Door Industry Journal - Spring 2021

15 THE door industry journal spring 2021 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk DHF’s ‘Virtual’ CCA Continues to Demonstrate Compliance In October 2018, DHF, at the behest of its members, introduced an additional and vital step in the application process for prospective members of DHF’s Industrial Door, Garage Door and Automated Gate Groups. The Complimentary Conformity Assessment, or CCA as it is most commonly known, has been instrumental in confirming that a company is putting into practice the information gained from DHF training, ‘on the ground’, thus enabling the move from affiliate member to full member status. Originally, the company would identify a project and a Training and Compliance Officer from DHF would meet the new affiliate member on-site and review the project for compliance. This would then be followed up by a visit to the company’s offices to review the supporting paperwork for compliance with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and Construction Product Regulations, if applicable. March 2020 provided DHF with a challenge. It was no longer permitted for DHF staff to be travelling around the country and being involved in face-to-face meetings. Various options were considered: to keep prospective members waiting for an indefinite period of time, or to suspend the process completely. Neither option was acceptable, and so a third option was created. As with many aspects of life in these extraordinary times, technology has proved to be the answer. The ‘virtual CCA’ was born. It was decided that a project would be identified, and the new affiliate member would send information electronically to DHF’s membership department. Evidence such as photographs and a description of the project would be requested, alongside the supporting documentation, product-based risk assessment, technical files and on-site commissioning paperwork. Upon receipt, it is passed to a Training & Compliance Officer to review. A virtual meeting ensues to discuss any issues, and to gain any additional information needed. Once this is successfully completed, a report can be issued as would previously happen and the company can move to full membership. Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens says: “The carrying out of a CCA as part of the membership process to ensure compliance could not be compromised. I believe we have created a very sleek operation. The system is proving to be time efficient for both affiliate members and DHF. It has the additional benefit of saving costs as well as the environmental savings for both parties by removing the need to travel around the UK. Importantly, a crucial part of the membership process for the relevant groups has been retained and undoubtedly improved.” Door & Hardware Federation / T: 01827 52337 / www.dhfonline.org.uk Garador Sponsors Yeovil Town Football Club Leading garage door manufacturer Garador has announced new sponsorship plans for its local football club, Yeovil Town FC. Garador are a primary partner for the 2020 - 2021 season and will therefore be sponsoring the club and supporting them on their journey. Yeovil Town Football Club currently plays in the Vanarama National League and a continued strong performance could see them gain promotion to the English Football League in 2021 - 2022. The team have had a solid run of results and are in a good league position to build towards promotion come the end of May. “The team have performed really well over the last few months and we are delighted to be able to continue our support for the club through into 2021.” said Neil Discombe, Garador’s Managing Director. Neil continues “We will be watching their results, over the coming months, with extra enthusiasm and we hope our sponsorship deal will contribute towards another really successful season for the club’s talented players.” Yeovil Town Football Club are the highest ranked football team in Somerset, with an amazing history and excellent FA Cup pedigree. They are well known for gaining promotion to the championship, the league below the Premier League, in 2013. Garador, recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of up & over, sectional and roller garage doors, has had its head office and manufacturing plant based in Yeovil for over 70 years and is a keen supporter of local events and charities. For further details about the range of garage doors they offer, please visit www.garador.co.uk . © Photos courtesy of Pinnacle Photo Agency Industry News