A landmark seminar in Northern Ireland underlined the quality issues and standards that need to be considered when using plywood in construction.
The event was the brainchild of the Northern Ireland Timber Trade Association (NITTA) which is ‘committed to an ongoing campaign to promote quality timber products and their uses’.
For the first time in the UK, representatives from the Timber Trade Federation, APA – the Engineered Wood Association, Canadian Plywood Association and Finnish Plywood Association were brought together to explain quality standards associated with plywood. The 100-strong audience included members of the trade and specifiers.
A key issue addressed was compliance with BS 5268 Part II when using plywood for constructional and load-bearing purposes – and the dangers associated with non-compliance.
Jim Smith, a building control surveyor with Belfast City Council, said: ‘The seminar was beneficial in that it brought to light certain problems that can arise when using plywood in construction.
‘The fact that NITTA is devoting time and resources to demonstrate what may not necessarily be apparent to specifiers and the trade on the issue is vital to ensuring that timber materials used are fit for purpose.’
NITTA’ vice-chairman Geoff Couston said the seminar was an opportunity to inform trade and specifiers, including architects and construction com-panies, NHBC, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other associations, of the requirements when using plywood for load-bearing construction purposes.
He added: ‘This is undoubtedly one of the most important issues that the timber industry has to address. Non compliance is inextricably linked with safety risks on the building site and after construction and this is exactly what NITTA is trying to convey to all specifiers by educating them on what to look for when using plywood in construction.’
NITTA plans to host plywood roadshows throughout the province to take the safety issue to as many specifiers and trade members as possible.
