LONDON: BM TRADA Certification has warned timber distributors to be vigilant, after timber bearing the grade stamp ‘RS C16’ came to light in Scotland. This is not a grade usually found in the UK, where SS and GS are the usual classifications.
On investigation, it was revealed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) that the RS grade is produced purely for the Irish domestic market and should not have been exported.
BM TRADA’s Bob Foster said, ‘We are trying to clarify how much timber might be involved and how it has been graded to achieve C16.’ In terms of its provenance and distribution channels, he said, ‘the trail has gone cold’, but there is no suggestion that this is a widespread problem.
On the other hand, BM TRADA’s concern is that the RS C16 grading might not equate to a true C16. ‘The evidence suggests that it is more akin to C14, in which case, if this timber has been used in structural projects, there is cause for concern that it might not be up to the job. BM TRADA would urge distributors and contractors to be vigilant. It is always wise to check the grade stamp to ensure that it is exactly what has been specified.’
