A new technical bulletin clarifies the definition of a window opening control device (WOCD) to promote greater understanding of the role of WOCDs and provide an understanding of a WOCD’s function.
\When properly designed, tested, specified, and installed, WOCDs can help prevent or reduce accidental falls from windows, while allowing the ability to open the window fully as may be needed to exit in the event of a home emergency, according to a news release from the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).
The document, AAMA/WDMA TB-24-01, “will help users understand the important role of WOCDs, and how to tell the difference between them and other window hardware types like vent limiters or night latches, designed for different purposes,” said Dan Raap (AmesburyTruth), co-chair of the FGIA Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) Update Task Group.
WOCDs were introduced as a new window fall prevention device starting with the 2008 version of the ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) (ASTM) F2090, Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices with Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanisms. ASTM F2090 is a standard for window fall prevention devices that are releasable such that a window can be fully opened for emergency escape or rescue.
Related Stories
| Dec 1, 2011
OSHA releases new construction safety videos
OSHA released new safety videos to offer both employers and workers brief, easy-to-understand education about construction safety.
| Dec 1, 2011
GSA Region 5 BIM standards could set national agenda in government contracting
Learning how the GSA wants to work with contractors using Building Information Models (BIM) will dramatically improve your odds of winning federal work.
| Nov 23, 2011
Fenestration council seeks committee members
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is seeking members for a committee to pursue recognition of its ratings procedures from the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
| Nov 23, 2011
Obama signs repeal of 3% withholding on government contracts
President Obama signed a bill that repeals a law requiring governments to withhold 3% of payments over $10,000 to contractors.
| Nov 23, 2011
USGBC launches app lab for LEED certification process
The U.S. Green Building Council has released the App Lab, a searchable catalog of third-party apps that are integrated with LEED data.
| Nov 23, 2011
Document gives advice on stormwater runoff management
The report, “Rooftops to Rivers II,” provides tips on how cities can use smart infrastructure and green building design to minimize pollution from stormwater runoff and other wastewaters.
| Nov 18, 2011
AGC offers webinar on Davis-Bacon compliance
Webinar to be held in two sessions, Dec. 7 and 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST.
| Nov 18, 2011
New green construction code may help push LEED standards higher
The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is expected to set a floor for building standards and may create the opportunity for LEED certifications to push toward higher ceilings.
| Nov 18, 2011
New OSHA fall safety rule could save contractors money on insurance premiums
The new Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule requiring employers operating in the residential construction industry to use the same methods of fall protection that historically have been used in the commercial construction industry could save them money.
| Nov 18, 2011
Some believe new Austin building code will help mom and pop shops
Austin, Texas has proposed building codes that require wider sidewalks and call for buildings to be closer to sidewalks along a 3.5-mile stretch of highway.
