HERITAGE
THE NEW GUIDE FOR AN ‘ OLD ’ PROBLEM
GGF launches new asbestos guide
» THE GGF IS PLEASED TO announce the latest addition to its suite of health and safety publications with a revised and redesigned guide titled , “ Asbestos Cement ; Soffits and Rainwater Goods Code of Practice ”.
This 28-page comprehensive publication aims to provide practical advice and to set standards of Best Practice for work with roofline and rainwater products containing Asbestos Cement on a single domestic premises . With the circumstances being inherently different from most other situations where Asbestos Cement is removed ; this new guidance will aid compliance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations .
The scope of the new Code of Practice is not intended to extend beyond the normal work of replacing the following Asbestos Cement products :
• Fascia boards : usually wood or other non-asbestos material
• Soffits : Asbestos Cement
• Rainwater Goods : Asbestos Cement or other nonasbestos material
• Non-Porous Material ( e . g . cast iron or plastic )
James MacPherson , GGF Health Safety and Environment Manager commented , “ Asbestos is so versatile that it can be found in nearly every type of product from toilet seats to fire doors . Respirable asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye . When breathed in they can become stuck in the lungs . Over time , this can cause serious illnesses , including fatal cancers .
It is estimated that , nationally , some 25 % of domestic soffits are Asbestos Cement and 14 % are Asbestos Insulating Board with other materials such as wood and plasterboard also being used . This varies considerably between different regions . So the importance of safe removal and handling , cannot be overstated . In collaboration with the Health and Safety Committee , the Health , Safety and Environment department is working hard to revise all the GGF Health and Safety publications and we are aiming to update all our publications by the end of the year .”
Covering , licencing , surveying , risk assessment , training and informing staff , waste disposal and monitoring exposure , this latest GGF Health and Safety publication is the most comprehensive in the industry and is accessible for all GGF Members to download free of charge .
GGF Members can view or download this publication via the GGF Members Area of the Federation ’ s website www . ggf . org . uk
A sympathetic refurb : Transforming an iconic cemetery lodge
» PROFILE 22 FABRICATOR , A & D Joinery Ltd , has recently manufactured and fitted 43 new arched Optima windows for the sympathetic landmark refurbishment of Hindley Cemetery Lodge in Hindley , Greater Manchester .
A & D Joinery Ltd is a family run business who have been manufacturing and fitting quality windows , doors and conservatives since 1987 throughout the North West of England . The business is committed to high quality standards and delivering solutions , however complex , to satisfy the needs of their growing customer base .
The sensitive importance of Hindley Cemetery Lodge meant the new windows needed to complement the existing historic building design , while preserving the original architecture ; and the windows needed to fit into the double-arched stone façade of the building .
Following a detailed feasibility study , the decision was made to upgrade the ageing timber windows , replacing them with architecturally sensitive double-glazed versions . Profile 22 ’ s award-winning Optima windows with arched top design were quickly identified as the window that would deliver the solution required . In this case , the windows were manufactured in black external and white internal foiling to replicate the heritage aesthetics and enhance the building ’ s appearance .
Attention to detail and exacting standards were evident at every level . Dave Smith , Director of A & D Joinery , said : “ Due to the building ’ s historic build , the job was complex as we needed to re-line the windows inside the aperture with timber batons to ensure the character of the property could be maintained . We also fitted the windows with low-e argon filled double glazed units to improve energy ratings and soundproofing .”
The new Optima arched top windows have transformed the building capturing many of the key features of traditional design and delivering all the benefits that a modern replacement window should offer .
The finished result has upgraded the appearance of Hindley Cemetery Lodge , restoring its stunning heritage looks . It has also improved the thermal efficiency of the building and reduced maintenance requirements too . It is the perfect example of how Optima windows can combine modern day benefits with heritage authenticity to deliver an outstanding end result .
www . profile22 . co . uk
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