Glass

Glass is commonly found in filming locations, sets, props, windows, furniture, decorative items, and practical lighting fixtures. Although often overlooked, glass presents significant hazards including cuts, puncture wounds, eye injuries, and impact injuries. Whenever possible, productions should eliminate unnecessary glass hazards before filming begins.

Breakaway (“Candy”) Glass

Breakaway glass, commonly referred to as candy glass, is specially manufactured to simulate the appearance of real glass while breaking into less hazardous fragments for film, television, and theater productions.

Although significantly safer than ordinary glass, breakaway glass is not harmless and can still cause cuts, eye injuries, or other injuries if used improperly.

When using breakaway glass:

• Obtain prior approval from Production Services before filming.
• Use only professionally manufactured breakaway glass designed for motion picture or theatrical use.
• Never substitute real glass for a planned breakaway effect.
• Carefully rehearse all action before the break.
• Keep all non-essential cast and crew outside the hazard area.
• Require appropriate eye protection for crew members working near the effect whenever practical.
• Have a designated crew member responsible for supervising the effect and confirming the area is safe before filming resumes.
• Thoroughly inspect and clean the area after each take to remove all fragments before resetting.

Homemade “candy glass” or other improvised breakaway materials should never be used, as they may not break predictably or safely. Even professionally manufactured breakaway glass should be handled with the same level of planning and caution as any other special effect.

Architectural Glass, Set Dressing, and Props

Inspect all architectural and structural glass before filming to ensure it is appropriate for its intended use and, whenever practical, verify that it is safety or tempered glass. Large glass doors, windows, mirrors, storefronts, and other transparent surfaces that present a collision hazard should be clearly marked with highly visible tape or temporary decals during setup and rehearsals. A large white “X” made from removable tape is commonly used to improve visibility.

Evaluate all glass set dressing and props, including glass tables, display cases, decorative partitions, lamps, picture frames, bottles, drinking glasses, China, ceramic dishes, and sculptures, or potential hazards. Whenever practical, replace fragile glass items with safer alternatives such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or plastic replicas.

Handling Glass

When moving or handling glass:

• Carry large panes upright whenever possible.
• Use appropriate lifting techniques and sufficient personnel.
• Wear suitable gloves when handling unfinished or large pieces of glass.
• Never leave loose sheets of glass unsecured.
• Store glass where it cannot tip, slide, or fall.

Scenes Involving Broken Glass

Scenes involving broken glass require additional planning. Never intentionally break ordinary glass for a production. Only professionally manufactured breakaway glass designed specifically for motion picture use should be used for scenes involving glass breakage. Such scenes should be carefully planned, rehearsed, and supervised. Cast and crew should remain outside the hazard area unless directly involved in the scene.

Personal Protective Equipment

When working around glass, appropriate PPE may include:

• Safety glasses or face shields
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Long sleeves when appropriate
• Closed-toe footwear

Cleanup

Broken glass should be cleaned up immediately.

• Restrict access to the area until cleanup is complete.
• Use a broom, dustpan, or other appropriate tools rather than bare hands.
• Dispose of broken glass in a rigid container designed for sharp materials whenever possible.
• Inspect the area carefully to ensure small fragments have been removed before filming resumes.

Remember

Many glass-related injuries occur during setup and strike—not during filming. Taking time to identify glass hazards, replace fragile items with safer alternatives, and clean up broken glass immediately helps protect everyone on set.

Students are not permitted to intentionally break real glass for any production. Any scene involving breakaway glass requires prior approval from Production Services and must use professionally manufactured breakaway materials.