A glazier is a skilled tradesman responsible for cutting, installing, and removing glass (and materials used as substitutes for glass, such as some plastics). Glaziers may work with glass in various surfaces and settings, such as windows, doors, shower doors, skylights, storefronts, display cases, mirrors, facades, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. Department of Labor lists the following as typical tasks for a glazier:
The National Occupational Analysis recognized by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship separates the trade into 5 blocks of skills, each with a list of skills, and a list of tasks and subtasks a journeyman is expected to be able to accomplish:
Block A – Occupational Skills
1. Uses and maintains tools and equipment
2. Organizes work
3. Performs routine activities
Block B – Commercial Window and Door Systems
4. Fabricates commercial window and door systems
5. Installs commercial window and door systems
Block C – Residential Window and Door Systems
6. Installs residential window systems
7. Installs residential door systems
Block D – Specialty Glass and Products
8. Fabricates and installs specialty glass and products
9. Installs glass systems on vehicles
Block E – Servicing
10. Services commercial window and door systems
11. Services residential window and door systems
12. Services specialty glass and products.
Tools used by glaziers "include cutting boards, glass-cutting blades, straightedges, glazing knives, saws, drills, grinders, putty, and glazing compounds."