GQAFEN4 Remove bay windows and prepare apertures

Overview

This standard applies to the removal of bay windows and preparing apertures during the refurbishment of a property. This standard would not be appropriate for a new building or new installation. You will need to remove existing bay windows, using appropriate supports, and restructure apertures or create new openings as required. You will need to check apertures against specifications and remove all debris. Finally, you will need to provide new surface finishes ready for installation

This standard is for you if you work in the Fenestration and Glazing Industry and are involved in on-site removal of bay windows and preparation of apertures for installation work

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. check for structural problems, dangerous materials and infestations that could affect the removal and installation
2. prepare internal and external parts of dwellings for the removal of bay windows to keep damage and disruption to a minimum and protect others
3. identify fixtures and fittings that will prevent or restrict installations following standard operating procedures
4. remove and store fixtures and fittings to allow effective refitting in line with specifications and standard operating procedures
5. identify and position temporary structural supports at support bearing points following safe working practices and in line with regulatory requirements
6. remove components, materials and outer frames from apertures following safe working practices, and line with regulatory requirements, in ways that cause miniumum damage to structures and surrounding areas
7. inspect, fit and replace any existing damp-proof barrier required to meet specifications
8. cut materials to size and shape required to meet specifications, minimising waste and following safe working practices in line with regulatory requirements
9. assemble materials following manufacturers' instructions to meet specifications
10. check materials fit level and plumb to prepared apertures using appropriate equipment and methods
11. identify and create suitable fixing points to meet specifications
12. check new or restructured apertures meet specifications

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. why it is important to check for structural problems before commencing removal of materials
2. checks to carry out for structural problems before commencing removal of materials
3. how and why to monitor supports and pre-existing structure for signs of settlement and what these checks will identify
4. structural problems that could be discovered and how to deal with each
5. how to identify dangerous materials and infestations that might be present and how to deal with them following current legislation and safe working practices
6. why it is important to prepare the internal and external parts of a building for removal of bays and how to minimise damage and disruption
7. types of structural supports available, the differences between them and when to use them
8. how to remove and store fixtures and fittings to prevent damage and allow for refitting in line with specifications
9. how to remove windows in two-storey bays to avoid unnecessary damage
10. different types of material used for internal and external finishes
11. consequences of not assembling materials in line with specifications
12. typical problems that can occur in the preparation of apertures and how these might be overcome
13. how to check that materials have been installed level and plumb and the possible consequences of not checking this
14. how to remove existing frames and components to avoid damage to surrounding areas
15. when damp-proof barriers are needed and materials used
16. how to identify and create suitable fixing points

Relevant Occupations    

Glaziers Window Fabric and Fitters

Keywords           

Fenestration, bay windows, apertures