BM TRADA Certification is asking timber suppliers to put themselves in the ‘spotlight’ as a further effort to raise quality standards.
The new ‘Spotlight’ inspection initiative is an extension of BM TRADA’s visual and machine strength grading schemes.
It will police compliance with the grading schemes and hopefully help stamp out the abuse of selling wet timber as dry graded.
Companies signing up to the scheme can expect an inspection at any time to assess condition of timber, verify control systems for moisture content, check grader records and competence, and the quality of grade marks.
Previous BM TRADA surveys have confirmed anecdotal evidence of malpractice.
Managing director of BM TRADA Hugh Taylor said: ‘Mis-selling of structural timber is a problem that will not go away. Often reputable companies are disadvantaged by the cowboys to the detriment of the timber industry as a whole.
‘Spotlight enables suppliers who want to demonstrate that they maintain the highest standards to badge themselves and gain a marketing advantage.’
Spotlight is open only to firms registered with BM TRADA’s VSG and/or MSG schemes and will operate in Scotland initially.
Four sites already registered are Glenalmond Timber, John Fleming and two Grays Timber Products depots.
