ACT revision support document

2020










ACT revision support document
































































Anglian Home Improvements Ltd


0 Anglian Competent Technician

Contents
This Document ......................................................................................................................................................................2
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) .....................................................................................................................................2
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) ................................................................3

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) .........................................................................................................3
Work at Heights Regulations ...................................................................................................................................................3
Manual Handling .......................................................................................................................................................................3
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).............................................................................................3
Control of Asbestos Regulations .............................................................................................................................................4

Installation Good Practice ....................................................................................................................................................4
Preparation to Start Work....................................................................................................................................................5
Frame Removal .....................................................................................................................................................................5
Frame Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................5
Aperture Preparation ............................................................................................................................................................6
Frame Positions and Aperture Preparation ........................................................................................................................6
Frame Installation .................................................................................................................................................................9

Fixings ....................................................................................................................................................................................9
Frame Preparation for Glazing .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Glazing .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Finishings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Handover.............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Building Regulations ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Understanding the Building Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 13
Removal of bay windows ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Bow type replacement bay ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Document B - This relates to Fire Safety ............................................................................................................................ 14
Document C - Resistance to Moisture ................................................................................................................................. 14
Document F - Ventilation ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Document J - Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage ................................................................................................. 15
Document K - Protection against Impact ........................................................................................................................... 15
Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Power.................................................................................................................. 16
BFRC (Organisation that rates frames and glass combined) .............................................................................................. 16
Document - M -Access ............................................................................................................................................................ 16

Document Q ............................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Fire Rated Glass – Brief Information ................................................................................................................................. 17
CE Marking ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Approved document 7 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17







1

THIS DOCUMENT


The information within this document is designed solely as a revision document aimed at supporting the
installers who are to undertake knowledge/ theory test compiled by GQA Qualifications.



The reason for this document is that all too frequently we can become engrossed in booklets 70 to 90 pages in
length when in reality we only need to look at the basics. However the information in this summary document
should, but may not, cover every single question in the Fenestration Installation knowledge tests and site
observations. We would still advise you look at the other support material available including industry recognised
good practice guides and up to date Building Regulations information.

This revision document covers a wide range of knowledge requirements that are mainly concerned with the best
recognised practice for installation, the need to understand the Building Regulations related to our industry
including knowledge surrounding Health and Safety. Please note that all legislation, regulations and best
practice apply to every company regardless of their size from the typical “one man band” scenario to the largest
organisations.

Standard Glass terminologies


Annealed, normally 4mm or 6mm commonly known as float, n.b. this is not safety glass

Tempered or Toughened, most common form of safety glazing, glass is graded either Grade A or
Class 1

Laminated, another form of safety glass normally 6.4mm, this glass is graded either Grade B or Class 2


Triple glazed units, the middle pane of these units must always be toughened to withstand the
retention and differential changes of heat captured with the IGU

6.8mm Laminated, this is classed as a security glass and is normally used in conjunction with Approved
Document Q, Graded B or Grade 2

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT REVISED IN 1974
THIS IS THE RECOGNISED INDUSTRY LEGISLATION THAT SETS OUT TO ENSURE EVERYONE INVOLVED AT
WORK IS PROTECTED FROM HARM. THE HSE SETS OUT LEGISLATION DOCUMENTS THAT PINPOINT
POTENTIAL AREAS FOR CONCERN AND THESE AREAS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITHIN THE SUB SECTIONS
BELOW. WHERE ORGANISATIONS EMPLOY 5 OR MORE PEOPLE THE COMPANY MUST HAVE A FORMAL
WRITTEN HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY.


PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)
This regulation states that the employer must have carried out a risk assessment and ensured the work force
are equipped with PPE to carry out their work as safely as possible. It is worth noting that PPE should be the last
resort, if the hazard can be avoided or removed then it should be. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide
the employee with the required PPE; the employee has a duty of care to co-operate with the employer and to
take reasonable care of their equipment.

Standard prescription glasses are not an acceptable form of eye protection, special prescription safety glasses can
be obtained or the use of over -glasses is required.





2

When cutting using grinding equipment it is recommended that all employees should wear a full face visor,
safety footwear and either a dust mask or respiratory equipment.

RIDDOR (REPORTING OF INJURIES DISEASES DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES REGULATIONS)

This regulation sets out to ensure that all employees and employers recognise the need to record accidents. It
is recommended that all accidents, incidents or near misses should be reported to the company or employer.
Only accidents that result in 7 days and over from work need reporting to the HSE, the reason for this is that
the companies could be investigated if there becomes a trend and evidence is kept for a number of years.
Installation vehicles should carry in date first aid kits, a fire extinguisher and an accident reporting book. Other
matters covered under RIDDOR include the collapse or partial collapse of scaffolding.


COSHH (CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH)

This regulation ensures that there are safe guide lines for the transportation, storage and use of substances or
chemicals. To ensure the end users are kept safe symbols are located on every product these symbols indicate
the controls and potential harm for the user and those affected by their use. The user should recognise these
symbols and should follow all safety guidance for use, transportation, storage and disposal of all substances.



WORK AT HEIGHTS REGULATIONS

This regulation is aimed at protecting those who work at height and their safety, where working at heights is
involved there must be a risk assessment carried out before work commences. So, what is classed as working at
heights? Basically, working anywhere from which a person could fall is classed as working at heights. If the use
of access equipment is required only trained and competent persons can legally erect the equipment. Any
access equipment delivered for the purpose of use must have a test report to state it has been checked and is fit
for purpose.

Every time a mobile scaffold is moved it must be checked and signed off accordingly by a competent person,
mobile towers must not exceed 4 metres whilst being moved. Hand rails or guard rails must never exceed
470mm centres. If scaffolding has been erected for the installers by contractors there must be a visible hand
over tag that indicates the scaffold is complete and is safe to work from.



When using a ladder for access care should be taken to ensure the ground is good, the correct angle of lean is
correct (1 in 4) or 75%, stand offs and stabilizers are in place and that you can maintain 3 points of contact
whilst limiting the amount of work carried out from the ladder.


MANUAL HANDLING
This regulation gives guidance to the movement and transportation of materials either by hand or when using
equipment to make the lift. In short risk assessments should be carried out prior to making the lift, the route
must be planned, and obstacles removed, areas for rest planned and safe areas for storage are designated.
Weights shape and size of the products must be considered, and additional labour may be required. HSE now
recognise that they cannot specify a set weight for lifting by either male or female but recommend the weight
should be something the individual feels comfortable with and additional risk should be taken into account.
When using equipment to make the lift the user needs to ensure the equipment is fit for purpose and that you
are aware of the weight to be lifted and the capacity or safe working load of the lifting equipment.

PUWER (PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS)

This regulation controls the use of equipment mainly electrical and gives safety guidance for the user. All
equipment should be fit for purpose, all electrical equipment from new will have been tested and the pass label

3

will clearly be displayed on the product. When using power tools it is recommended that 110 transformer be
used and when using 240 direct there must be a RCD breaker to protect the source. Portable appliance testing
(PAT) at regular intervals is recommended but is not law just best practice. Where possible always use cordless
power tools.


CONTROL OF ASBESTOS REGULATIONS
This regulation gives guidance on asbestos and recommends what should be done if asbestos is present or
suspected. Best practice is to recognise where asbestos could be found such as infill panels, soffits and suggests
that if you are unsure work must never continue. The asbestos or suspected asbestos should be analysed before
work continues and customer or client liaison is strongly advised.
It is recommended that fire extinguishers are carried on all installation vehicles. Fires do occur from time to
time and we should be equipped to deal with them. All companies should comply including the small companies
where their vehicles are effectively their mobile offices also.



See chart for Fire extinguisher use below.








































There are numerous additional regulations that are aimed at keeping us safe at work the regulations mentioned
within this text are the main issues currently relevant to Installation and installers. Health and safety must be
taken seriously everyday someone is severely harmed or lose their life because of an accident or incident that
could have simply been avoided. You must always remember that “you are responsible for yourself and anyone
who is affected by your acts or omissions at work”. The acts are the things you have done, and the omissions are
the things you should or could have done to prevent accidents



INSTALLATION GOOD PRACTICE






4

The following is the recognition of good practice mainly involved within the removal of the existing frames and
installation of new windows and doors. As with everything the following information is aimed at the perfect
scenario because the perfect scenario is the only way to set best practice standards and guidance.

What is a site? All places of work are classed as sites and are normally classed as either a commercial site or a
domestic site either way work must be carried out safely and in accordance to current health and safety
legislation and in line with building regulations.

When arriving on site the installer should carry out a separate risk assessment before starting any work.
Reasons for carrying out a risk assessment are to ensure the hazards have not altered from the date of survey
and the installer is sure it is safe to work. If scaffolding has been erected for use by outside contractor’s, then
visible tags or hand over certificates must be observed before actively using the scaffolding. In the event that
access equipment/mobile towers are required only competent trained persons can erect the equipment. Note if
hazards are identified that are not recorded on the surveyors risk assessment then adequate precautions should
be taken before work starts, in serious implications such as the suspicion of asbestos work must stop until the
materials have been analysed and you are sure it is safe to proceed.

The installer should take every precaution to ensure that within reason they manage and monitor the site for
any potential health and safety issues. It is worth noting that the installer is always responsible for anyone or
anything that could be affected by their work.


PREPARATION TO START WORK

Provisional checks should be carried out to ensure that the replacement products are suitable before any work
begins. It is recommended that measurements of the replacement materials should be taken and matched against
the details recorded on the site survey and actual structural opening. We also recommend that the replacement
windows or doors are building regulation compliant or at the very least not making the ingoing frame any worse
than the outgoing frame. Structural checks should be carried out looking for signs of any movement or subsidence.

Temporary props should be used to support the structure particularly if the aperture is being widened or there is no
sign of the existing lintel and if you think the brick work has possibly moved.

Remove-move all vulnerable objects with the owner’s consent and place protective sheeting inside and outside
accordingly. Ensure safety signs are erected and all areas cordoned off to prevent unauthorised access to the
working environment.

FRAME REMOVAL

All frame removals are different within their nature and every installer will approach their work in a different
manner. Either way the work must be done methodically and safely. Speed is not of the essence careful work in
the preparation will save time in making good in the long term. Every aperture is different, and care must be
taken in removing the old materials, all DPMs are there for a purpose and should not be removed if they are
unavoidably removed then legislation says they must be replaced, the replacement window will not protect
against damp in the apertures where the DPM has been removed.

If there is no sign of a lintel above the frame, then invasive surgery is required to confirm if a lintel or structural
support is present. If there are no lintels, then the aperture must be temporary supported by props and a lintel
or other structural support installed. Under no circumstances must any PVCu replacement window be expected
to withstand direct loads. When replacing bay windows temporary structural supports/props must be used to
support the bay during removal and replacement. Bay windows must have load bearing systems that run
through the cill directly to the head. If you cannot confirm the bay is load bearing, then you must assume that it
is load bearing and therefore install bay supporting systems (Refer to Document A of the Building Regulations
for full detail)


FRAME PREPARATION

5

Frame preparation will be different from one system to another, if frame extensions or build ups are required
we recommend that silicone is used between the dry joints and the extensions are screwed to the frame at 300
to 400 centres. The joint between the cill and frame should have a silicone tray installed and fixed to the frame
at centres 300mm to 400mm. The cills should be cut to allow for additional expansion 2mm for white products
and 5mm for foiled products. Some frame preparation will be system specific but these areas are not accounted
for within this revision content.


APERTURE PREPARATION

Aperture preparation will vary dependant on the type of property and the type of frame that will have been
removed. In general remove old nails, loose mortar, and old mastic lines, maybe remove the tongue from the
window board. It is important to note that oil based mastics must be entirely removed during aperture
preparation failure to do so could result in poor adhesion with other products, discolouration of the new
products, and DPC failure. Whilst preparing the aperture consideration should be given for suitable fixing points
and making good. DPM must be installed in the required areas this will be dependent on the property type, if
timber is used within the aperture as a fixing aid then the timber should be treated material and used in
conjunction with DPM’s.


FRAME POSITIONS AND APERTURE PREPARATION























































6

7

8

FRAME INSTALLATION

Following the aperture and frame preparation the frame can be lifted into position. It is important to consider
the location of the frame within the aperture to ensure a secure fixing and weather proofing, thought should
also be given to internal and external finishings. When projecting or over hanging cills are used it is
recommended that the cill must extend a minimum of 25mm from the face of the structure. Ideally frames
should have 5mm all-round clearance, giving an overall tolerance of 10mm from the tight aperture size, 10mm
for white frames up to 3000mm in width, for none white frames 15mm tight tolerance is required up to
3000mm in width.

FIXINGS

There are two principal methods of fixing available, which may be used separately or in combination, these are
through frame fixings and lug fixings.



If lug fixings are used they should be of a suitable material to resist corrosion and, if used externally they should
be secured to the surround using “one way screws” or other security screws.


Screws should be sized to penetrate at least 25mm into timber, When installing windows or doors into block
work it is expected that the fixings penetrate at least 40mm for casement windows and 50mm for all doors and
door sets. Connections to steelwork over 2mm thick should be into pre-tapped holes with machine screws of a
minimum 5mm diameter or alternatively power driven hardened self-cutting screws. Packers/shims must be
used appropriately between the frame and aperture behind the fixings and under all mullions. Frame packers
will hold the frame solid and square and should span the frame from back to front and extruded from suitable
material to avoid corrosion.


Any electrical or specialist items, such as television aerials or telephone wires should be re-routed around the
frame of the window. Where this is not feasible, then alternatives should be agreed with the customer and any
specialist.


It is recommended that all 4 sides of the frame should be fixed where possible and a minimum of 2 fixings per
jamb is required. The presence of pre-cast concrete or steel lintels may make it impracticable or pose severe
problems in achieving the fixing distances and locations.


In these instances, the use of polyurethane foam could be used in conjunction with mechanical fixings with a
fixing tolerance recommended between 10 and 15mm only. Please note polyurethane foam must never be used
as the sole method of fixing but could additionally be used for perimeter filling for added insulation to prevent
cold spots.



See below for fixing distances.

PVC-U windows and doors


Where possible, all four sides of the frame should be secured as follows: - • Corner fixings should be
between 150 mm and 250 mm from the external corner.



9

• No fixings should be less than 150 mm from the centre line of a mullion or transom.

• Intermediate fixings should be at centres no greater than 600mm.
• There should be a minimum of two fixings on each jamb.

If the head is fixed with polyurethane foam, then the fixings at the head may be as follows:

• Frame width up to 1200mm – no fixings

• Frame width 1201mm to 2400mm – one fixing
• Frame width 2401mm to 3600mm – 2 equally spaced fixings.




































Timber windows and doors

Where possible, the sides of the frame should be secured as follows:-

a. Corner jamb fixings should be between 150 mm and 250 mm from the external corner.
b. Intermediate fixings should be at centres no greater than 600mm.

c. There should be a minimum of two fixings on each jamb.

d. On windows over 1800 mm wide, central head and sub-sill fixings should be provided.





















10

FRAME PREPARATION FOR GLAZING

Care should be taken to ensure that all swarf and other debris are removed from the rebates and that checks
are physically carried out to ensure drainage is working effectively. Bridging packers or system specific glazing
platforms should then be placed appropriately to suit the frame before commencing with the glazing. The glass
should be checked to ensure it is free from damage and is compliant with building regulations.


GLAZING

Glazing should be carried out to ensure the frame is fully operational after the process and there is no snagging
between the sash and outer frame. Drainage should not be affected, and the sash should be level against the
outer frame when closed. It is good practice to make constant checks for ease of operation during the actual
glazing process. All decorative glass must be fully aligned between the sash and fixed panels. All glass must
meet Building Regulations/Standards and safety glazing must be installed where applicable. (See document
K/N for detailed information) The logo that indicates the glass is safety glazing must be visible after installation
with all markings clearly displayed. Please note that if the safety glass logo is not clearly visible after the
installation then the unit will have to be re-placed or re-etched. If during the installation the installer finds that
the glass is within the critical glazing area but is not safety glass a re-placement unit must be ordered, the
original product must not be installed even on a temporary basis. A flat panel or boarding must be used as
temporary glazing until the replacement unit can be legally installed, remember the installer is responsible for
what they install and finish. Timber glazing requires the specialist guidance; all other questions related to
installations remain the same and apply accordingly. Most timber systems when glazed will require a sealant to
cap the external bead to protect against the weather unless specified different.









11

FINISHINGS

Finishings will vary with the type of installation and surrounds both internally and externally. Most surveyors
will specify the finishing details but unforeseen and hidden problems could have a bearing on how the work is
completed.


Perimeter joints should be sealed on both the outside and the inside, with a sealant appropriate to:
• the frame surface
• the substrate material

• joint size and configuration

• anticipated joint movement • anticipated exposure to weather.

Gaps between the frame and aperture must be sealed using a low modulus silicone, please note that any gaps
larger than 6mm all-round the frame must have a gap filler applied or a PE rod before sealing. Care should also
be taken to ensure the sealants are the correct colour and that they are in date and match the specification.
The gap filler must not allow the silicone to adhere to it therefore ensuring that the silicone is pressed firmly to
the sides of the frame and aperture and will allow for movement. PVCu /Cellular trims used for external
purposes must only be used for enhanced visual appearance and not used for weatherproofing. The frames
must be weatherproof before installing any final cover trims. Likewise when making good render around the
edge of frame weatherproof the gap between the frame and aperture prior to replacing the render and any final
touches.

HANDOVER

Before hand over ensure the site is left completely free from any debris and all vulnerable objects have been
replaced and that all dust sheets have been removed. Before leaving site ensure the client is aware of how to
fully operate the newly installed products. The best way to do this is to demonstrate the operation with the
client and then invite them to operate the systems under your supervision. It is also good practice that if the
work will continue for more than one day advising the client on how to operate the new fixtures could be
advantageous in any event of any emergencies. The Sales of Goods Act 1994 says warranties must be issued
and that customer details, maintenance contact numbers and validity dates are clearly visible on all warranties.


MAINTENANCE

Advising the client on basic maintenance is always good practice and will help to prolong the effective life of the
products. Cleaning of the frames is best using a detergent and warm water or a non-abrasive cleaner, the
cleaning of glass is recommended using detergent and warm water or a recognised glass cleaner, all abrasive
products must be avoided at all times.

Light oil is recommended to periodically lubricate moving parts and areas of friction such as the friction stays,
locking mechanisms/straps and locking keeps.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Building Regulations are a key factor in recognising what is legally required within the replacement windows
and door market and regardless of your individual job role all installers and surveyors must know and
understand Building Regulations relevant to the replacement sector.









12

UNDERSTANDING THE BUILDING REGULATIONS

The regulations basically state that all re-placement windows and doors should not be any worse than the existing
in design only.

The only regulations that must be complied with at all times are those for (Document –L) , and (Document k-for
England and N for Wales).


All the other Building Regulations should be complied with when possible. It is recommended that if the existing
outgoing window or door is not fully compliant but could meet compliance by simply changing the design of the
proposed ingoing product then it would be best practice to change for better.

Document A, this refers to “Structure”.

REMOVAL OF BAY WINDOWS

In order to maintain the structural integrity when replacing a bay window, it is essential that temporary supports
such as adjustable steel props are used. It is important to ensure that the walls, floors or beams that may be
affected by the window replacement are adequately supported prior to removing the windows. Care should be
taken to protect internal ceiling and floor finishes at support bearing points. The sequence of removal of the
windows in a two storey bay should ensure that unnecessary damage to the lower bay construction does not occur
and structural stability is not impaired. It is important that the structure is always adequately supported.


After supporting the bay structure, the windows should be removed carefully, ensuring that the minimum of
damage is caused to reveals, plaster, finishes and trims. It is recommended that structural mullions are removed
one at a time, and that both the temporary supports and the pre-existing structure are closely monitored for any
signs of settlement.



Depending upon the design of the structure at the head of the bay window, it may be necessary to leave the head of
the frame in position providing that there is no rot present. If the condition of the aperture or the damp proof
coarse (DPC) is not considered to be fit for purpose, or does not correspond with that described by the surveyor, the
installer should refer back to the surveyor or the company for agreement to the proposed solution.


Installation of the replacement window assembly should not start until any defects in the structure have been
rectified. The assembly of the bay window should follow the product designer’s recommendations.


Care should be taken to ensure that no applied loads are carried by the individual segments of the window. Bearing
plates should be used on bay poles when loads are transferred from or to masonry or timber. Where there is no
danger of the bay pole damaging the fabric of the building with which it comes into contact, bearing plates are not
necessarily required e.g. where the bay pole bears directly onto a steel joist.



Care should be taken to ensure that the loads are transferred correctly from and to the structure of the building
and the bay pole assembly. This is achieved either by having the bay pole pass through the sill, or by using a sill
which is reinforced strongly enough to transfer the applied loads.









13

BOW TYPE REPLACEMENT BAY

It is recommended that the structure of a Bow Bay Replacement should be constructed in such a way as to provide
adequate means of support to a flat roof setup. This will take into account any loads imposed by a heavy snow fall
which could otherwise compromise the structure.
The replacement products should have structural jointing strips in-between the frames such as mullions in a
door combination frame this will provide additional strength to the product.

Where windows are to be re-placed checks should be made for the presence of a lintel or some form of
structural support. The surveyor should identify if existing supports are in place and if not it is recommended
that a permanent structural supports are always installed. Please note PVCu frames must never be load
bearing. Where a window and brick work is to be removed to form a new door access then these are now only
covered under building control, Fensa do not recognise the process. This also applies to any structural
alterations. Loadings associated with “structure” are, direct loads, wind loads, imposed loads.

DOCUMENT B - THIS RELATES TO FIRE SAFETY

Basically, every habitable room should have two means of escape. 1 means of escape would be from a room
that leads to a protected stair way the other being from an egress window. Normal domestic dwellings will not
have protected stairways these are normally found in new build flats or regulated and approved conversions,
therefore best practice suggests the window within the habitable room should have a fire escape/egress
window incorporated within the installation.

Fire escapes windows should preferably have non key locking handles, must have egress hinges and where
possible be not less than 450mm x450mm in either width or height and be 734 in either width or height
gaining( 0.33m2). When possible the bottom of the operable area should be no more than 1100mm from the
floor to be classed as a fire escape. Remember you cannot make the ingoing window any worse than the
existing/outgoing window.

Please note a fire escape opening 450mm x 450mm does not meet compliance.


DOCUMENT C - RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE

This document relates to the prevention of moisture to the dwelling.

Try to avoid unnecessarily removing DPC during the removal of the old frame work; if it is removed it must
be replaced without hesitation. It also includes installing a DPC in and around the aperture to prevent the
transference of moisture or damp when and where applicable. Other areas that will prevent damage from
moisture are effective drainage, sub cills with the correct projection and effective sealing of the frames

DOCUMENT F - VENTILATION

There are two different types of ventilation recognised and required within a dwelling one is purge ventilation
and the other is background ventilation.

Purge ventilation is required where there could be a need to have rapid air change in challenging conditions.

Requirements for purge ventilation via windows
For hinged or pivot windows that open 30 degrees or more, or for sliding sash windows, the area of the opening
th
should be at least 1/20 (5%) of the floor area of the room. For a hinged or pivot window that opens less than
30 degrees, the area of the opening should be at least 1/10th (10%) of the floor area of the room.

Requirements for background ventilation
Where the outgoing window provided background ventilation, the replacement window should also provide
background ventilation. It is acceptable for alternative high level ventilation to be provided, e.g. high level air

14

brick. Typically, background ventilation is positioned at least 1.7 metres above finished floor level to avoid
discomfort due to draughts.

Where trickle ventilators are used to provide background ventilation then the following performance is
required:- habitable rooms 5000 mm2 equivalent area. Kitchens, bathrooms and other wet room areas require
2500 mm2 equivalent area.

DOCUMENT J - COMBUSTION APPLIANCES AND FUEL STORAGE

The replacement window should not make the ventilation requirements any worse for any combustion
appliances than the original. In the event of a permanently open combustion vent being present within the
property the installer must ensure that the replacement product is comparable with the existing.

If there are any doubts please seek advice from a qualified gas safe engineer who should also be a member of a
competent person scheme.

DOCUMENT K - PROTECTION AGAINST IMPACT

This document does not apply to the existing scenario therefore is a must comply with.
All replacement products must comply with this document for safety glazing. All glass that is installed in, all
doors, all side panels within 300mm of a door, all glass areas 800mm of the finished floor must have safety
glass.

Any other potentially vulnerable areas must be considered for safety glazing.

All safety glass must be clearly and visibly marked, the safety glass can be either Toughened, Laminated or
wired safety, if wired safety glass is used it must never exceed 900mm in width or height.

All first floor windows and areas above below 800mm must have restricted stays to a maximum 100mm to
prevent falls and 100mm restrictions where there is a danger of collision from walking past an open window.
Please note document K is legislation for safety glazing for England, document N remains legislation in Wales
only.








































15

DOCUMENT L - CONSERVATION OF FUEL AND POWER

This document does not apply to the existing scenario therefore is a must comply with.

All replacement glass must be low emissivity glass regardless,

The frames are rated A to G by BFRC – (British Frame Rating Council)

Additional insulation should be used around the frames, bays and bay conversions to prevent heat loss-cold air
transference and cold spots.

BFRC (ORGANISATION THAT RATES FRAMES AND GLASS
COMBINED)
BFRC, rate the energy efficiency of all windows, the highest
being A rated the lowest being G rated. To make it easier
Building Regulations only recognise C rated and above. (See
chart below)

DOCUMENT - M -ACCESS

This refers to access to and from a dwelling; the main entrance door
should be made for ease of access. It should not be worse than the
existing and when possible be made better.


Doors after 2004 will have a minimum opening width of 775mm which
is the measurement recorded between the edge of the outer frame to
the face of the open door leaf/slab all doors could have restricted
thresholds for ease of access.

Some areas where the weather exposure is low should not exceed a threshold height of
35mm and areas of high exposure should never exceed 50mm.

DPM must be used between the cill and brickwork and any other areas of the aperture if it is required. All
windows and doors should now be CE marked in accordance with European standards for recognition.

DOCUMENT Q



Approved Document Q (AD-Q) was introduced on the first of October 2015 and was initially aimed at the new
build sector only. Naturally as time goes by these new build installations could now be subject to refurbishment

This approved document sets out to ensure all accessible windows or doors are able to withstand physical
attacks from those wishing to gain illegal or uninvited entry into properties, e.g. burglars. All windows and doors
that are installed in line with AD-Q should all be tested and meet the requirements of PAS24 (2012)

Typical areas where materials have been modified are, locks and keeps, hinges, letter plates, cylinders and glass,
all glass must meet a security standard and is generally a minimum 6.8 mm laminated. All replacement
products must be replaced like for like






16

FIRE RATED GLASS – BRIEF INFORMATION

Fire rated glass is used to protect areas, stored materials and people from harm or damage.

How is it rated?

Fire glass is rated in two ways.


1 = Integrity


Glass rated as integrity only is a fire rated glass that will prevent the passage of flames from one area to another.
The product itself can be rated from 30 minutes to 120 minutes. Fire rated glass that is integrity only is designed to
prevent the spread of flames but will not prevent heat transferal from one side of the building to the other.



2 = INTEGRITY AND INSULATION
Glass rated integrity and insulation will provide fire protection from the spread of flames with the added
properties that allow this glass to retain the heat from the fire side of the building and prevent the transfer of
heat from one area to another. Again this product can be rated from 30 minutes to 120 minutes.

E.g. If there was a room where all the substances stored were potentially explosive the glass installed would
have to be integrity and insulated because the transferal of heat could trigger an explosive reaction.

Note, all glass types are designed to match criteria that suits today’s market, all glass is tested under extreme
conditions along with the supporting materials such as the frame, sealants, fixings and beading. Therefore any
glass supplied must be installed using the same products that gained the pass mark. Other materials will not be
compatible and will cause the glass/ screen to fail.

The spread of smoke and fumes is also an issue and new systems take this into account for example fire rated
doors that are increasingly installed.


CE MARKING
Building Regulations now recognise the requirements for CE marking on products that are installed in line with
European standards. A Declaration of Performance (DOP) should be made accessible for anyone to see.


APPROVED DOCUMENT 7

For further detailed information regarding workmanship and standard of materials please refer to the FENSA
booklet April 2014 version. Please be aware CPS inspection teams can fail installations on the grounds of poor
workmanship.

























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