GQAFEN19 Comply with Building Regulations or Standards for installation in the fenestration industry

Overview

This standard covers the broad requirements of the Building Regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Building Standards in Scotland that are applicable to installers in the fenestration environment. You should ensure that installations do not endanger life and comply with the statutory requirements, keep your knowledge current and communicate with others when required.

This standard is for you if you work in the Fenestration Industry and are involved in on site installation work.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. carry out all work following current Building Regulations or Building Standards which apply to locations you are working in
2. communicate with others about regulations or standards following standard operating procedures
3. seek and confirm information on updates and changes to regulations or standards from reliable sources and according to organisational policies and requirements
4. update knowledge of regulations or standards at intervals which fit with changes in legislation and specified periods of time

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. Building Regulations or Building Standards that apply to the fenestration industry and which are mandatory
2. why Building Regulations or Building Standards exist and when they apply to the type of works being undertaken
3. consequences of failed inspections on installers or installation companies and homeowners
4. how to support loadings above standard openings
5. when structural supports should be present or installed
6. why defects should be remedied prior to installing windows or doorsets
7. where egress windows are required
8. the requirements of egress windows
9. position of lower edge of openings relative to finished floor level
10. advantages of installing thermally efficient windows and doorsets
11. maximum U-value for windows and doorsets installed
12. the terms WER or DSER
13. what is meant by safety glazing
14. where safety glazing must be fitted
15. types of glass classified as safety glass
16. how to identify safety glass, the standards applicable and what marking indicates
17. whether un-marked glass can be classified as safety glazing
18. the term 'finished floor level'
19. how safety glazing relates to windows fitted in bathrooms
20. when marked safety glazing may be omitted
21. requirements for background (trickle) ventilation and how this can be provided
22. the meaning of the term 'the replacement windows should not make the existing capability worse'
23. alternatives available to ventilation through windows
24. why it is necessary to make special provision for access to, and use of buildings
25. access requirements relating to door sizing
26. requirements to ensure moisture does not ingress between windows or doorsets and building fabric
27. limitations when installing low-threshold sills to doorsets
28. requirements of positioning window or door openings in relation to combustion appliance flue outlets
29. when to provide protection from falling and containment
30. type of glazing required to provide protection from falling and containment and how to identify it
31. function and purpose of sash restrictors and when they are required

Relevant Occupations   

Glaziers Window Fabric and Fitters

Keywords           

Fenestration, Building Regulations, Building Standards