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Latest NewsThe First Verification of Robust Details (17 September 2007)
The Robust Details (RD) alternative to pre-completion testing of the acoustic performance of new-build dwellings has been adopted enthusiastically by builders and suppliers of building products in England and Wales.
The BBA has now undertaken its first verification of Robust Details Benchmark testing data for an acoustic insulation product under the terms agreed with Robust Details Limited. Details of the product range are given in a Robust Details section of the website. (web-link)
The specifications set out in the RD Handbook require independent laboratory test reports for certain products, such as resilient ceiling bars, downlighters and floating floor treatments. However, recent research has revealed the difficulty manufacturers face in differentiating their products, with certificated acoustic performance, from those products on the market, with unsubstantiated performance claims.
The BBA has agreed with RDL to operate a voluntary verification service. For a small charge, the BBA will verify manufacturers’ claims against the benchmark performance criteria and publish a list of all verified products on a dedicated RD page on its website, for the benefit of RD customers.
Where the data is from an accredited laboratory or an equivalent source, the BBA verification process will be mainly a desktop activity. Where additional testing or assessment is required, this will be discussed with the manufacturer and quoted for accordingly.
The BBA also proposes to offer a voluntary listing service on the same web page outlining proprietary products that are specified in the RD Handbook. These must not be substituted by any other products. Examples include proprietary products, which were built into the original candidate RD structures or which have subsequently been assessed by RDL and added to the relevant RD specifications.
As a result of this service, interested parties including builders, designers, suppliers and building merchants will all be able to use the new BBA web page to identify, at a glance, products which are certain to be acceptable for use with stated Robust Details.
Enhanced BBA role in Revised Ultra Installer Scheme (17 September 2007)
Conservatory Roof manufacturer Ultraframe has revised its Ultra Installer Scheme to bring new benefits for members. The Scheme, which is now in its fourth year, has around 100 members around the UK who are committed to raising standards within the industry and providing customer service excellence to consumers.
For several years the BBA has been involved in the Ultra Installer Scheme, providing independent inspections as part of the application and membership process to maintain the high standards of the Scheme. The BBA has now taken on a greater role, also proving administrative support.
Martyn Reed, Operations Director at the BBA commented: ‘We are delighted to have taken on an increased role in the Ultra Installer Scheme. It is fantastic that Ultraframe are creating a new role for themselves in the industry through initiatives such as the Ultra Installer Scheme, which help to raise standards across the industry and ensure that consumers can have further peace of mind when appointing a conservatory installer. The BBA is already involved in approving various products used in the glazing industry and in providing inspection services in support of FENSA so had a natural affinity with the Ultra Installer Scheme.’
Graham Gibson, Ultra Installer Scheme member and Partner at David Gibson Conservatories in Bangor, Northern Ireland, commented: ‘We value our approval as an Ultra Installer immensely and are pleased to see that Ultraframe continue to progress and develop the Scheme. The enhanced involvement of the BBA in the Scheme brings further credibility, as it is a well-respected independent body with authority across trade and consumer markets. The new logo is a great way to mark this next stage in the future of the Ultra Installer Scheme. In addition to the existing benefits that we already enjoy such as sales leads and use of exclusive literature, these developments make for a great Scheme which we are proud to be a member of.’
Due to the popularity of the Ultra Installer Scheme, a waiting list is now in existence in many areas of the UK. Applicants must pass a full day on-site assessment by a BBA inspector and receive positive references from previous customers. Inspections and reference checks are ongoing throughout membership to maintain the high standards of the Scheme.
Mark Hanson, Ultra Installer Scheme Manager, commented: ‘The BBA has been an important part of the Ultra Installer Scheme for some time now and the respect that our members have for them meant that they were a natural choice when we had a requirement for extra support within the Scheme. We are now generating around 500 leads per month for members and continue to challenge ourselves to provide the very best service possible. The new logo has been well received by members and is a natural step to represent our continued investment in the Scheme.
(17 September 2007)
The BBA Approved Landmark’ retaining wall system from Anchor Retaining Wall Systems Inc (Roads and Bridges Certificate 04/R138) has helped keep traffic moving during the reconstruction of Northern Ireland’s M1 motorway. The Anchor “Landmark” retaining walls have been installed at the Stockman’s Lane Junction of the Belfast Westlink, one of the City’s principal arterial roads handling over 65,000 vehicle movements per day and part of a £115M, M1 motorway improvement scheme being undertaken by Contractors HMC [Highway Management Construction] for the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Roads Services. David Crowther, technical manager for Maccaferri, who specified Anchor Wall System’s Landmark Segmental Retaining Wall solution said: ‘. Landmark gave us the assurance of a proven system with a design life of 120 years and met the objectives of the project by enabling the road to be widened within the existing highway footprint. Also, because it’s a dry-laid, mortar-less system, it was quick to install during the off-peak work periods’. RECENT CERTIFICATE CHANGES.
New Certificates added between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
06/4348 SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Grady Joinery
Amendments to Existing Certificates between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
04/4098 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Walker Profiles Ltd
Detail Sheets added between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
None.
Certificate Reinstatements between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
None.
Certificates withdrawn between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
06/4358 VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Matrixx Windows Ltd
Detail Sheet withdrawals between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
None.
Lapsed Certificates between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
00/3694 RHINOPHALT GILSONITE ASPHALT REJUVENATION SYSTEM - Asphalt Systems International Ltd
Suspended Certificates between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
None.
Detail Sheet Suspensions between 10 July 2007 and 16 September 2007
None.
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