Do you know what’s on your glass delivery?

Over-reliance on the integrity of their supply chain could mean that glass processors and installers are inadvertently supplying the wrong specification of glass or insulated units into the UK construction industry, according to Bohle.

The warning comes amid growing industry discussion and concern, particularly surrounding IGUs, that what is being specified by fabricrators, installers and glass processors is what is being delivered and installed.

“What we would say is that we need to be measured about this,” said Dave Broxton, Bohle. “I personally can’t think of a single glass processor or IGU manufacturer who I have met in the entiriety of my career, who would deliberately or knowingly supply out-of-spec product.

“Mistakes can and do, however, happen and when they do, it can be very difficult to distinguish the properties of one type of glass from another – particularly where a PVB interlayer or coating is being used.

“In this case liability sits with the whole supply chain. This includes the threat of prosecution where products can be proven to have been supplied outside specification under Building Regulations – even if errors are genuine.”

Bohle provides a potential solution in the Glass Buddy and Glass Buddy Plus, which eliminate the risk of inaccurate supply of product by providing an instant analysis of glass properties ahead of manufacture or installation.

Capable of analysis of single pane through to laminated or insulated glass units, Glass Buddy uses laser technology to deliver an instant analysis of glass properties. This includes thickness, the structure of the pane, the low-e coating, PVB interlays, and their position to the accuracy of 0.1mm.

“There are two issues here,” Dave said. “The most important one is the issue of public safety. Labelling errors are common, you may genuinely believe that you’re supplying fireglass but if you’re not there’s no way of telling. The ramifications of this can be catastrophic.

“The second is the threat of prosecution and the damage to reputation and contractual relationships. Glass Buddy eliminates doubt and allows you to pick up those errors before they impact on your business – it’s peace of mind for a couple of hundred quid.”