Accreditations
Companies must be certificated for production to BS 7950 enhanced security for domestic windows. Door assemblies must pass BS:PAS 23 General Performance Requirements (excluding annexes) and BS:PAS 24 Enhanced Security Requirements.
All testing must be carried out at a UKAS accredited test house and be third party approved through CA body (BSI Kite-mark, BBA certificate, BM-Trada Q-Mark, BWF-TWAS or equivalent). This gives quality assurance.
When a manufacturer wishes to comply with the requirements of SBD they must now submit the window or door range for certification. This involves submission to a UKAS test house, which may or may not be the Certification Authority (CA). A number of products, representing the whole range, are selected for testing and if they all pass they can be accepted into the certification scheme. The CA audits the production facility to ensure that the products tested are representative of the products supplied to the end user. This is followed by a programme of regular visits to ensure continued quality standards are met and that components have not been altered without informing the CA. During the course of a year the CA will remove a small number of windows and doors for re-testing. This is dependent on the number of windows being produced or a number agreed with the manufacturer. Should any part of the test standards be changed/up-dated the manufacturer is expected to upgrade products to retain certification ecured by Design (SBD) is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of 'designing out crime' by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications. Click here for more information
FENSA Limited is the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and it has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), with Government approval in response to the new Building Regulations for England and Wales.
From 1st April 2002, all replacement glazing in dwellings came within the scope of the Building Regulations. Since then, anyone who installs replacement windows or doors will have to comply with approved thermal performance standards.
When having their windows and doors replaced from 1st April 2002, homeowners must ensure that they get a certificate from Local Authority Building Control or have the work completed by a FENSA registered company.
One of the main reasons for this change to the Building Regulations is the need to reduce energy loss.
Constructionline is the UK's largest register of local and national pre-qualified construction and construction-related services.
It offers commercial gains to the construction industry as a whole by supplying public and private sector procurers with a single national prequalification scheme, improving efficiency and streamlining procedures for all.
Provides assessment criteria that health and safety professionals can apply to the health and safety element of a select list application.
The GGF is the recognised leading authority and voice for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and applied window firm industries in the UK.
All members are vetted to ensure quality of service: this vetting process includes making a site visit to the company's premises, checking three year's of their accounts and taking up references. All members work to a Code of Good Practice and to the Technical Standards laid out in the Federation's Glazing Manual.
The Test House of Choice for Security Products
Sold Secure is dedicated to reducing the risk of crime by the assessment of security products. Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office. Sold Secure is now administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (a not for profit trade association) and works from purpose built laboratories just outside Daventry. The scheme has close ties with a number of constabularies and insurers who provide regular information regarding the methods of theft and the tools utilised by criminals in their areas. This helps to maintain up to date specifications and means security products can be assessed in the light of the risk they are likely to encounter when in use. Now products are tested by a highly motivated team of professional locksmiths under the direction of a small board of directors who meet on a regular basis to administer the scheme and move the process forward in keeping with modern theft methods.
Manufacturers and suppliers can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure. Products which have been satisfactorily assessed may bear the Sold Secure Quality Mark. Information on these approved products is circulated by Sold Secure to crime prevention officers, insurance companies, the media, the Home Office and the public, and is available free to those who require it.
Sold Secure Approval is classified into 3 main categories; Bronze, Silver & Gold (with an additional Diamond level for certain Caravan security products). The categories reflect the amount of time per test and the tools that are used and themselves vary depending on what test specification is being used.
Kitemark is the first product and service quality mark to be established in the UK, the Kitemark reassures consumers that vital safety and performance requirements have been met on an incredibly wide range of products and services. From electrical contractors to double glazed windows, doors and installation.
The Kitemark is recognised and trusted by over 88% of the UK population and, of those who recognise it, 93% claimed products with a Kitemark were safer while 91% felt they would be better quality.
Kitemark itself is over 100 years old, standards are of greater importance today than ever before. For the consumer, the Kitemark means quality and reliability. For procurement personnel it offers a real opportunity to demonstrate best practice, reduce risk and liability as well as achieve greater value for money. For these reasons Warmseal has been associated with the BSi Kitemark approval scheme since 1997 and has all manufactured window, door and Insulating Glass Sealed units manufactured and installed to Kitemark standards.
BS7950 / 7412 Enhanced window security performance for domestic applications Licence number KM38110
BS7412 Plastic windows made from PVCu hollow extruded profiles Licence number KN38109
BSEN1279 -2 Insulating glass units Licence number KM36775
PAS23/24 General and enhanced security performance requirements for door assemblies Licence number KM58093
BS8213 Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external door sets Licence number KM94972 Search for us here to find out more
Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) was established in 1898 to bring together companies within the Construction Industry. The Federation promotes construction, encourages training, rewards achievements, reinforces work safety and supports members.
