glazing lead checks restraint and the device’s closeout condition.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The lift ends with both glass and equipment in a controlled state.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Be careful around the equipment. | Use the manufacturer’s inspection, pad preparation, attachment and specified safe function-check procedure. Verify required indicators and alarms; remove a defective lifter from service. |
| Check the area before starting. | Glazing lead confirms panel identification, weight, condition and surface compatibility with the lifter’s configuration and planned movement. Hold unresolved capacity or suitability. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Can a hand suction cup replace a vacuum lifter?
Only equipment specifically suitable for the intended load and lifting arrangement can be used. A hand cup’s appearance or label does not establish suitability for hoisting; reassess against its instructions and the lift design.
What must be recorded before this example is used on a job?
Replace the scenario with the actual work, identify additional hazards with the crew, and record the applicable instructions, responsible people, inspection findings, unresolved actions and required authorization. A planned verification is not an inspection result.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Panel surface, weight or orientation differs.
- Vacuum indicators, alarms or attachment behavior change.
- Wind, travel clearance or receiving support changes.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Actual vacuum lifter setup, checks, alarms and prescribed response.
- Applicable hoist, rigging and signaling roles and qualifications.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this be used as a JSA?
Use the Task | Hazard | Control structure if it meets the employer’s format. Adapt the boundaries, controls, verification and records to the actual job.
Does this provide a completed USACE AHA?
No. Use the project’s required AHA process, risk method, supporting fields and acceptance requirements. The existing formwork AHA explains the additional structure.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
Original worked example developed for the stated scenario. Primary references support the planning framework; the actual equipment manual, product instructions and project design must supply applicable operating and acceptance criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.