co m p l i a n c e
AWA SAYS:“ OUR AUDITS ARE FACT-FINDING MISSIONS, NOT FAULT-FINDING SAFARIS.”
THE AWA ARE NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF NAMING AND SHAMING NON- COMPLYING PRODUCTS. through ongoing mentoring, technical support and monitoring as well as a vital marketing endorsement.
PRODUCT REASSURANCE
Importantly, as a NATA-accredited inspection agency, the AWA provides members and consequently their customers with the reassurance that their products meet Australian standards and are fit for purpose.
MENTORSHIP AND MONITORING
The AWA has a small, independent team of senior industry personnel residing in each state who audit the operations and products of member companies. Each of these auditors has decades of experience in the window industry and includes engineers and former managing directors.
These auditors provide ongoing mentorship to members; raising awareness of standards and helping members find technical solutions. Auditors will usually drop in to see new members to take them through the compliance process well before their first audit date.
A first audit is more of a‘ show and tell’ where a new member company shows the auditor how they operate and what they produce. Members have at least a week’ s notice of an audit. Auditors come into members’ factories and randomly select products and ask to review the test report.
They ask to be shown how the windows are made and check the seals, gaskets, labelling and glass. They then check the final product against the fabrication drawings in the test report.
The AWA says,“ Our audits are fact-finding missions, not fault-finding safaris.”
The conclusion of an audit often sees an auditor having a cup of tea with the member’ s team and sharing technical solutions and industry trends. The auditors in turn share members’ views and queries with the head office team and are an invaluable conduit with members.
The auditor and the AWA’ s National Technical Manager work with members to help find solutions for any technical issues raised during an audit.
01 2017 AWA Design Awards Winner for Best Use of Windows & Doors Residential Renovation: Stegbar, Yandoit, New South Wales.
02 AWA Auditors,( L-R) Ian Speight, David McDonald and Ross Shearer at the first auditors meeting for 2017.
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AWA MEMBERS HAVE THEIR SAY:
“
Windows used to be seen as filling a hole in a wall, now they’ re complex, intelligent engineered solutions. The AWA accreditation program helps our members ensure that their window systems deliver an enormous range of functions and advantages for their customers.”
Tracey Gramlick Executive Director & CEO
Australian Window Association
“
Our business has been built on a platform of both integrity and trust. Third party certification is critical to our business model, eliminating guess work for clients and assisting them in making qualified decisions.
The testing and reporting provide valuable technical data for architects, builders and engineers, helping us to build and further strengthen valuable customer relationships.”
Edith & Tony Paarhammer Directors
Paarhammer Windows
“
AWA’ s independent accreditation system provides our consumers with a level of confidence in the quality of the product they are purchasing. Our participation ensures our window systems are manufactured to the highest possible standard, quality control is measured and provides us with a clear competitive edge, especially given the number of noncompliant products that are finding their way into the market place.”
Leanne Luhrs
Managing Director DLG Aluminium & Glazing
Windows Magazine Autumn 2017 5