Glassolutions welcomes progress in fire resistant glazing standards

The Glass & Glazing Federation's publication of a new standard aimed at improving the quality and performance of fire resistant glazing systems has been welcomed by GLASSOLUTIONS.  

Driven by the GGF, whose president is GLASSOLUTIONS' own Brian Baker, the publication of "The Specification and Installation of Fire-Resistant Barriers containing Glass for Resistance against the passage of Fire and Products of Combustion" marks an important step towards higher standards relating to all aspects of fire-resistant glazing systems.

GLASSOLUTIONS and sister company VETROTECH, who manufacture and process a complete range of integrity-only (E), integrity & radiation (EW) and integrity-insulation (EI) fire-resistant glass products called Pyroswiss, Contraflam Lite and Contraflam, have always stressed the importance of understanding how different products work despite the absence of proper standards. And while the GGF's new specification standard is a big step in the right direction, there is still plenty of work to do according to Brian.

"The GGF is now working hard to ensure a higher standard for the installation of fire-resistant glazing systems but we know this won't happen overnight and will take a lot of government lobbying. We need this because we are now in a crazy situation where a minimum competence standard is required to fit a run-of-the-mill domestic window, yet anyone is allowed to have a go at fitting fire-resistant glazing.

"We believe the industry must have an approved installer scheme for fire glass for clients to have total confidence in the quality of the glazing system that is designed to limit the risks of dangerous fire spread, and to give occupiers vital time to get out of a building before conditions become untenable."

The new standard has been developed by the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Group, whose vice chairman is Andy Lake, general manager of VETROTECH. It is ideal for the training of installers and glaziers in the specialities of fire-resistant glazing systems, to develop and maintain professional levels of competency within the glazing and construction industries.

It's also the first standard of its kind, setting the core criteria for installers and providing guidance for others. That includes, for example, those who engage installation contractors or who are responsible for fire safety in buildings (not only owners and facilities managers but also risk assessors, fire safety managers and competent persons under the Fire Safety Order). The standard is also a useful reference for those who are charged with overseeing the application and enforcement of regulations and fire safety legislation.

GLASSOLUTIONS and VETROTECH offer a range of UK-manufactured Contraflam, Contraflam Lite and Pyroswiss fire-resistant glazing to suit numerous applications. The specification can be developed to accommodate other functions, including thermal insulation, solar control and safety critical requirements, as well as to suit various aesthetic tastes.

Find out more at www.glassolutions.co.uk [ http://www.glassolutions.co.uk ]