t e c h n i c a l co m m i t t e e
STANDARDS UPDATE
AS / NZS 4420.1
RUSSELL HARRIS Technical Manager , AWA
Standards Australia require that Australian Standards be reviewed at least every ten years . Accordingly , they have recently published the latest revision of the AS 4420 series of test standards .
The methods and sequence of the testing have not changed from the previous version . The revised standard consolidates the current standards ( Parts 0-6 ) onto a single document , which has also been designated as a joint Australian and New Zealand standard - AS / NZS 4420.1 Windows , External Glazed , Timber and Composite Doors - Methods of Test .
AS 5203:2016
On 1 May 2013 , in response to a series of accidents , the National Construction Code ( NCC ) changed its fall prevention provisions to mandate more stringent measures in new early childhood centres and in bedrooms of new residential buildings where the floor below the window is more than two metres above the surface beneath . Research underpinned this that showed that young children are most at risk from window falls in these buildings because they often play unsupervised .
Whilst the NCC set out the dimensional and load requirements for fall prevention through openable windows , there was no test standard available to which the products could be tested and prove conformity and compliance . The AWA developed an industry code of practice ( ICP ) to provide its members guidance and a common test methodology .
At the end of October , a new standard , based on this ICP , was published : AS 5203:2016 , Protection of Openable Windows / Fall Prevention - Test Sequence and Compliance Method .
This Standard sets out methods for determining the performance of a barrier screen and a restricted window opening to a level of force for the protection of openable windows . It allows the diverse range of products available to be tested in exactly the same way by all parties .
With an imposed load ( force ) requirement specified in the NCC it necessitates a methodology for validation . This can only be done through physical testing . The development of this standard provides agreed methods of tests for all stakeholders . It will provide assurance to the marketplace that these products have been tested to a recognised methodology and will be fit for their intended purpose : assisting in the prevention of falls for children under five .
In a nutshell , the NCC sets out load requirements for the protection of openable windows . AS 5203 provides test methods to satisfy these requirements .
These documents can be purchased through SAI Global or , for members , directly from the AWA online store .
For more information , contact Russell at technical @ awa . org . au awa s c h o l a r s h i p 2017
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
01
The AWA Scholarship is a one year , non-renewable grant of $ 2,500 towards an engineering , technical or design field of study or apprenticeship that is relevant to the fenestration industry . It is open to dependent children of employees of AWA member companies who will be undertaking study in 2017 .
Since its inception seven years ago , the AWA Scholarship has provided recipients with valuable funding to begin a career in the fenestration industry . Many of the previous scholarship winners have now completed their training or study and have gone on to work within the industry .
Daniel Chidgey , winner of the AWA Scholarship 2016 , has been working towards achieving a Fenestration Diploma as well as doing Small Business Studies at TAFE . In addition to furthering his knowledge and insight into running a family business , Daniel has also undertaken AWA training throughout the year .
Applications are now open and must be submitted by 31 January , 2017 . The scholarship will be awarded by 27 February , 2017 .
For more information and to download the application form , visit the Members Only section of the AWA website : www . awa . org . au / members
01 Winner of the 2016 AWA Scholarship , Daniel Chidgey .
22 Australian Window Association