Relaxation of Part L compliance requirements...

[Joiner]

BFRC have changed the wording of their "advice" on obtaining compliance status. Just found...

Step 2:
If you operate a large company then it is likely that you will require a recognised quality management system (such as ISO 9001 or similar) to be in place. However, smaller companies will only require a statement setting out the manufacturing process in a logical way. Your selected IA (see below) will advise you.

But read the BFRC page...

http://www.bfrc.org/trade/getWindowsRated.aspx

 

[biffvernon]

Ah. So how far do you think this is good news? Do we no longer have to live the life of an outlaw?

 

[Penners]

Do we no longer have to live the life of an outlaw?

You sound almost disappointed to lose that rather romantic tag, Biff!

 

[Penners]

"Certified Simulator" was a phrase that sounded interesting. But I discover that it's an organisation, rather than what I imagined - software into which you could enter the parameters of your planned window (area of glazing, frame thickness & material... etc), and which calculated its compliance (or otherwise) with the Part L regs.

I suppose such a thing would be impossible, would it?

That's a rhetorical question, really, because I suppose if it were possible, someone would have done it.

 

[Joiner]

Bif, I'm out of it now, so just thinking how lucky I've been to get the timing of THAT right - although more by luck than judgement!

You're right, it still leaves the issue of proving compliance hanging, so more a case of "not such bad news". You've still got to jump through the BFRC hoops, you just don't need the BS 9001 ticket to enter the ring.

It's going to be down to individual BCOs and their respective COs to work out how the new Regs will be administered, particularly how much slack the LABC are prepared to allow on the provision of proof that everything that can be done to improve the energy rating of an historic (non-Listed) building HAS been done. That was an area that concerned me.

You could find yourself in the frame for the job on price and quality, but screwed by the possibility that the BCO thinks more could have been done on the energy front. Just how many times are you to be expected to provide detailed joinery drawings and all the accompanying calculations, with all the cost that that implies?

If they settle for centre-pane values then no problem. If WER...?