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Glazing Industry

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is to the glazing industry what the NICEIC is to the electrical contracting industry. It is a recognised trade association involving traders and businesses from the fields of windows, window film and plastics; and is established as both an authority and a voice for those operating in these fields. Members of the GGF work in a broad cross section of the industry including:

Membership of the GGF is voluntary, but provides its members with knowledgeable guidelines and support, whilst giving them with a standard of accreditation that will assure potential clients of the business' quality products and customer service.

Why should I use a GGF member?

GGF

Before any individual or company are allowed to join the Federation, they are thoroughly checked to ensure quality and compliance. The vetting process involves an inspection of the company premises as well as having their references and three years of accounts checked. In the unlikely event of extreme dissatisfaction from your chosen company, you can enlist the help of their Free Conciliation Service to try and sort out the issue to the satisfaction of both parties.

All members are expected to abide by the Code of Good Practice, and the methods described in the Glazing Manual.

Alongside these codes of practice, a GGF member is also likely to adhere to The GLASS Charter (Goal: Lower Accidents, Safe Sites). Managed by The Glass and Glazing Federation and the British Glass Manufacturers Confederation, the Charter is dedicated to the issue of health and safety within the glass and glazing industry, and as such is advocated by the Health and Safety Executive.

Involvement in the GLASS Charter Industry Scheme requires a commitment to the "reduction of working days lost through accidents and ill health in the glass industry by 30% by 2010". The Scheme aims to provide a platform in which to discuss health and safety matters, put forward new ideas, and learn about the recommended safety guidelines.

FENSA

FENSA

The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme was established with Government approval by the GGF following the creation of the new Building Regulations for England and Wales. Like the GGF itself, FENSA is a voluntary scheme, but it aims to relieve some of the pressure from businesses and from Building Control in sustaining the new regulations.

The new Building Regulations that were enforced from April 1st 2002 emphasise the need for energy efficiency in home developments and specifically windows and doors. All replacement glazing in houses must now be able to reduce heat loss and thus improve the home's energy efficiency. To comply, glass installations must have a low U value: a lower rate of heat loss.

In practice, this means that if you wish to have any doors and windows replaced you must:

Members of FENSA are able to self-certify their work, and so cut down on the time-consuming hassle of involving Building Control, making FENSA registration appealing to both the glass and glazing business and to prospective clients. Employing a FENSA member automatically entails that your window or door replacement will comply with the new Building Regulations, whereas normally you would have to fill out forms, get an inspection, and wait for verification from your local Building Control.

FENSA is not applicable to new builds, commercial properties, and often listed buildings. In these instances it is still necessary to go through your Local Authority Building Control.