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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