Safety Precautions When Removing a Glass Window

Lay tarps out on the ground on either side of the window to catch stray pieces of glass that happen to break off. Use masking tape or weighed objects to hold the tarps in place.

Put on protective clothing, including protective eyeglasses or goggles and thick gloves. You also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, jeans and closed-toed shoes with thick soles that will be difficult for broken glass to permeate if you happen to step on some.

Remove the glass. If the window is already shattered, remove each piece of glass from the frame by carefully picking it out one at a time with your gloved hands.

Remove glass that isn't broken by using a putty knife or wood chisel to remove the putty from the window frame, along with the glazier's points. The glazier's points are the metal pieces that hold the window glass in the frame. Keep one hand on the glass to keep it stable and to prevent it from falling while you remove the putty and glazier's points. Gently lift the glass from the window frame, and place it inside a garbage bag or other enclosed container where it will not harm anyone if it breaks or shatters.