Interested in a simple Skills Scan and Learning Progress Tracker tool for the Fenestration installer standard?
Knowledge
K1: The role of installation in the fenestration industry. Key markets for fenestration products - domestic, commercial, public sector and their requirements. Different types of products and their purpose, including specialist products for enhanced performance, safety, security and fire rating. Understand window and doorset U-values, Window and Doorset Energy Ratings and how these relate to Building regulation requirements in Approved Document
K2: Other functions that installers interact with, for example surveying, fabrication, despatch, installation, service engineers; their purpose and interdependencies. Interaction with other Energy Efficiency Measures in particular Cavity wall, External wall insulation or internal wall insulation. Internal and external customers
K3: Materials used in fenestration installation - aluminium, steel, timber, composites or PVC-U; their mechanical properties, uses and design limitations. Ancillary items - for example fixings and fastening, handles, hinges, locks, ventilators and louvers; their purpose and how/where they should interact. Weatherproofing products and systems - for example, gaskets, DPCs, membranes, sealants, weather seals and drainage systems; their purpose, compatibility, conditions for storage and use (shelf-life)
K4: Glazing: how an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) is constructed how the inclusion of various components improve thermal performance such as low-e glass, warm-edge spacer bars, gas filling etc. U-values, Window Energy Ratings and Doorset Energy Ratings, how to identify where safety glazing must be fitted and how to identify safety glazing in an IGU, the principles of various glazing systems such as drained and ventilated and solid bedded systems, how to correctly pack between the IGU and the frame rebate and why 'toeing and heeling' is vitally important when glazing windows and particularly doorsets; the various types of opaque infill panels and how to identify them
K5: Legislation, regulations and industry standards, including window energy rating standards, CE marking, Secured by Design, Building Regulations such as Approved Documents Parts A-J, K-N, P, Q and Regulation 7
K6: Health and safety, including: Health & Safety at Work Act, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, Working at Height, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Hand Arm Vibration System (HAVS), Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), site safety (CSCS), asbestos handling, site fire and evacuation procedures, PAT testing, RCD protection; how they must be applied in the workplace. Risk assessments and dynamic risk assessments
K7: Buildings: how to identify whether the correct structural support is incorporated in the building and if not, know what to do. Various building methods and how windows and doorsets interact with them such as cavity wall, timber frame, steel frame etc. The structural requirements when installing bay windows, sliding patio and bi-fold doors. Vertical Damp-Proof Course : its function and how to repair/replace if damaged or missing
K8: Removal of existing components: types of temporary structural supports available and how to use them, methods of removing windows and doorsets manufactured from various materials, how to minimise damage to the surrounding building structure such as brickwork, rendering etc
K9: Safe handling/movement of product. Authority/licenses required to use moving and handling equipment such as cranes, forklift trucks and manipulators. Problems or damage that can occur and avoidance methods. Techniques for loading and unloading of vehicles
K10: Environmental considerations: safe disposal of waste, minimising waste (re-use and re-cycle), waste contractors permit, energy efficiency
K11: Who they need to communicate with and when, and communication techniques; verbal, written and digital. Documentation requirements
K12: Limits of autonomy; reporting channels
K13: Fenestration system (manufacturers manuals) and specifications - what they are and how to interpret them; what to do if suspect the specification is wrong or have any queries about the specification
K14: Tools, equipment and plant used in fenestration installation, including saws, electrical/hand drills, screwdrivers, raised platforms. What they are used for, correct safe use and storage. How to conduct machinery and equipment checks and adjustments. Start-up and shut-down procedures including emergency stops
K15: Preparation techniques – planning work, checking the work area and making safe, safety checks
K16: Techniques for measuring, marking and drilling materials, accurately, safely and economically
K17: Product installation methods to comply with BS8213-4, including how to pack the window/door in the opening to ensure it is correctly supported and is plumb, level and square, compliance with requirements such as enhanced security (PAS 24) with particular relation to doorsets, different methods of fixing (plug and screw, brickscrews, lugs etc.) and the limitation on using them ; order of processes
K18: Internal Finishings : the various methods of finishing internally between the window and the opening reveals, the purpose of internal finishing and how this is linked to post installation complaints
K19: External Finishings: the requirements of external finishing in relation to reduce cold bridging around the opening and prevent water penetration through the window/building junction; the various methods of external finishing; how to finish the joint below the sill between it and the structure ; scribing techniques
K20: Repair and make good any damaged plasterwork and external finishes
K21: Interim and final inspection requirements– what needs checking (size, shape, components) and why
K22: Types of errors that occur, investigation and rectification techniques, such as manual or mechanical adjustment
K23: How to stack and store products and materials safely, effectively and securely. Problems or damage that can occur with stored resources and how to overcome them
K24: Processes for handover to other functions/customers
K25: Contractual arrangements, for example penalty clauses. Consumer rights – ‘satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.’ How the role contributes to commercial operations
K26: Employment rights and responsibilities, including Working Time Directive, Employment Rights Act 1996
K27: Equality & Diversity in the workplace
Skills
S1: Select the correct type and quantity of materials, components and equipment for each task in line with specifications/instructions
S2: Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions including BIM; follow instructions
S3: Plan work, carry out checks to ensure the products are the right size to fit the aperture/meet the specifications
S4: Prepare the work area effectively, make the site safe and ensure all parties are considered (occupiers, children, pets, the general public and other trades people
S5: Complete tools and equipment checks and adjustments. Use tools and equipment safely
S6: Select and use manual methods and equipment to install products to specification
S7: Install products and fixings, ensure level and plumb, comply with regulations, manufacturers instructions and specifications
S8: Measure, cut and fix trims
S9: Apply external wet sealants and appropriate associated products such as foam rods as backing material etc; scribing
S10: Remove Windows and Doors and/or Prepare Apertures for Installation Activities
S11: Ensure structural stability including temporary support when removing products
S12: Handle, load, unload and store products safely to minimise damage
S13: Install ancillary, glazing, weatherproofing items to products in accordance with work instructions/manufacturers guidelines
S14: Follow health & safety and environmental policy and procedures
S15: Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and control measures
S16: Check and inspect work – interim and final
S17: Identify and rectify any work that is incorrect or incomplete
S18: Re-use, re-cycle and dispose of material, waste and scrap from the work area, as appropriate
S19: Communicate with colleagues/customers; using common industry terminology appropriately and accuratel
S20: Complete workplace documentation
S21: Report work outcomes and problems
S22: Post Installation Activities such as interaction with customer or site manager, completion of paperwork, demonstration, handover of booklet or manuals
Behaviours
B1: Has a health & safety first attitude, for example, resists pressures to follow unsafe working practices
B2: Professional, for example, develops good working relationships recognising dependencies, uses co-operative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity with limited supervision, shows respect for colleagues
B3: Takes responsibility, for example, completes own work to required quality standards
B4: Applies logical thinking, for example, uses clear and valid reasoning when making decisions related to undertaking the work instructions
B5: Works effectively, for example, undertakes work in a reliable, tidy and productive manner
B6: Applies time management, for example uses their time effectively to complete work to schedule and always arrives at, and ready to work on time
B7: Adjustable when required, for example adapts to changes to work instructions or variations in workplace contexts and environments
Duty 1
DUTY: Identify and confirm fenestration installation requirements and components against a survey/job sheet/specification/drawings/CAD/BIM and in accordance with Building Regulations such as Approved Documents Parts A-J, K-N, P, Q and Regulation 7
K1
K2
K3
K4
K5
K7
K13
S1
S2
S14
S19
B1
Duty 2
DUTY: Interpret the appropriate work plan for the job, taking into account factors such as building age, listed status, accessibility, quality of surrounding wall, other trades in the work area, customers including vulnerable adults and related legislation and regulations
K2
K5
K6
K7
K11
K12
K13
K15
K26
S1
S2
S3
S19
B1
B2
B4
B6
B7
Duty 3
DUTY: Locate, handle, store, load, transport and position fenestration materials and components safely, minimising damage ready for installation and where applicable, in accordance with Working at Height regulations
K5
K6
K9
K22
K25
S12
S14
B1
Duty 4
DUTY: Prepare the site, plant and equipment, access equipment when necessary, power and hand tools ready for fenestration installation
K6
K14
K15
S4
S5
B1
Duty 5
DUTY: Remove existing fenestration, understanding what action should be taken or who to report situations to if unexpected or dangerous materials are exposed e.g. asbestos, cavity barriers, damaged DPC or birds nests
K5
K6
K7
K8
S4
S6
S14
B1
Duty 6
DUTY: Ensure structural stability using structural supports e.g. acrows or strong boys. Ensuring that the lintel is present and remains undamaged or that a new one is installed above the window
K5
K6
K7
K8
K14
S11
S14
B1
Duty 7
DUTY: Prepare the apertures, ensuring the Damp Proof Course is undamaged, minimise damage to the existing structure and follow Building Regulations part B Fire Safety
K5
K6
K7
S3
S4
S14
B1
Duty 8
DUTY: Fix fenestration units in place, making sure they are plumb, level and secure using a range of tools and technologies e.g. spirit level, laser level, through frame fixings, one way screws, Thread cutting screws or machine screws if working with aluminium. Follow guidance BS8213.4 and manufacturers requirements or systems manuals
K1
K3
K5
K14
K16
K17
S6
S7
S14
B1
B5
Duty 9
DUTY: Install glass units, infill panels and hardware into the fenestration framework e.g. bi-folds, conservatory roofs, decorative and specialist glazing products
K1
K3
K4
S6
S7
S13
S14
B1
Duty 10
DUTY: Apply internal finishing’s such as trims, decorators caulk, window boards. Protect the work area and make good when necessary
K3
K18
S8
S9
S14
Duty 11
DUTY: Apply external finishing’s such as silicone, mastic, cement, plaster or beading, taking into account fire regulations (fire stopping), environmental performance
K3
K5
K6
K7
K19
S8
S9
S10
S14
Duty 12
DUTY: Clear away leftover materials on completion of installation and disposal of waste appropriately according to the appropriate code of practice
K5
K6
K10
S14
S15
S18
B1
B5
Duty 13
DUTY: Demonstrate the product and hand over installation paperwork to residential and commercial customers
K2
K11
K21
K23
K24
K26
S19
B2
B6
Duty 14
DUTY: Conduct interim and final inspections of the work and work area
