I had a conversation yesterday with a glazing safety specialist. Afterwards, I felt perplexed and annoyed to think that someone could question my knowledge and perhaps my business.
Then that got me thinking, how many times over the past few years have I seen glazed screen specifications (K30 and L10) that call for standard toughened glass to be used in areas either in a guarding situation or protecting a drop? The answer is plenty. It gets even more interesting if a fire rating is also required, but that topic is for another blog!
How many times are we asked to price a bill of quantities without seeing a drawing? How do we know if one of these screens is on the edge of a mezzanine floor, or overlooking an atrium?
Unfortunately, we are in a specification “copy and paste” culture, generic specifications copied from a previous source are issued without much thought. Even more worrying, is that some of these specified glazed screen manufacturers are producing quotes for something that is both totally unsuitable and potentially dangerous.
I have on numerous occasions, produced a quote for a project knowing that there was little or no chance of ever winning it because I had quoted for the correct glass for that installation (despite what the specification asked for). I like my sleep, and being able to sleep soundly in the knowledge that I haven’t put anyone at risk through what I do is paramount.
The rate of glass failure due to NSI’s (nickel sulphide inclusions) being present appears to be on the rise, this compounds the need to ensure that the correct glass (containment) is used in each and every application.
So, it transpires that after all, this guy had a point. Don’t assume that everyone has read the BS Standards and Building Regs documents and if in doubt, seek advice from someone who does know.