Clearly in need of new rules

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Glass manufacturers are adamant that more governing rules and regulations are needed in the industry. Hugo Berger goes through the pane barrier to find out more.

As the region's construction industry begins to mature, reputable players in the sector are striving to raise standards.

These companies are constantly arguing that the quality of the build is as important, if not more so, than the pace and cost of construction.

Glass manufacturers are no exception and are endeavoring to get this message across to their clients.

One of the areas where some companies see a gaping flaw in the industry is a lack of uniform standards for glass use in projects. In other parts of the world there are strict guidelines, forcing developers to follow standards for fire resistance, safety, energy efficiency and noise.

In Dubai, there are minimum rules to control heat gain and insulation but this has not been followed in other emirates and GCC countries.

In the UK, one of the most respected trade organisations in the field is the Glass and Glazing Foundation (GGF).

Last year, UK glass companies which had set up operations in the UAE announced they were setting up a branch of the GGF in this region.

A number of firms joined forces to draft a single standard for the UAE, which they hoped would eventually be rolled out across all Gulf states.

The group aims to create a forum where regional glass companies could share and develop best practices.

The GGF has met with authorities on a number of occasions to discuss a national standard for glass installation.

Alistair Kellock, chairman, GGF Middle East, and general manager, Danway Fusion Glass, says that there had been a good reception for the organisation's ideas.

He says: "We've been trying to get a local chapter together for the last 10 years and it's only now that the industry is mature enough to realise that there is all this glass being installed but there are very few standards.

"Just because there are no set guidelines, it doesn't mean that some companies are not working to extremely high standards. It doesn't mean people aren't doing the right thing, it's just there aren't any mandatory regulations.

"They are relying on the architect or the contractor to put the right materials in the right place."

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