Comply with Building Regulations, Standards and legislation related to curtain walling and façade installation activities
URN: GQAFEN18
Business Sectors (Suites): Fenestration Installation
Developed by: NSAFD
Approved:
2026
Overview
This standard covers the broad requirements of the Building Regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Building Standards in Scotland that are applicable to the curtain walling and façade environment. You should ensure that installations do not endanger life and comply with the statutory requirements, keep your knowledge current and communicate with others when required.
This standard is for you if you work in the Curtain Wall installation industry and are involved in on-site curtain wall and façade installation work.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- carry out all work following current Building Regulations, Legislation and Building Standards which apply to the projects you are working in
- communicate with others about Regulations, Standards and legislation in line with organisational requirements
- seek and obtain information on updates and changes to Regulations, Standards and legislation from reliable sources
- update and maintain knowledge of Regulations or Standards in line with changes in legislation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- key parts of the Building Regulations, Standards and legislation that apply to curtain walling and facade projects and what they mean
- why Building Regulations or Building Standards exist and when they apply to the type of works being undertaken
- Building Regulations or Standards which must be complied with in full, and the ones that must be considered to secure reasonable standards of health and safety for persons in and about buildings affected by the works
- which parts of the installation are covered by Building Regulations, legislation and Standards and how work carried out complies to these
- who is authorised to carry out inspections and approve products installed to ensure requirements of the Building Regulations or Standards are met
- consequences of failed inspections on installers, building owners and main contractors
- types of loads that can affect structures
- how to ensure that loads are correctly supported and restrained
- how wind load can impact on structures and the choice of system used
- main criteria of fire-resistant glazing so that a safe structure is kept in the event of a fire
- how buildings with multiple floors can conform to requirements for emergency access in the event of fires
- how curtain wall structures can restrict the internal spread of flames and smoke
- advantages of installing thermally efficient curtain walling systems
- how to achieve compliance with fuel conservation requirements in line with Approved Document L
- what is meant by safety glazing and where it must be fitted
- types of safety glazing and how to identify them, their markings and the standards and regulations that apply
- whether un-marked glass can be classified as safety glazing
- the term 'finished floor level'
- why it is necessary to make special provision for access to, and use of, buildings
- safety requirements relating to door size, window operation and positioning of operating hardware
- when to provide protection from falling and how this can be achieved through the use of safety glazing
- how to prevent impact on glazing
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
2
Indicative Review Date
2029
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
Proskills
Original URN
PROFEN18
Relevant Occupations
Glaziers Window Fabric and Fitters
SOC Code
Keywords
Fenestration, Curtain Walling, Building Regulations, Building Standards