GROWING CONFIDENCE IN TREATED TIMBER WITH WPA BENCHMARK
Three years ago, the Wood Protection Association (WPA) carried out some simple mystery shopper research.
Contacting a selection of timber merchants and retailers, we asked a series of basic questions which revealed very poor levels of knowledge about preservative-treated wood. It seemed few customer-facing staff knew what types of treated timber they were selling. The consequence was that not all sellers could be sure they were providing fit for purpose goods. The results inspired the WPA’s ‘Make Sure it’s 4’ timber treatment awareness campaign – for ground contact (Use Class 4) timber products – with a mission to reverse the research findings. Armed with new and simplified guidance resources the WPA, together with associate partner Timber Development UK and several other trade bodies, set out on a co-ordinated communications campaign. The messages focussed around differentiating between interior and exterior applications, the British Standard Use Class system and ground contact timber, particularly fence posts.
The combined efforts of these organisations broadened the reach of the marketing activities to good effect. Ongoing dialogue with the fencing sector suggests the campaign is making in-roads. The general consensus is that knowledge of when to specify Use Class 4 (UC4) levels of treatment has grown significantly but that leads on to the question of how buyers can be sure they are getting what they ask for.
FINDING A SUPPLIER YOU CAN TRUST
That’s where WPA Benchmark quality accreditation fits in. The scheme is designed to give purchasers greater confidence when sourcing preservative-treated wood components. The original WPA Benchmark Approval Scheme was developed by a task group comprising wood treatment companies, technical consultants, the major suppliers of preservatives and independent research consultants. This has now been developed into a series of quality assurance schemes which cover every stage in the production of preservative-treated wood-based materials.
The WPA Benchmark audit process focuses on verifying that an effective quality management system is in place. This system should meet the criteria clearly set out in WPA Quality Guidance Note 2 (QGN2). Applicants must pass an initial verification audit and subsequent annual surveillance audits. Each time they are asked to provide evidence to demonstrate they are treating correctly to industry standards. This includes:
- Treatment process operating systems – record keeping and data management
- Training and competence records
- Calibration, maintenance and preservative analysis records
- Management procedures, including non-compliant material
Emphasis is also placed on the accurate specification of treated products and the description and labelling of goods. This includes the provision of adequate customer and end user Point of Sale information and training and where appropriate, guidance on the safe and effective use of treated products. Compliant companies are awarded WPA Benchmark Approved Treater accreditation.
As UC4 material is exposed to more aggressive ground contact environments (frequently wet), such components are subjected to even greater scrutiny. The business being audited must demonstrate that a verifiable and consistent ‘Safe Relationship’ exists between preservative penetration and retention requirements and the more easily measurable parameters of the treatment process such as the impregnation process, solution strength and preservative uptakes. This is satisfied by chemical analysis of the timber using a statistically significant number of samples as defined in BS EN 351-2:2007 Table A2. If all is in order, companies are awarded WPA Benchmark Approved Product; this quality accreditation is assigned to specific product lines.
GROWING ACCREDITATION
2022 saw a marked increase in the number of businesses awarded a WPA Benchmark quality accreditation, especially from overseas. This is in part driven by TDUK’s preservative treatment action plan – point 3 stating: ‘TDUK members who supply treated wood, should ensure treated wood products are produced by treaters whose operation has been assessed and approved under an independent accreditation scheme, such as WPA Benchmark.’
Should you be looking for a trusted supplier, all WPA Benchmark accredited businesses are listed on the WPA website at www.thewpa.org.uk/suppliers. If you want to demonstrate you are a trusted supplier and become an Approved Treater, please get in touch with the WPA to find out more.
Amongst the latest WPA Benchmark quality accreditations are:
- Extron Baltic
- ALA Treatment SIA
- Gaujas Koks
- Eastern Timber
- Vãrpas 1
And recent renewals following successful annual audits include:
- Medite Smartply
- Rafftery Rood Trusses
- Trade Fabrication Systems
- Woodsafe Timber Protection
- Södra Dundee
- Glenalmond Timber
- M&M Timber
THE CAMPAIGN FOR TRUSTED TREATED WOOD GOES ON
The wood protection sector has made significant progress in raising awareness through this campaign over the last three years, but the WPA recognises there is still more to do. The next phase of the WPA’scommunication plan is to repeat the 2020 mystery shopper survey and learn more from the findings. This will help us fine tune our communications strategy going forward. Our aim is to promote accredited materials and suppliers to build buyer confidence in good quality, fit for purpose treated wood products. Watch this space as new initiatives evolve – they will be reported in Fencing and Landscaping News.
