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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