Door Industry Journal - Summer 2019

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal summer 2019 Industry News 16 BSI launches verification scheme for Approved Document Q BSI, the business improvement company has today launched a new verification scheme to help non- manufacturer installers of windows and doors demonstrate compliance with Approved Document Q. This new scheme provides installers with independent verification that they fulfil this aspect of The Building Regulations by assessing their organization’s capability to supply and install products that meet PAS 24: Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. This is one of the routes to compliance referenced within Approved Document Q for England and Wales covering security in dwellings. Installers of easily accessible windows and doors are required to provide evidence of compliance of Approved Document Q by installing products that have been manufactured to a design shown by test, to meet the security requirements of PAS 24. This is applicable to new dwellings, and existing buildings which have had a ‘material change of use’ and become dwellings where they were previously not. This must be demonstrated via certification or test reports to those who require it, such as Local Authority Building Control, Contractors, Developers and NHBC. These reports are often owned by a third party and as a result, are not in the installer’s company name which can create delays in installation. By assessing an organization’s capability to provide compliant products instead, this verification scheme enables the installer to achieve a certificate in their company name, verified by BSI that can be handed to those that require compliance evidence. Andy Butterfield, Product Certification Director of Built Environment at BSI said: “The fenestration market has changed significantly in recent years – the installation market in particular has seen rapid growth. It’s vital that installers can prove that the windows and doorsets they are fitting, where required, meet the requirements of Approved Document Q to help ensure the security of homes. “It can be hugely challenging for installers to demonstrate compliance using test and certification data sourced from their supply chain, if they haven’t manufactured the product. We’ve developed this scheme with those installers in mind.” In order to achieve to achieve the verification certification for Doors & Windows (ADQ-VC), organizations are required to be independently assessed at BSI’s Centre of Excellence in Hemel Hempstead against PAS 24: Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk. For more details, please visit www.bsigroup.com ( https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/product- certification/industry-sector- schemes/construction/windows-and-doors/approved- document-q-verification/ ) More than 3,000 homeowners really rate Certass Installers Expert certification body, Certass, has received outstanding feedback for members with its new online rating system. Since launching in November, there have been more than 3000 reviews, and the rate is increasing by the minute. Designed to bring even more digital support to Certass members, the free ‘Rate Your Installer’ service provides consumers the chance to leave honest reviews about Certass members online. The system acts as a platform where members can receive genuine feedback from their customers on the work that they have completed. Thousands of homeowners visit the Certass website searching for information on installers or leaving reviews. Jason Clemmit, Managing Director at Certass says: “Our online rating system is proving really popular amongst homeowners. Within hours of its launch, we had dozens of ratings from consumers who were leaving such positive feedback about our members. “There are lots of popular online rating websites that allow anyone to leave feedback, which can often lead to unfair reviews. The Certass ‘Rate Your Installer’ service only permits reviews on jobs which have been finished and registered with Certass.” All Certass members can add a company bio and have the option to opt-in to the free online rating system. Members are scored by their customers on a range of attributes, including their service, tidiness, reliability & timekeeping, workmanship standards and product suitability. Consumers can leave any additional comments too, which are great for members to use on their own website, social media profiles and marketing resources. Jason adds: “It’s a valuable, free way for installers to show consumers what a great job that they do. The service builds on our free digital support package for members which helps them to build a professional online presence.” Find out more at: www.certass.co.uk