EWPAA laboratory manager Suzie Steiger monitors an Instron machine used for testing the bending strength and stiffness of plywood, particleboard and MDF samples at the Eagle Farm laboratory in Brisbane while new recruit Troy Edwards adjusts calculations on the machine.
Wood testing and certification services provided by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) are of the highest standard according to CEO Dave Gover. Source: Timberbiz
EWPAA-certified products are tested under strict National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation rules and manufacturing processes are audited under a Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ), an accredited product certification program that not all products can claim.
“The EWPAA is proud to offer a Type 5 certification scheme, which is the most comprehensive in the industry,” Mr Gover said.
“Type 5 certification is about more than just a test certificate; it requires auditing of the manufacturing process, ongoing sampling of product at the point of manufacture for testing, market surveillance and a review of a manufacturer’s commitment to product quality.”
EWPAA-certified manufacturers of plywood, LVL, MDF, particleboard, and structural timber carry out audits constantly and their products are independently tested on a regular basis.
“These monitoring activities are what make EWPAA certification so robust,” Mr Gover said. “This level of certification ensures that EWPAA certified products are safe, reliable and fit-for purpose.
“Engineered wood has a wealth of opportunities ahead. The EWPAA’s ‘gold standard’ for product certification supports this.”
EWPAA’s Brisbane laboratory at Eagle Farm is accredited by NATA and tests EWPAA certified products for a full range of structural and physical properties and for formaldehyde emissions and bond quality.
The association also operates a JAS-ANZ accredited chain-of-custody program for sustainably sourced timber.
“Through manufacturing innovation, robust quality control and conformance to Australasian product standards, the wood products industry is committed to providing a reliable, sustainable, and renewable material for building construction,” Mr Gover said.
“Our priorities in developing and strengthening opportunities for timber include measures to ensure products used comply with Australian standards.
“The last thing anyone needs is shonky product in the market.”
Mr Gover said structural safety and the health and wellbeing of building occupants must be the priority. The EWPAA brand was a mark of confidence that a timber product met the requirements of Australasian standards.
The EWPAA and its members have been long-time advocates of product conformance and honest branding.
“Promotion of EWPAA certification to the designer and construction community is fundamental in controlling this risk,” Mr Gover said.
