3.0 Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of the organisation or person who is carrying out the handling , installation , maintenance and care of the finished manufactured window and door to ensure that they work in accordance with the latest requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act .
In common with many activities , there are significant hazards associated with handling , installation , maintenance and care of PVC-U windows and doors such as ( but not limited to ) : -
• Working at height
• Use of and potential exposure to hazardous substances with the installation ,
• Maintenance and care process ( e . g . asbestos )
• Safety glazing
• Use of electrically powered equipment
• Manual handling
Before undertaking any activity , the organisation / person should ensure that they familiarise themselves and are fully trained with all Health and Safety requirements . Following a risk assessment appropriate PPE such as hard hats , high visibility clothing , safety footwear , gloves and safety glasses should also be worn if deemed necessary . If in doubt employ the services of competent persons trained in the requirements of handling , installation , maintenance and care of PVC-U windows and doors .
3.1 Safety In Use : Windows
Provisions should be made at the design stage to ensure that windows / doors can be cleaned safely , through incorporating easy clean hinges for instance . Restrictors may also be a requirement on the grounds of safety .
Virtually any type of window can be produced in PVC-U , such as Casement , Tilt and Turn , Folding & Sliding , Box Sash , Top Swing and Pivot . When choosing a particular type of window consideration should be given , for instance to the following : -
• Cleaning from inside , safety in use and maintenance . We recommend that the user familiarises themselves with the relevant Building Regulations / Technical Handbooks , BS 8213- 1:2004 Windows doors and rooflights . Design for safety in use and during cleaning of windows , including door-height windows and roof windows and BPF Code of Practice , which gives detailed guidance on the selection of appropriate styles and sizes . If fitted , load bearing capacity of safety devices must also meet the requirements of EN 14351-1:2006 + A1:2010 CLAUSE 4.8 .
• Weather performance
• Security
• Safety in case of fire . It is important to ensure that means of escape in case of fire are provided .
• Ventilation . The Glass and Glazing Federation also produce guidance documents for incorporating ventilation into replacement windows .
• Safety glass .
• Very large opening lights can be manufactured . Refer to hardware manufacturer ’ s recommendations and do not exceed these size and weight limitations or those stated in the relevant VEKA UK Group manufacturing manual .
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