The revised UK’s security specification PAS 24:2012 is now with us and with it we have a series of test methods that cover a wide range of fenestration products. PAS 24 can and is being specified in place of EN’s 1627 to 30, as in the UK we still feel these European standards do not currently reflect the UK’s security requirements.
The background and need for the revised PAS makes for interesting reading and has shaped CAB’s approach to the involvement of standards which emanate from Europe.
In 2010 during the CEN TC33 Plenary Meeting, the UK and a few other member states failed in an attempt to stop the European Security Standards, EN 1627 to 30, from being published and were outvoted. The UK was concerned with the testing methods specified in the standards as they rely heavily on a manual attack method of establishing the security of doors and windows. This is to such an extent that even today UKAS has not approved test houses in the UK to test to the European standards as, quite simply, they are not repeatable. This is due to the potential variation in testers strengths and capability, the old ‘Geoff Capes’ versus ‘Kylie Minogue’ scenario !
The new PAS 24:2012 now includes doors and windows used in both the domestic and commercial sectors. As there are no certified test houses currently in the UK who can test to EN’s 1627 to 30, PAS 24 now fills the void and allows manufacturers to supply certified enhanced security products for most environments and also meets the Secured by Design requirements.
Since 2010 CAB has become increasingly involved in European legislation and most importantly is very active in the initial stages of development. The UK is well respected in a variety of European technical groups, which allows CAB to represent its members’ views at the very heart of European legislation.
Any CAB member is free to join the Technical Committee and have their input. CAB membership is open to companies involved in the aluminium fenestration supply chain. For more information on CAB membership and activities contact the office on 01453 828851 or email julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk