Timber producers, manufacturers, treaters, fabricators, wholesalers and merchants have been reminded of the information they must provide when producing, treating or supplying structural timber products. Source: Timberbiz
Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations Manager Clarissa Brandt said the Queensland timber industry was proud of its record as a responsible supplier of high-quality, fit-for-purpose structural timber products.
“Given there is a broad supply chain including from imports, there have been reports of some timber products being used that had not been properly graded or marked. This prompted the release of a Building Industry Advisory Note explaining how to check structural timber building products have the correct claim of compliance,” Mrs Brandt said.
“By law builders and certifiers must check that any structural timber product used on a job complies with Queensland’s non-conforming building product (NCBP) regulations,” she said.
Timber Queensland’s Advisory to the Building Industry – Structural Timber Product Identification and Traceability in Queensland provides examples of the brands, labels, stamps or marks required to enable a product to claim compliance. Typically, this includes compliance against relevant Australian Standards, CodeMark certification or via a Performance Solution.
“Builders and certifiers have been advised to check the claim of compliance, if it’s not correct they should not purchase the product, or return the delivery to the supplier,” Mrs Brandt said.
“They must also notify the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) of a suspected non-conforming building product, failure to do so is a specific offence under NCBP law.”
In addition, Timber Queensland has produced an Advisory to the Timber Industry – Structural Timber Product Identification and Traceability in Queensland which provides examples of Australian Standards requirements for identification of structural timber products and preservative treated timber. Examples of brands or markings for CodeMark timber productsare also provided.
Mrs Brandt said the timber industry had to keep accurate records of the claim of compliance.
“Due diligence must be implemented across the supply chain to ensure there is evidence that products are conforming. Take photos, keep dockets, invoices, Form 15’s and maintain files,” she said.
NCBP law required builders to provide homeowners with product information to ensure continued conformance and fitness for purpose, including maintenance requirements.
“There is an onus on the timber industry to make this information available to their customers and supply chain partners. Protect yourself – provide product instructions and information,” Mrs Brandt said.
“To assist with this Timber Queensland provides members access to a number of Technical Data Sheets that provide guidance and recommendations on installation, use and maintenance.”
