In Autumn 2019 Hazlemere Commercial were audited and accredited “Secured by Design” (SBD) manufacturers and installers, so are able to offer any new client the option of products that have been SBD approved and tested.
It is a no brainer that buildings of all types in the UK should be physically secure to deter criminal activity and reduce crime. “Secured by Design” works with manufacturers, the construction industry and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with ever changing crime trends.
What is Secured By Design?
The official “Secured by Design” (SBD) website states “SBD is a police initiative that improves the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.”
Also according to the SBD website, they have more than 700 member companies with thousands of products that have achieved our Police Preferred Specification. Their membership recognises that products not only have been tested to relevant security standards but also fully certified by an independent third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Independent certification involves both initial testing of the products and regular re-tests as well as inspections of the manufacturer’s production facility to ensure the correct processes are maintained constantly over time to provide a more secure and reliable product. This goes beyond the level of security called for within Part Q of the Building Regulations in England 2010, which became effective in October 2015.
These are the specification standards for enhanced security performance of aluminium and UPVC casements, tilt/turn windows for domestic applications:
- BS 7950 must be supported by performance standards relevant to the materials used.
- BS 4873, 2005 Specification for aluminium windows.
- BS 7412, 2007 Specification for plastic windows made from PVC-U extruded hollow profiles.
PAS 24: 2016 is the enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk. This standard superseded PAS 24:2012 with effect from 28th February 2016 and provides a method for testing and assessing the enhanced security performance requirements of doorsets and windows, providing an easier specification requirement for developments. This PAS covers doorsets and windows of all material types. Products are still required to meet the material specific requirements as detailed by the product standards for doorsets and windows.
Hazlemere Commercial Achieve SBD Accreditation
Hazlemere Commercial are Secured by Design accredited for the manufacture and installation of SBD approved double glazed aluminium windows and doors. Hazlemere Commercial are also Approved Suppliers and Installers of UPVC windows and doors that are SBD accredited. Hazlemere Commercial are one of the 700 qualified SBD window and doors suppliers and installers in the UK.
Are Approved Document Q and SBD the Same Thing?
Actually, no. Although the technical standards within Approved Document Q and Secured by Design are the same, the Secured By Design requirements call for all door and window products to be fully certificated. This ensures that the company fabricating the doors or windows has been subject to factory production controls protocols and regular product and test audits by the certifying authority to ensure the continued quality and security needs are met. Part Q asks for testing only.
SBD is therefore an enhanced level of security, and one that Hazlemere Commercial is able to offer each of its clients, in addition to having window and door products that achieve Approved Document Q. So whether your fenestration project is new build or refurbishment, Hazlemere Commercial are able to offer SBD products that deliver the highest levels of security.
