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MTC Revision Support Issued March 2015

(GQA 807 - Version 5)

GQA Qualifications Ltd

Unit 1, 12 O’clock Court

Attercliffe Road

Sheffield

S4 7WW

Tel: 0114 2720033

Fax: 0114 2768466

Email: gqa@gqaqualifications.com

Website: www.gqaqualifications.com

Copyright © 2013. This document and the information contained herein are the property of GQA Qualifications Limited (GQA). It

must not be reproduced or otherwise disclosed without prior consent in writing from GQA Qualifications Limited (GQA).

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Contents

This Document .................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Health and Safety at Work Act revised in 1974 ............................................................................................................ 4

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) ........................................................................................................................... 4

RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) ........................................................... 4

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) .................................................................................................. 4

Work at Heights Regulations ........................................................................................................................................ 4

Manual Handling ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) ..................................................................................... 5

Control of Asbestos Regulations ................................................................................................................................... 5

Installation Good Practice ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Preparation to Start Work................................................................................................................................................. 6

Frame Removal ................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Frame Preparation ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Aperture Preparation ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

Frame Positions and Aperture Preparation ...................................................................................................................... 7

Frame Installation ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

Fixings .............................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Frame Preparation for Glazing ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Glazing ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Finishings ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Hand Over ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Building Regulations ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

Understanding the Building Regulations .................................................................................................................... 13

Removal of bay windows ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Bow Bay Replacements ............................................................................................................................................... 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 ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Fire Rated Glass – Brief Information ............................................................................................................................... 17

CE Marking .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Approved document 7 ................................................................................................................................................ 17

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This Document

The information within this document is designed solely as a revision document aimed at supporting the installers

who are to undertake their MTC knowledge theory tests. The information derives from the GGF Good Practice

Guide, from BS8213-4 and from the FENSA booklet April 2014 version.

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 MTC tests and site observations.(installer only) We would

still advise you look at the other support material available including the GGF Good Practice Guide and up to date

Building Regulations information.

MTCs cover 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.

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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 the 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 acceptable form of eye protection, special prescription safety glasses can be

obtained or the use of over -glasses is required.

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.

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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 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

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.

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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 the MTC’s. 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

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 DPM’s 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.

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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 PVC’u 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

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 the MTCs.

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

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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 finishing’s. 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

2400mm in width, for none white frames 15mm tight tolerance is required up to 2400 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, brick, block or masonry. 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.

• 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.

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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.

Timber windows and doors

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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 and the original 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.

Finishings

Finishing’s 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.

Hand Over

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.

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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.

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

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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.

Bow Bay Replacements

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.

For further detailed information please refer to the Fensa booklet April 2014 version.

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.

For further detailed information refer to the Fensa booklet April 2014 version.

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.

For further detailed information refer to the Fensa booklet April 2014 version.

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.

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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

should be at least 1/20th 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 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

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.

For further detailed information refer to the Fensa booklet April 2014 version.

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.

For further detailed information refer to the Fensa booklet April 2014 version.

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.

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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)

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Document - M

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.

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.