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08 April 2003 Don't cut corners on glazing Failure to install the correct types of glass in homes, shops, offices and factories is putting people at risk of serious injury and even death, a Leicester glazing expert has warned. Sean Flynn, Glazing Manager of Norman & Underwood’s Glazing Systems Division in Leicester, is concerned at the high percentage of business and domestic premises that pose a threat to personal and public safety. His concerns are shared by Leicester City Council’s Consumer Protection Service, who recently carried out inspections of new double glazing in Leicester homes. Of 13 installations, only four were found to be entirely satisfactory. In one case, safety glazing was not used where required, putting the householder at risk. Norman & Underwood, based in Freeschool Lane, is currently working with a number of local authorities to ensure all the glass in its public buildings adheres to latest safety standards. As required by recent changes in Health and Safety legislation covering both business premises and public buildings, the company is also carrying out comprehensive risk assessments in schools to make sure that all glazing – especially in high-risk locations such as on staircase landings and in assembly halls – is to the right specification. The company, which carries out replacement glazing contracts as well as offering a 24-hour emergency glazing service, has encountered horrific examples in recent years of what can happen if unsafe glass is not replaced and risks to safety are not fully identified Examples include: • A pensioner who had a lucky escape when he stumbled into a damaged shop window. The old pane –broken by a loose stone thrown up from a bus tyre – shattered easily because it was not safety glass, and could have caused the man severe or even fatal injuries. • Several instances where ‘smash and grab’ thieves have cut themselves on household patio doors and windows (again not manufactured from safety glass), leaving pools of blood behind them. In one particularly gruesome incident, police identified the criminal from fingers rather than fingerprints left at the crime scene. • Factories where the ‘patent’ glazing in the roof, for example ‘North Lights’, is up to 80 years old but has never been replaced and now constitutes a serious risk to employees working below. According to Norman & Underwood, accidents and mishaps usually occur where people have cut corners to save money – or have simply failed to recognise the dangers. Mr Flynn said: “Businesses and local authorities need to remember that the costs they will be liable for if someone suffers serious injury on their premises, far outweigh the expense of replacing unsuitable glass.” Jeff Groom, Glazing Supervisor who has many years’ experience in the industry, is equally concerned about the number of DIY enthusiasts who rely on information on the internet rather than seeking professional advice when fitting glazed doors and windows. He added: “It is essential to use the right glass in the right place. Problems arise when people try to make door and window frames with timber of the wrong size or type. “House builders are now legally obliged to install glazing which complies with latest safety standards, but many older homes built in the 1930s and 40s still feature three to four millimetre glass panels which can splinter into dangerous shards. “Worse still, some properties have fluted or reeded glazing which has sharp serrated edges when broken. This is a particular worry if the householders are elderly or there are young children running around. Homeowners also need to be aware that, like businesses, they too could be held liable if someone visiting their home is injured by unsafe glass.” To prevent accidents and ensure all glass complies with stringent regulations, Norman & Underwood offers free quotations and an advisory service for homes and businesses. Mr Flynn said: “Regulations have become increasingly strict in recent years but it is in everyone’s interest to ensure all their glazing complies with latest European safety standards.” Referring to the poor compliance shown by the recent double glazing inspections, Conrad Meehan, Leicester City Council Consumer Protection Officer, added: “We expect installers to meet the standards of the Building Regulations and the standards laid down in the contract. “Consumers should ask installers to prove that low E-glass and safety glass is supplied where required.” back to top back to previous page   11-27 Freeschool Lane, Leicester LE1 4FX, England tel: 0116 251 5000 fax: 0116 253 2669 e-mail: [email protected]