Q1. When and why was the NSSA formed?

The National Security Screen Association was created during 2001, from the alliance of state associations serving their respective barrier security industry memberships.

The major aim was to establish a peak representative national body to represent state memberships with a single industry voice on issues relating to government statutory regulatory agencies, our relationship with the insurance industry; to the development of Australian Standards, the development of a national education and training program, in addition to the association acting as spokesperson for the membership, in our communications with the media

Q2. Who can belong to the NSSA?

All barrier, safety or security screen industry participants are encouraged to participate within the NSSA. This includes established operations and new entrants to our industry, as well as materials suppliers, educators and other stakeholders in our industry.

The NSSA offers several “types of membership” to members that acknowledge these relationships and members’ extent of training, product testing, and accreditation.

The NSSA operates via a “Code of Ethics”. Members are obliged to respect this Code, which outlines the responsibilities of all members of the association in their dealings with the public and other members of the NSSA.

Q3. How do I join The NSSA? What is the annual subscription fee?

Industry participant can join by submitting a completed membership application to the association. Upon acceptance, a membership fee is to be paid to the relevant State Chapter of the NSSA, and renewed on an annual basis.

The annual subscription fee is based on the type of membership and the Australian State to which it is paid. The annual fees can be found within the "Membership Fees" PDF

Q4. What if, as a consumer, I have a complaint with a member?

Members have responsibilities to consumers and other Association members, which are defined within The NSSA's "Code of Ethics".

In the first instance, all concerns should be raised directly between the individual parties involved. In most cases good communication should be able to resolve the matter there and then.

If however, repeated efforts fail to resolve the problem, the NSSA does provide and operate a "Disputes Resolution Procedure". To assist us to assist you quickly resolve the matter, it is recommended that this procedure be followed, and all correspondence be directed to the Secretary in writing, preferably by email at bruval@ozemail.com.au.

Our aim is to provide a service to members and the public that efficiently facilitates a resolution to these matters.

The NSSA may revoke a member's membership to the association and withdraw all benefits and privileges to a member, found not to be acting in accordance with the NSSA's Code of Ethics.

Q5. Does the NSSA recommend manufacturers?

The NSSA welcomes all enquires from the general public, and will assist to provide all consumers enquires with information on contacting a number of accredited NSSA security screen manufacturers/installers within your locality. The "NSSA members list" may be viewed at the association's home page.

Q6. Does the NSSA offer apprenticeships? What other training programs are there?

The NSSA works in conjunction with the Brisbane Gateway TAFE – Dept of Glazing & Aluminum to provide educational and training resources to the Barrier screen industry.

The NSSA provides a number of informal training initiatives to our membership each year on subjects ranging from Quality Assurance systems, to Australian Standard security screen fabrication techniques and to product labeling and consumer law.

The NSSA is assisting TAFE to create certificate courses relevant to the Barrier Screen industry. TAFE currently offer apprenticeships to the glass and glazing trades from which the barrier screen certificate syllabus is derived. See the “TAFE tab” on the NSSA home page for more details.

Increasing industry interest for the certificate courses, together with increasing demand for higher regulation within the Barrier screen industry by Government, is expected to lead to the creation of formal trade qualifications in our industry segment in the coming years.

Q7 Is the NSSA located throughout Australia?

The NSSA has association chapters in the states of SA, VIC, NSW, and QLD; as well as a national executive. Each representative may be contacted at the following email addresses:

National Bruce Loomes bruval@ozemail.com.au

SA Graham Anderson andogpa@ozemail.com.au

VIC John Redmond dhp@ihug.com.au

NSW Viv Hiland viv.multifit@emis.com.au

QLD Bruce Loomes bruval@ozemail.com.au

An active association currently operates within south-east Western Australia that can be contacted at the Security Agents Institute.

Q8 When is a security door an Australian Standard Security Door?

It is important to note that unless a screen door has been tested to the relevant Australian Standard, it may NOT be labeled a "Security Door". Such an untested door may be known as a "Barrier Door".

The NSSA can provide details to consumers about how to contact NSSA Accredited Members, from whom Australian Standard Security Doors may be purchased and installed.

Accredited members will have had their screen doors "type tested" to meet stringent Australian Standards under quality assured laboratory conditions. This involves doors and screens undertaking severe mechanical testing to ensure that the fabricators design and manufacture meets or exceeds specific performance standards.

Consumers can also be assured that a "NSSA Accredited Member" has additionally submitted their business operations to undergo annual audit. The audit evaluates a members business's compliance with the training and management systems outlined within the associations guidelines. See the "Path to Full membership"

Q9 Can I organize a member to speak at our meeting?

Please feel free to contact the association to enquire about the possibility of having a NSSA member visit your event to share information about our industry, security products or other. It will assist your meeting if you can tell us more specifically what you are interested in, so that we can increase our subject matters relevance to your audience, and ensure we nominate the most appropriate person for your occasion.