For just about everyone involved with roofing battens graded to BS 5534, the recent months have been nothing short of tumultuous.
There has been a report and a high profile campaign questioning the quality of battens on the market, rebuttals, complaints and counter claims. This has led to some confusion amongst roofers and a deluge of questions from our members.
Graded battens, while a welcome development, have come at a premium, and roofers have the right to expect that they are getting the fully-compliant battens which they are paying for so that:
a) there is minimal waste due to defects
b) they do not have to waste valuable time re-grading and
c) so that as part of a safe system of work, they can confidently use the battens as footholds.
Throughout the recent debate, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has listened to all sides, sought to mediate between the batten members, and has sent a clear message to our trade members to state our position in a statement dated July 19, which can be viewed on our website in the media/news section.
NFRC is satisfied that our batten manufacturing associate members who provide graded battens are covered by credible third-party accreditation and as such their products are deemed fit for purpose. Third-party accreditation is not a compulsory requirement under BS 5534, but is something which NFRC insists on for existing and potential members. However, there are some who believe that the current arrangements are not sufficient and that there are still issues regarding the quality of battens on the market. Whether or not greater controls are needed and who should police them is certainly one question which will be brought up again at some point and NFRC will be central to any proposals or debates which involve our members.
For roofing contractors, safe and compliant battens are a must and it is important that the advice from the industry is clear and unambiguous.
? TTJ Industry Updates are a forum for trade bodies to address key issues.
