t e c h n i c a l
technical committee report
russell harris Technical Manager , AWA
It has been a busy start to the year for the AWA Technical Committee with a number of standards under review and several going to public comment recently .
The Technical Committee has a renewed focus this year on publishing regular updates and developing key messages in an effort to better communicate changes and issues which affect our industry .
If you have any items of interest or issues you would like the committee to discuss , please contact technical @ awa . org . au and submit your request .
Draft Standards released for public comment
The following draft standards have been released for public comment . The AWA will be submitting a response to Standards
Australia on behalf of all members , and comments are requested by 16 June for inclusion . Copies of the draft standards can be downloaded free from the SAI Global website : http :// infostore . saiglobal . com / store / default . aspx ? SearchType = draft
• AS / NZS 4420.1 Windows - Methods of Test Part 1 : Test Sequence , Sampling and Test Methods replaces the current standard parts 0-6 which have been incorporated into one standard named Part 1 and designated as an AS / NZS standard .
• AS 4420.2 Windows - Methods of Test Part 2 : Openable Windows - Window Full Barrier Test and Force Test is a new standard being introduced to address testing methods for windows fitted with fall prevention devices or screens , based largely on the current ICP . 005 developed by the AWA .
• AS 2688 Timber and Composite Doors is a new standard covering selection , identification , installation , finishing and maintenance of timber and composite doors and doorsets for internal and external applications .
Amendments to Standards
AS 1288 Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation Amendment 3 has been published . Changes include all references to BCA being replaced with NCC , and
Appendix A - Simplified Method For Determining Ultimate and Serviceability Limit State Wind Pressures has been updated . A copy of this latest amendment can be downloaded free from the SAI Global website : http :// infostore . saiglobal . com / store / default . aspx ? SearchType = amendment
Standards under Review
AS 3959 Construction of Building in Bushfire Prone Areas is currently being re-written in table format for easier use . Whilst there will be some minor changes to the technical content and current BALs , they are not considered to adversely impact our industry . The drafting of this revision is nearing completion and it is expected to be released for public comment in the second half of this year .
Key Messages
In response to changes to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code , the AWA Technical Committee has recently published four new Key Messages :
• Corner Windows
• Guide to Housing
• Fall Prevention
• Exposed Sites
AWA Key Messages are available for free download from our website , www . awa . org . au
Support
Your AWA Supplier Members
AWA Supplier Members support our industry . Let ’ s get together and support them .
Visit awa . org . au and use the ‘ Advanced Search ’ feature for your product and service requirements .
32 Australian Window Association