Specifiers Checklist

Ventilation	Confirm area of opening casements is at least 5% of floor area for all rooms. Check provision of background ventilation – in most cases the designer will expect background ventilation via the windows. Are AOV remotely/manually operated windows required and do sizes specified give sufficient free area.
Means of Escape	Confirm provision and appropriate size of escape windows to rooms within 4.5 metres of external ground level. Usually domestic housing, flats and apartments may have alternative escape provisions and houses with two stairs may be exempt. Check and confirm which doors are to be used as Fire Escape and is Fire Escape ironmongery specified. Are Fire Escape windows required (minimum area and clear height met) non lockable handles. Do entrance doors meet minimum opening requirements for disabled access.
Safety and Security	Check that safety glass is specified for doors and side panels to doors and windows where the glass line is within 800mm of finished floor level. Are 'Secured By Design' requirements applicable to ground floor fittings (please note currently Sliding Patio Doors are not required to be compliant and Tilt and Turn Doors are non compliant). Does the design of the building allow windows to be fully opened e.g outward opening windows immediately below the soffit at eaves level.
Barriers	Check that no upper floor openings are within 800mm of internal finished floor level or 1100mm for high-rise buildings – BS8213.
Restrictors	Are window casement locks and opening restrictors specified where required.
Heat loss	Confirm compliance with Document p art F and L. If the area of windows and doors exceeds 25% of the floor area the target U-value or carbo n index methods of compliance will need to be used. Confirm the U-value of the glazing meets the minimu m required values.
Cleaning	Confirm that the types of windows selected can be cleaned safely. Is internal cleaning required, are windows compliant with BS 8213: Windows, doors and rooflights: Part 1 Design for safety in use and during cleaning.
Exposure	Confirm that the window selected meets the appropriate exposure criteria as set in BS 6375.
Other	Confirm that windows required as A.O.V’s or on Teleflex gear are specified "on hinges only". Rationel do not supply specialist opening gear except Topguided automatic opening vent units incorporating an electric motor into the frame. Specify microporous paint or stain. Is sound reduction required? If yes, check the glass specification. Is obscure glass needed? Are grooves for an internal window board required? Is sun shielding glazing required?