PROFRG6 Install frames in windows, doors or screens to accept fire-resistant glazing

Overview

This standard is concerned with installation (first fix) of a frame within a system for windows, doors or screens ready to receive fire-resistant glazing. You will need to complete the process from being able to read and use specifications to completing final inspections. You will understand the important factors involved in the installation of frames for fire-rated windows, doors or screens including underpinning requirements relating to system types and regulations, standards and guidelines. This could be carried out during new construction or during change of use.

This standard is for you if you work in the Fenestration Industry and are involved in on- site installation of frames for fire-rated windows, doors or screens prior to fire-resistant glazing installation.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. comply with all regulations or standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and codes of practice including health and safety
  2. identify and select materials for compliant installation of the glazing framework in line with regulatory requirements and specification sheets
  3. identify and reject those same materials which, where damaged and if used, could risk failure to achieve the specified fire-resistance
  4. check and confirm installation position for the frame for the screen, window or door relative to the information provided using construction issue drawings, setting out plans or job specification sheets
  5. check and confirm the frame for the fire-resistant glazing in the screen, window or door, and respective aperture, are compatible for size and fixing locations in line with specifications
  6. check and confirm supporting construction is as described in construction issue drawings or job specification sheets
  7. reject or query supporting constructions which are not, or appear not to be, in line with construction issue drawings or job specification sheets
  8. check and prepare aperture prior to installation in line with job information provided, including construction issue drawings or job specification sheets
  9. select required tools and equipment to install the glazing system framework in line with SOPs and job specifications
  10. complete installation of frame for the screen, window or door frame ensuring that:
  • all frame junctions are secured in line with specifications and SOPs
  • all required fixings are in place and secured in line with specifications and SOPs
  • perimeter gaps to supporting construction are within acceptable margins in line with construction issue drawings or job specification sheets and the manufacturers' instructions
  • door to frame gaps are within acceptable margins in line with manufacturers' instructions
  • labelling, where required by the manufacturer, is attached
  1. record installation or, where necessary, follow and complete manufacturers' or relevant third-party certifiers' installation checklist

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. regulations or standards, codes of practice, SOPs and supporting evidence relevant to installation frames including health and safety
  2. reasons for using fire resistant glazing systems as opposed to standard glazing systems
  3. meaning and importance of the Responsible NO
  4. different types and classifications of fire-resistant systems and their uses including:
  • difference between insulating and non-insulating framework
  • distinction and relevance of the framework classification
  1. how to select correct type of firestopping or sealant to use to seal between fire-rated screen, window or door frame and supporting construction including:
  • importance of using material specified on construction issue drawings, job specification sheets and manufacturers' instructions
  • types of firestopping or sealant
  • how different types of fire sealant react under fire conditions
  • consequences of not using the specified sealant
  1. how to read and interpret job specifications and construction issue drawings and specific manufacturers' installation instructions
  2. how to identify a compliant supporting construction, on all sides of the aperture, by comparison with the details given on constructions issue drawings or job specification sheets and the criticality of doing so
  3. tools, equipment and fixings required to carry out work in a range of substrates
  4. how to install the fire-resistant framing system in line with project information
  5. how to position frame for fire-rated glazing in window, door or screen frame into aperture in line with construction issue drawings or job specification sheets
  6. importance of installation in line with specifications including:
  • plumbness of frame system
  • straightness (not twisted) of frame system
  • number, type and spacing of fixings
  • connection between framing sections
  • importance of door alignments
  1. meaning, purpose and importance of the Golden Thread
  2. manufacturer's requirements for completion of an installation checklist including:
  • intermediate stop points requiring a supervisor's sign-off
  • where installer has authority to stop and raise a concern before continuing
  • where photographic and video evidence of critical installation details must be taken and recorded

Relevant Occupations    

Glazing and fenestration process operatives; window, door and screen fitters and installers

Keywords           

Windows, doors, screens,glass, upvc, installation, installer, fitter, curtain walling, fire-resistant, fire-rated