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APPROVAL RATING
M&M Timber has been proud to hold its WPA Benchmark Approved Treater status for timber preservation since the scheme’s inception back in 2011. We asked Fraser Hall, managing director at M&M, to explain why and how participation in the scheme has benefitted the business. “As one of the largest suppliers of agricultural round timber fencing in the UK, longevity and performance of our products are absolutely critical to the business and its deep-rooted reputation for quality,” he said. “WPA Benchmark provides the framework to consistently aim for the highest standards when it comes to the preservation process.” Conditioning of timber products prior to high pressure treatment is
paramount to underpinning performance in their end use. “Having traceability of these processes enables us to give our customers confidence,” continued Mr Hall. “WPA Benchmark solidifies this in its audit process.”
The audit itself also facilitates internal evaluation within the business, as well as providing key insights into how various species behave throughout the treatment process. “Our customer base for in-ground contact timbers now actively seeks
Above: M&M Timber is a WPA Benchmark Approved Treater
assurances of Use Class 4 treatment, which we can confidently supply and validate with our WPA Benchmark Approved Product certification,” said Mr Hall. ■
AUDIT DEADLINE APPROACHES
All TDUK members and suppliers are to be independently audited by the end of the year.
TDUK members account for over 80% of all timber sold in the UK. That’s why their timber treatment action plan, the final stages of which are being implemented over the coming months, is going to have a significant impact. The following priorities have been set, to concentrate on structural, higher risk treated timber elements.
• ALL remaining TDUK members and their suppliers who have not already done so, must undergo an independent treatment plant audit by WPA
Benchmark or equivalent before December 31, 2023.
• This audit will consist of at least the WPA Benchmark Approved Treater Audit for the plant and process controls. Plus a WPA Benchmark Approved
Product Audit for UC4 where the member is treating fence posts, deck joists or other designated UC4 products.
• TDUK remains committed to independent auditing of UC3 products and wants members to achieve this as soon as possible. Those who have not
done so should prepare for these audits by working with their treatment supplier to get samples of their UC3 products tested for compliance with the requirements of the WPA Code of Practice and/or BS 8417.
• To ensure sufficient audit capacity over the next three months and to achieve the first two priorities, the governing board will gather further
Above: Meet the auditors: We’re very proud of our team of auditors. Not only do they do an amazing job of auditing, but they can give valuable advice on every aspect of your operation due to their vast collective industry experience
evidence on the commercial preparedness of members and their customers before setting the final implementation date for compulsory UC3 product audits. It is the intention of the governing board to review the final implementation date for compulsory UC3 product audits in Q1 2024.
For questions on the TDUK Treatment Action Plan contact Nick Boulton:
nboulton@timberdevelopment.uk To book or discuss WPA Benchmark treatment plant audits contact Neil Ryan:
neil@thewpa.org.uk ■
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2023 | TTJ
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