Field Testing Programme

There are occasions when the on-site or field testing of a window, door, or façade element is required to establish weathertightness of the unit and/or its installation. The Window & Glass Association Field Testing Programme has been developed in line with widely accepted field testing procedures to establish a reputable field testing Industry in NZ, recognized by Councils, façade engineers and other building officials,

• To provide a structured approach to field testing.
• To ensure field testing is performed and reported on consistently, fairly, and accurately, in line with the Associations accreditation programme.
• To drive a better understanding of which tests are applicable to a given situation.
• Ensuring the correct use of appropriate and calibrated equipment.
• Ensuring priority and recognition given to those who have achieved Association accreditation.

There are two parts to the Window & Glass Association Field Testing Programme:

1. The Field Testing Accreditation Programme, and
2. The Field Testing Procedure Manual.

Accreditation Programme

The demand for the site testing of windows and doors, as a part of a project’s quality assurance assessment, is increasing. In response to this demand the Window & Glass Association have created a programme for developing a unified and reputable Field Testing industry that clients and specifiers can endorse and/or employ with confidence.

Both Companies and operators are accredited to the Association’s Field Testing Programme and will be recognised as,

• Having an in-depth understanding of field testing and the tests applicable to any given situation.
• Exercising a structured approach to field-testing and the situation as it is presented.
• Being able to demonstrate the correct use of appropriate and calibrated equipment.
• Ensuring field testing is performed and reported on consistently, fairly, and accurately, in line with the accreditation programme.

An applicant will be assessed for their understanding of the Field Testing Procedures and the correct use and calibration of the test equipment. Once the assessor approves them as competent and the applicable fees have been received, an Annual Accreditation Certificate is issued and the Company and/or Operator is added to the Register of Accredited Field Testers.

Accredited Field Testers must be a member of the Window & Glass Association.

Application

If you are interested in becoming a Window & Glass Association Accredited Field Tester, then download and complete the Questionnaire and Application and return them by email to the Associations Technical Manager

Once your application has been approved by the Association you will be sent a copy of the Window & Glass Associations Field Testing Agreement for completion and signing.

Programme Overview

Questionnaire

Application

Accreditation Paths

There are two paths to achieving accreditation:

1. Working through the Window & Glass Association Field Testing Accreditation Programme, and
2. Providing evidence of an appropriate IANZ accreditation.

If you are already IANZ accredited in an appropriate area this will assist with the accreditation process. Simply include information regarding your IANZ accreditation with your application.

Equipment

An important requirement of accreditation is that you keep records of your equipment and its calibration. Whilst you can use/develop your own the following templates are available here if required.

Equipment Register

Calibration Schedule

Fees (additional to membership fee)

• Field Testing Procedure Manual – Free download from website
• Initial Assessment of each operator (if required) – Time @ $200/hr plus Expenses +GST
• Annual Accreditation Business – $500+GST ($250 if IANZ accredited)
• Annual Audit, Business – $500+GST, (not required if IANZ accredited).  Operator – shared cost of workshop

CPD

Accreditation to the Window & Glass Association Field Testing Programme is valid for a calendar year and therefore must be renewed annually, through an annual audit process. The Association has a Field Testing Operators Group which meet annually to,

• Discuss industry issues, and/or
• Hold a CPD training workshop.

Costs for these is shared between the attendees.

Procedure Manual

The Field Testing Procedure Manual clearly describes the procedures required to select, test, and report on the weathertightness of a window, door, or façade element and/or its installation. The Manual is aligned with international test procedures but more clearly defines the test requirements for NZ conditions.

The current version of the Field Testing Procedure Manual can be downloaded free of charge here.

An important part of the programme and procedures is understanding the four test types included in the manual and how they might apply to any given situation. The tests are:

• WGANZ 501:  Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Newly Installed Shopfronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
• WGANZ 501A:  Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Newly Installed Windows and Doors with Operable Panels
• WGANZ 502:  Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
• WGANZ 503:  Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Shopfronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
• WGANZ 1105: Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.

Correct test selection is fundamental in determining a conclusive test result. When selecting the correct test method to use it is important to first understand the objective of the test and the outcomes required. The following flow chart will aide in this selection.