Low window building control

[camerart]

Hi,
I fitted these windows into a former outside toilet coal bunker, and they've just be rejected by building control, because they're not toughened.

I've fitted windows before and know that any window lower than waist height or round a door should be toughened, and when I ordered them I knew that the suppliers would also know this, and didn't consider that they supply none compliant ones, so it was a surprise that they are found to be normal glass.

How would you portion the blame for the error, between me and the supplier?
Cheers, Camerart

 

[Murdochcat]

What did there quote say about the windows and glass?

 

[crank39]

1 - How would the supplier know the height of the window?

2 - Did you advise it was a low level window?

3 - What did you order?

4 - Did you pay for toughened glass?

From my experience they rely on you telling them exactly what you want and what the glass is going into, if you tell them they can advise, otherwise it's just another piece of glass out of hundreds they'll make that day

If you knew about the safety glass regs did you check for a kite mark when fitting?

 

[camerart]

What did there quote say about the windows and glass?

Hi M,
Toughened glass was not mentioned, only size and position.
C

 

[camerart]

1 - How would the supplier know the height of the window?

2 - Did you advise it was a low level window?

3 - What did you order?

4 - Did you pay for toughened glass?

From my experience they rely on you telling them exactly what you want and what the glass is going into, if you tell them they can advise, otherwise it's just another piece of glass out of hundreds they'll make that day

If you knew about the safety glass regs did you check for a kite mark when fitting?

Hi C,
1/ I explained what they were for and where they were going.
2/ The left one is a door way, so the bottom is lower than waist height.
3/ Just the size of the opening.
4/ I explained that I was a DIYer and fitting it myself.

I didn't think about the safety glass angle, it was obvious that it should be safety glass, so I took it for granted.

P.S. I phoned another glass supplier today, and they told me, they always ask about toughened, also if it should be heat retaining.
C.

 

[johnny2007]

Unfortunately they're not obliged to know what you want unless you tell them.
Go back to them and see if you can negotiate a discount for toughened glass.

 

[crank39]

Unfortunately its going to be your word against theres re what was discussed however if you have anything written down like a survey/order form which states safety glass and they've supplied you with float glass then you will have a strong case otherwise its going to difficult

 

[Murdochcat]

Hi M,
Toughened glass was not mentioned, only size and position.
C

In which case they have outlined what they are quoting for ….. and you accepted the quote

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

1 - How would the supplier know the height of the window?

Eh? Crank you're normally bang on but come on.

Anyway both of you are to blame, blind leading the blind but good luck getting them to share any responsibility. Try speaking with the boss and try the charm offensive first.

 

[crank39]

Eh? Crank you're normally bang on but come on.

Confused? Anything lower than 800mm from the floor or 300mm from a door needs to be safety glass, how would the supplier know the height from floor unless they were told?

I've fitted windows before and know that any window lower than waist height or round a door should be toughened, and when I ordered them I knew that the suppliers would also know this

How would the supplier know your window is below 800mm unless you tell them?

 

[camerart]

Hi,
As the top of it was quite low, I asked about the frame width so I could assess what I would be able to see, so I did say that it was floor to the lintel.
I think we were both unprofessional, but I'm a DIYer so I'm allowed.

On balance, I think I should take most of the blame, but they should take some.

As mentioned, I'll contact 'the boss' and try to negotiate a lower price.

I'm normally good with DIY, but it may be time to stop

Thanks all, C.

 

[stevie888]

You can in fact have non toughened glass if there is protection eg a balustrade, a situation which sometimes comes up with adding stairs in an existing building.

I think you just have to chalk this up to experience: you didn't order what you needed and were supplied with what you did order. Put your hands up when you call: I'd hope the'd give you a good price for the right glass but in my mind they are NOT obligate dso to do.

 

[crank39]

Yes you could but you have to barrier both sides as they both fall within the 800mm, you could also safety film the glass to bring it up to regs but I guess with both solutions your getting close to the cost of replacement glass

 

[camerart]

Hi All,
This survey showed a high percentage of my fault, but when I contacted them, I put my side, and they agreed, and will replace the glass.
They found my original offer, with the measurements, and the glass is 'in the post'
Thanks.
C.

 

[crank39]

Result!