Important changes to the Kitemark® scheme for machine graded structural timber
Following the introduction of BS EN 14081:2005, BS EN 519 is now expected to be withdrawn by the end of August 2007, and the Kitemark® Scheme for machine strength graded timber will be revised to meet the requirements of the new standard BS EN 14081.
The United Kingdom Timber Grading Committee (UKTGC) has suggested that it will be beneficial for the UK producers to prepare for this change at the same time and that this changeover date should be 1 January 2007.
BS EN 14081 is published in 4 parts. Kitemark® Licensees should obtain this standard from BSI Standards website or their usual supplier.
Machine strength graded timber should be supplied in accordance with BS EN 14081 from January 1 2007. BS 14081 does not contain strength classes but refers to BS EN 338 (physical properties) and the requirements of BS 336 (dimensional tolerances).
Established strength classes are unchanged however new setting data is required and
BS EN 14081-4 provides formulas for the calculation of setting data.
Individual piece marking will continue however grade stamps will need to be changed to comply with the new standard and where applicable CE marking.
BS EN 14081 enables the introduction of CE marking for strength graded timber. CE marking is legally mandatory from the time of withdrawal of BS EN 519 in all EU States except the UK, Ireland and Sweden. These countries have made CE marking voluntary. Graded timber marked CE will gradually be seen in the UK and a specifier may ask for it. Producers requiring CE mark approval should contact BSI Product Services as soon as possible. The level of CE marking for graded timber is 2+ which requires a Certificate of Factory Production Control from a Notified Body before CE marking may commence. CE marking requirements are in Annex ZA of BS EN 14081-1.
Grading stamps must be marked in accordance with clause 7 of BS EN 14081-1 in addition to the Kitemark®. In addition CE marked graded timber must be marked in accordance with Annex ZA.3.
For further information about schemes for timber grading, please Contact Us.
