Description of the Glazier trade

“Glazier” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by glaziers whose occupational title has been identified by provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

English Provincial and Territorial Trade Names
  NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC YT NT NU
Glazier Check MarkNL Check MarkNS Check MarkPE Check MarkNB - - Check MarkMB Check MarkSK Check MarkAB Check MarkBC Check MarkYT Check MarkNT Check MarkNU
Architectural Glass and Metal Technician - - - - - Check MarkON - - - - - - -
Erector Mechanic (Glazier) - - - - Check MarkQC - - - - - - - -

Glaziers measure, handle, cut, prepare, fit, install, replace and repair all types of glass and glass substitutes, typically in industrial, commercial, institutional and residential applications. In these applications, they fabricate, lay out and install curtain wall framing, windows, doors, structural silicone glazing (SSG), skylights, sloped glazing and storefront frames. In residential applications, they install doors, windows, skylights, mirrors, shower doors, specialty glass and backsplash.

Glaziers also install specialty glass products such as glass railings/guardrails, smoke baffles, shower enclosures, and glass and mirror walls. Other duties include layout, preparation, fabrication and replacement of architectural metal systems and components in applications such as partition glass, entranceways, windows, sunshades, insulated glass, points-supported glazing and fittings, panels and pre-glazed curtain walls, including the respective seals, sealants, anchors and fasteners.

Most glaziers work on construction, service or renovation (retrofitting) projects. Specialty areas of this trade include installing skylights and other special glassworks like electrochromic glass, photovoltaic panels, fire-rated glass and compatible systems, obscured glass, patterned glass, ballistic/bomb-resistant glass in security areas, leaded x-ray glass in hospitals, low-iron glass for showcases in museums and acid-etched glass for bird-friendly glazing applications. Glaziers are employed by construction glass installation contractors, fabrication shops, retail service and repair shops. They may also be self-employed.

Besides working with glass, glaziers also work with plastics, granite, and other similar materials used as glass substitutes, as well as films or laminates that improve the durability or safety of the glass. Glaziers are also involved in manufacturing display cabinets and decorative windows. They may also be requested to create custom-designed glass installations for residential and commercial use.

Glaziers require good reading, writing and communication skills, as well as mathematical ability to accomplish tasks within their trade. Physical strength and stamina are necessary to work with heavy glass materials, and good eyesight is needed to measure, cut and detect flaws in glass and other materials. Manual dexterity and the ability to work alone and in teams are important qualities for those working in this trade. As well, analytical ability and troubleshooting skills are important assets in this trade, especially in the context of renovation and repair projects involving older structures and products.

Glaziers work in a variety of environments; some work outdoors on construction sites while others work indoors, in shops. When working on commercial applications, glaziers are expected to work from power-elevated work platforms, scaffolds and suspended work platform systems, sometimes at great heights, to manoeuvre glass panels that are lifted by cranes and other lifting equipment. Glaziers do a considerable amount of bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing during the installation process. There are some risks of injuries from falls from heights, lifting heavy materials, repetitive actions, sharp edges and broken glass.

This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of carpenters, sheet metal workers, concrete finishers, operating engineers, electricians, roofers, bricklayers, tilesetters and ironworkers.

With experience, glaziers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. Glaziers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreperson, contract managers, project managers, consultants, inspectors, instructors, or set up their own shops.