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The Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) comprises a permanent
Secretariat and member companies, in the UK and the Republic of
Ireland, all engaged in the manufacture of gypsum products.
The primary function of the GPDA is to develop and encourage the
understanding of gypsum-based building products and systems and
to pioneer new applications for these products. It also has an ongoing
commitment to advise on matters of environmental impact, energy
conservation and health and safety, wherever gypsum based products
are used.
The members promote the use of systems which maximise the conservation
of energy and give a high priority to waste reduction and recycling
initiatives.
Recent initiatives
Some of the specific initiatives that we have undertaken over
the last few years to the benefit of the industry include a reduction
of bag weights ahead of European legislation and, in the UK, the
eradication of duplication of metric and imperial board sizes.There
have been broader technical agreements such as the conformity
on compatibility of jointing materials and the technical performance
of systems such as party wall constructions.
Bag weights
Until recently building plasters have traditionally been supplied
in 35kg or 40kg bags. Following the introduction of health &
safety legislation in 1993, the GPDA funded research by the Institute
of Occupational Ergonomics at the University of Nottingham, into
the optimum weight and proportions of bagged plaster. The aim
was to reduce the risk of strain to those handling bagged plaster,
particularly where repetitive manual lifting is unavoidable. As
a result of this research, a smaller 25kg bag was adopted by all
members from 1st January 1996. The smaller bag is also a positive
response to the requirements of the CDM Regulations and will help
designers and contractors specify bagged plaster with the knowledge
that, with the backing of research, the risk of strain injuries
has been reduced.
Common Colour Coding
GPDA members have adopted common colour codes for the different
generic types of boards supplied.This will aid recognition by
those selecting, delivering and using boards so that the risk
of employing boards in inappropriate situations is removed.The
following standard colour coding for boards now applies:
Blue - Acoustic boards.
Pink - Fire rated boards.
Yellow - High durability boards.
Green - Moisture resistant boards
Party wall construction common agreement
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 has emphasised the importance of technical
agreement on the suitable solutions in new build and upgrading
party walls.The GPDA has contributed to the testing of plasterboard
based systems at the Building Test Centre, whose results have
confirmed the excellent performance of similar plasterboard systems
from each of the manufacturers.These twin frame systems are being
promoted by each of the GPDA members.
Product compatibility statement
GPDA History
Committee details
The Association is served by member representation consisting
of a supervisory Management Committee supported by a Scientific
and Technical Committee and an Economic & Public relations
Committee. Working parties form to deal with specific issues.
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