AGWA TECHNICAL | Taking the Reins

WORDS: Adam Davies, Accreditation/IGMA Manager, Australian Glass & Window Association

Having taken on the role of Accreditation Manager in early October, and being an AGWA member previous to this, I was aware of the good work the Association did in promoting and supporting our industry with regular and helpful communications, templates and training opportunities catering to all members both large and small. However, since joining I have had more of a chance to understand the inner workings of the Association. What has surprised me the most is the time and combined effort that goes into investigating disputes and issues of non-compliance. In fact, in my second week, I attended and saw firsthand an onsite investigation into non-compliance, and I have a number of others that I will be taking part in the coming weeks. I have also found out that this year, as of October 2021, AGWA has actioned 94 dispute requests and been asked to complete 19 independent inspections.

This leads into accreditation, as this is the other side of compliance. It can’t simply be looking at non-compliance outside our membership, but it equally needs to be about ensuring we, as an Association, are doing our best and being open to identifying areas where improvement can be made. I understand the thought of accreditation can seem daunting at first, but that is not the intention. It is as much about it being a chance to recognise excellence in our members, as well as an opportunity to help and support members. The ultimate goal of accreditation is having all members achieve compliance and being able to promote this differentiation in the market. At the end of this journey, we will have a robust accreditation program that delivers value and, at the same time, provides the resources to close gaps and lift the industry. These resources could be in the form of training, technical support, or simple observations that our industry experts may make during a visit. Several of our auditors have commented that members have used an audit as an opportunity to keep up to date with the relevant changes in standards or compliance that they otherwise were not aware of or may not have had the opportunity to be informed about.

The AGWA Accredited Company Program has operated successfully for many years, with the Window Audit Program having been in place for around 20 years and the Glazier Audit Program more recently introduced.

Glass processing and IGU manufacture represent an important component of industry that would benefit from such a program. The addition of a program in these areas would allow us, as an Association, to provide an end-to-end accreditation program across all aspects of the glass industry, from when the glass is cut all the way through to the installation of the completed unit. This will give confidence to members and customers alike of the benefits of using an accredited AGWA member.

To get this under way, we first must understand where we are now and what can be best implemented to help support and lift the industry. This will be a journey that will take some time to understand, but is an important first step in developing the expanded program that will be my focus for the coming year. It is a journey that I am excited to be part of and look forward to engaging with many of you in the coming months.

Manunda Place, Darwin

IMAGE: G.James Glass & Aluminium

THE ROLE OF IGMA

The role of high performing IGUs, is and will be, increasingly important in our evolving and ever more stringent commercial and residential market. With the role of IGUs continuing to grow due to government policy and effective building design, finding a supplier you can trust has never been more important.

Ultimately, the premature failure of IGUs presents a problem that is more complex than for traditional monolithic glazing.

IGUs can be considered a system all on their own with a number of parts, all working correctly, forming a complete unit. As a result of their complexity, there are several avenues for potential failure that traditionally have not needed to be considered in monolithic glazing. The primary one of these being maintaining the integrity in the cavity to prevent unwanted condensation or, in the case of inert gas filled units, a loss of gas and thus a decrease in performance.

With this being said, getting it right has never been more important as IGUs are high value investment, which can be even more expensive to replace should unit failure occur. Therefore, it is imperative that as an industry we look to purchase or supply units which can demonstrate to the market that they are of a quality that is not only expected, but required.

The NCC mandates that all glass in buildings comply with AS 1288, which in turn requires that IGUs must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 4666 (ref Cl 2.1.5).

Key requirements of AS/NZS 4666 are:

• Long-term type testing

• In-line materials testing

• Installation methods

These three requirements are all equally as important to the production and ongoing performance of an IGU. Where many may expect the long-term testing to be the most important, it can be argued that the ongoing on-line testing and ensuring correct installation play an equally important role in IGU quality and performance.

Not only are more units being made year on year, but more and more companies are investing in, and manufacturing, these units. This has the potential to have units enter the market that may not be of the quality and reliability required. In the last two weeks alone, I have attended two residential complexes where IGU failure had occurred that had been driven by poor or substandard manufacturing practices at facilities that have not achieved AS/ NZS 4666 compliance.

It is because of situations like this, that IGMA exists. As a sub-committee of the Australian Glass and Window Association, we work with the industry to develop IGU standards and drive uptake of compliance and best practice manufacturing methods so that ultimately the market can have confidence that they can trust and choose IGUs from an AS/NZS 4666 IGMA member.

To find an IGMA IGU member or for more information about becoming a member, simply go to agwa.com.au/IGMA or contact the AGWA office on 02 9498 2768.

INTRODUCING ADAM DAVIES

Why did you choose this career path?

When I was in my last year of uni we had the opportunity to visit the Viridian Ingleburn Glass Float plant. It was amazing to see all the raw materials go in at the start of the process and emerge as a continuous sheet of flat glass. Not long after that, I was given the opportunity for some part time work while completing my studies. This developed into a full-time role as a process engineer on the float line, which I continued in until the closure of the plant. All my other roles, obviously including this one, have be in and around the glass industry which seems very common for many. It seems once you enter it is hard to leave!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

What I have discovered most is seeing how much AGWA does to represent and better the industry. So, to be part of that and help make a difference is very rewarding and is a nice change from a traditional business where profit is generally the focus.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I have for the last few years taken up home brewing. Although mine are nowhere near as good as most of the craft beer out there, it is rewarding to drink one that you have put all the effort and time into making.

What movie is among your all-time favourites?

I would have to say Forest Gump. It is an almost universally acclaimed movie that couples a great story with great acting and introduced some of the first CGI that we now find so common today.

What is your favourite quote or life motto?

It would have to be, 'Tell him he's dreaming!' from the Aussie classic, The Castle.