GQAFEN23 Identify appropriate fire-resistant glass

Overview

This standard covers the identification and verification of fire-resistant glass for installation across all building types in the fenestration and glazing industry. It also includes selecting and confirming suitability of fire-resistant glass and associated frames and components that must be used during specification stage or replacement of existing glass on-site that has been damaged. You will need to understand the way in which glass types are classified, performance classifications and manufacturer documentation is used while ensuring that fire and health and safety requirements are met. In addition to the fire performance of the glass, you will need to understand product traceability and what to do if, or when, products cannot be identified.  You will also need to demonstrate up-to-date product and regulatory knowledge supporting safe installation and ongoing professional development within the industry.

This standard is for you if you work in the Fenestration and Glazing Industry and are involved in work that includes identifying and confirming suitable fire-resistant glazing for on-site installation work.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. obtain current versions of manufacturers' performance, installation and testing documentation about fire resistant glass from sources in line with organisational requirements and procedures
  2. obtain and compile information to provide a traceable record of products being selected
  3. check performance classifications for selected fire-resistant glazing to ensure it meets fire and safety performance requirements
  4. identify glass and associated products through use of classification marks, labels, documents and other visual references to identify fire-resistant glass following standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  5. identify when incorrect performance claims regarding fire-resistance are being made and question them through appropriate channels
  6. check and establish special requirements of fire-resistant glass to ensure safe handling, use and specified fire-resistant performance in line with regulatory requirements and specifications
  7. identify additional glazing framework requirements and methods that distinguish between a product performing as fire-resistant in comparison to a non-fire-resistant system including:
  • framed system
  • supporting construction
  • number, spacing, and type of fixings
  • connections between framing sections
  • gaskets or intumescent strips or sealants
  • importance of door alignments and associated tolerances
  1. select compliant materials for installation in line with framing requirements and specifications
  2. identify and reject materials that are not compliant, damaged or could compromise fire-resistant in line with specifications and SOPs
  3. handle fire-resistant glass in line with SOPs

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. regulations or standards, including those linked to health and safety, codes of practice and SOPs related to the installation of fire-resistant glazing
  2. reasons for using fire-resistant glass and glazing systems as opposed to standard glass and glazing systems
  3. meaning and importance of the Responsible NO
  4. how to contact manufacturers and verify product information
  5. how to access up-to-date documents and technical data about the glass and its installation
  6. organisational SOPs for interpreting product information sheets, third-party certification and test evidence to confirm performance and compliance
  7. importance of identifying fire-resistant glass and associated components by name, manufacturer and certification
  8. difference between fire-resistant glass and non-fire-rated glass products
  9. when and how to refuse replacement glass in a system, in line with SOPs, if it does not meet requirements and specifications
  10. classifications for fire-resistant glass
  11. classification symbols and markings used for fire-resistant glass and glazing in line with regulations and legislation
  12. general glazing requirements for different building applications
  13. documentation and reporting procedures and non-conformances for compliance traceability including:
  • record keeping
  • specification or installation checklists

Relevant Occupations    

Glaziers Window Fabric and Fitters

Keywords           

Fenestration, Fire-resistant glass