GQAFEN28 Select fire resistant glazing sealants

Overview

This standard covers the selection and application of glazing sealant for use within a fire-resistant glazed system. You will need to appreciate that glazing sealants are an essential part of the overall glazed system and the correct selection and application is critical in ensuring that the performance capability of the full assembly is achieved.

This standard is for you if you work in the Fenestration and Glazing Industry and are involved in the selection of fire-resistant glazing sealants for on-site installation work

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. comply with health and safety requirements and procedures at all times
2. contact suppliers using appropriate communication methods when you need additional information about sealants
3. obtain current versions of manufacturers' documentation about fire resistant glazing sealants from appropriate sources
4. use visual references to identify fire-resistant glazing sealants following manufacturers' documentation
5. confirm selected glazing sealants fit performance specifications and are compatible with glazed systems being installed
6. apply sealants following manufacturers and suppliers' instructions and information provided

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. purpose and function of glazing sealants
2. how fire-resistant glazing sealants function in fire
3. why ordinary glazing sealants are not suitable
4. what an intumescent sealant is
5. what a non- intumescent sealant is
6. different generic categories of fire-resistant sealant types by function
7. manufacturers and suppliers for each named glazing sealant material by name
8. how to contact suppliers
9. importance of avoiding glass to frame contact
10. methods for fitting sealants into glazing pockets with glass
11. when and how to apply capping materials
12. when to use capping sealants
13. which capping materials can and cannot be used
14. particular procedures and details that apply for external systems
15. meaning and importance of compatibility of glazing sealants with other components
16. when and why extra care should be taken in using some sealants with some glasses
17. how to ensure that correct sealant to glass combination is followed in line with specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
18. processes to follow if substituting one glazing sealant for another, including approvals and evidence of performance
19. important considerations when replacing old glazing sealants with new sealants

Relevant Occupations    

Glaziers Window Fabric and Fitters

Keywords           

Fenestration, fire resistant glazing sealants