Contract Glazing

Volume 38, Issue 1, January 2003

ContractGlazing

GANA to Re-Release Blueprint Reading and Estimating Course

The Building Envelope Contractors (BEC) division of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) has announced that it will re-release its Blueprint Reading and Estimating Course at the BEC conference taking place February 9-11 at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. According to GANA, the course is designed for beginning estimators in the contract glazing business and is intended to provide the basic facts about materials used as well as the basic systematic approach to estimating metal, glass and labor.

The update, which is being sponsored by six industry companies, has been re-vamped completely. Its 14 lessons include: General Description of Set Plans; Angles and Scale Rulers; Types of Glass and Setting Methods; Windows and Sealants; Storefront Metal; Hardware for Doors and Tempered Glass Doors; Cutting of Glass, Edgework and Glass Processing; Quantity Survey (Taking Off Material From Plans); Listing Materials; Estim-ating Labor; Relationship Between the Architect, Owner, Contractor and Glazing Contractor; Sub-mitting a Bid; Figuring Glazing and Metal Labor on a Specific Job; and the Final Exam.

The course is being updated in the offices of CDC Inc. with the help of outside industry experts. BEC division member Don Earnheart of CDC Inc. has been working on the update.

“The re-write is a product of a collaborative effort of experienced people in the glazing industry,” said Earnheart. “It’s intent is to not only serve as an educational tool, but also as a reference material for those in the early stages of their [glazing] careers. Hopefully it will be a significant source for those needing a reference on glass.”

“From a glazing contractor perspective, there’s not a lot of available training to our trade,” said Andy Gum, president of Thomas Glass Co. and BEC division chairperson. “This [update] is critical as we work together to advance our businesses and get people trained and up-to-date. This will be a first-rate document and the members want it. The potential of this [course] used by companies gives new people the fundamentals to excel in their jobs,” added Gum.

Preventing Jobsite Thefts and Robberies

With more than $17 million lost each year in cases of theft, robbery, burglary and vandalism, security on construction sites is of high concern. According to the Inland Marine Underwriters Association (IMUA) the following tips can help keep construction sites secure and avoid crime exposure loss.

• In the early stages of any project, create and implement a job site security plan;

• Meet with local law enforcement officials on how a security program can be supplemented by their participation;

• Requirements for security personnel and their experience should be clearly drafted, especially if contracted to a third-party provider;

• General access to the site should be controlled and limited with one entrance/exit via a secure locking gate equipped with a high-quality lock, cable or chain. In addition, only authorized personnel should be allowed access to secured key storage and should be required to fill out a key log before taking a key;

• Create a “neighborhood watch” for the site during off hours. Conduct a community meeting with the surrounding neighbors and ask for their help;

• Prepare a telephone call chain in case of any security emergency situation;

• Evaluate the location of the construction site. A localized high crime frequency would necessitate a higher, more sophisticated security approach;

• The overall job site should be contained on all sides. As a general rule, a fence that is at least 8 feet high should secure the perimeter of the site including waterborne access locations;

• Proper lighting should be installed, ideally activated by an electric eye, motion detector or timer. If activated by a motion detector, there should be no warm-up period; and

• Renovations to existing structures require special considerations because of exposures that are not present during new construction such as other building occupants, frequent visitors and access from other floors.

USG