NARM - Preventing Harm

A broken rooflight panel

NARM, the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers, has published technical guidance on all aspects of specification, with a strong focus on safety.

For many years, the association has recommended the use of laminated glass inner panes for glass rooflights. This removes the risk of glass debris falling onto building occupants in the event of a shattered pane - a risk that is present when toughened glass (sometimes referred to as safety glass) is used.

 

Advisory Committee for Roofsafety

This position has now been further endorsed by ACR, the Advisory Committee for Roofsafety, a body dedicated to making working on roofs safer. Founded in 1998 by the Health & Safety Executive, ACR comprises representatives of major roofworking federations and associations and the HSE itself.

 

Glass Specification in Flat Rooflights

In its new Information sheet 5 ‘Glass Specification in Flat Rooflights’, ACR reiterates NARM guidance, stating that: ‘It is difficult to see how the use of a toughened rather than laminated glass inner pane doesn’t present a risk to anyone beneath the rooflight. The ACR, in common with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) and NAR), strongly believes that any realistic risk assessment will lead to the selection of laminated glass’.

This action brings further pressure on BSI to amend its BS 5516-2: 2004 standard, in which toughened panes currently are allowable, subject to a risk assessment.

The document can be downloaded at: www.the-acr.org

 

Picture: A broken rooflight glass panel.

www.narm.org.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
06th November 2020

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