WINDOWS Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 56

SCREENS | TECHNICAL NSSA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPORT T he inaugural National Security Screen Association (NSSA) Technical Committee meeting was held at the Australian Window Association (AWA) head office in August this year. The Committee discussed various objectives and undertakings considered necessary to further the industry and collectively sorted these into short, medium and long-term goals. available on the market. The concern is that these mesh types are subject to degradation due to environmental conditions and weathering and may not perform as designed after a period of time. The Committee agreed that a Key Message on proper installation of fall prevention screens should be developed. For more information, contact the NSSA Office on 02 9498 2768 or send your enquiry to [email protected] COMPLIANCE The Committee has an immediate focus on raising awareness of what a ‘security’ screen is and promoting compliance within the industry. The NSSA accreditation programme has been well received and will form the corner-stone of the NSSA’s drive for industry wide compliance. CERTIFICATION The NSSA compliance certificate was approved and is now available for use by all NSSA members. Download the editable PDF from the NSSA website: www.nssa.org.au STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT The Committee agreed that a review of the current Standards is needed. The Standards Australia Technical Committee is currently ‘inactive’. The Committee intends to develop a project proposal to re-form the Committee and undertake a revision of AS 5039, AS 5040 and AS 5041. INSTALLATION The Committee has proposed development of an ‘Installation 101’ guide, relevant to all systems and situations. Elements such as correct fixings (number, types, etc.), screen sizing (no gaps or jemmy points) and the like are to be discussed. FIRE ATTENUATION There is currently very little in the way of Standards for fire attenuation for screens. Numerous ad hoc tests have been conducted, but evaluation of these tests show that differing test methodologies have been used, which provides very little in the way of ‘apples-for-apples’ comparison. Furthermore, the application of these results is unclear as there are no provisions in the NCC or existing Standards to qualify performance. Further research and investigation is required. CYCLONE PROTECTION In collaboration with the AWA, representatives from the NSSA visited the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University, Townsville, in mid-August. Key lessons from this tour will assist in the development of guides and Standards to promote cyclone resistant screens into the future. JOIN THE COMMITTEE The NSSA is seeking to expand its Technical Committee. Do you want to be a member of the NSSA Technical Committee? Are you a member or work for a member and have excellent technical knowledge of your industry including products, installation and Australian Standards, and want to help develop the industry? If you are interested in becoming a member of the NSSA Technical Committee, please contact us on 02 9498 2768. INSTALL SECURITY SCREENS AND GRILLES (MSFSS3001) AN ACCREDITED SHORT COURSE DELIVERED BY TAFE QUEENSLAND Great training happens here! Enjoy the peace of mind that your installers have the skills to professionally install security screens, window grilles and fly screens to Australian Standards. ENROL NOW 1800 654 447 tafeskillstech.edu.au Questions were raised on the durability and longevity of fall prevention screens with ‘soft’ (non-metallic) mesh types currently 54 Summer 2017 FALL PREVENTION RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E