The Quality Fencing Assurance Scheme (QFAS) will be introduced by the European Fencing Industry Association from September. It intends to provide purchasers requiring any type of fence with improved levels of protection against inferior materials and workmanship.
QFAS will inspect installations to ensure that companies adhere to required standards, as set out in BS1722. QFAS will require sufficient minimum training and supervision levels for all staff and will set out basic core operational requirements for all accredited companies.
QFAS will also provide new protection in the event of complaints by customers. It will require accredited companies to promptly rectify any faulty materials and workmanship.
Typical problems in perimeter fencing, which QFAS will tackle, include:
- The use of sub-standard fencing materials with poor coatings or finishes
- Fittings not properly weather-proofed
- Fencing posts and uprights poorly supported
- Written specifications not properly followed
- The surrounding ground not properly prepared or finished.
Such weaknesses may not be apparent to clients when the job is completed but often lead to the failure of the fence within one or two years. Bob Jennings, general secretary of the EFIA, commented: “Between now and September we aim to encourage as many eligible installers and suppliers as possible to sign up to this scheme to establish it as a key industry benchmark.”