Grenfell – Scrutiny & Testing Now A Must

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A letter from the British Fenestration Ratings Council, penned by MD Richard Sellman, has been received which says the building products testing regime is now tougher and looks at how they perform in use. The window sector has to be an exemplar.

It reads: The publication of part 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report, has dominated the news in the construction sector recently.

Since the first report was published in June 2017, the findings of that and the many subsequent reports are now having far-reaching effects on the construction industry, driving changes that are reshaping the overall approach to building compliance. 

Significant failings have been exposed, not only with product compliance but also in the actual installed performance of materials compared to their design specification.

As a result, the fenestration sector, now more than ever, will come under increasing scrutiny to show that not only do products meet the required standards as designed but also that the installed products also attain those standards at the point of installation and for their expected working life.

The level of performance claimed by manufacturers must be demonstrable, not only at the initial type test stage but on everyday production.  Subtle differences in specification can make huge differences in performance values and whether those differences are being implemented for cost or process savings, they need to be investigated and tested to ensure that the performance level is not diminished below that which is the minimum acceptable.

The ‘new look’ BFRC was launched back in April. Since that time, it has been working hard to develop and strengthen its offering to ensure it continues to be the most trusted and widely recognised Testing and Product Certification organisation for the performance of glazing, windows and doors. 

The findings of the Grenfell report serve as a poignant and sobering reminder to all of us, that the impact of decisions we take, and our everyday actions can truly result in the difference between life or death. Grenfell is a heartbreaking reminder of the vital necessity of strict safety regulations enforcement and oversight in construction. Failures in government regulation, poor supplier practices and a lack of accountability, all contributed to this disaster. I believe we’re at a pivotal point. Greater focus will now be brought to bear on compliance, to ensure product performance as installed meets all of the claimed levels. I really hope our industry is ready to embrace the increased scrutiny under which it will be placed.

Picture: MD Richard Sellman of the British Fenestration Ratings Council.

www.bfrc.org

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
03rd October 2024

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