Timber Inspection - A good idea

For an independent, expert opinion on timber grading or timber-related problems or the damage caused by timber decay or termites, contact:

Spotlight

Timber Marketing Regulation review - calls for public comment

Timber Services Branch
PO Box 100
Beecroft NSW 2119
121-123 Oratava Ave
West Pennant Hills NSW 2125

Ph: 9872 0179
Fax: 9872 9093

Timber is not a mass-produced product with each piece being exactly the same as the rest. It is a natural product, with characteristics which can vary widely from species to species, and from piece to piece.

Nothing can beat the performance of timber in a wide range of applications, provided the correct species and grade are used.

When timber does not meet expectations, it is usually because either the wrong specifications are being used or the timber is not as specified.

The Forests NSW Inspection Service offers inspections to combat these problems.

For the prospective house owner, an inspection can be done of the frame and roof trusses as the house is being built. This ensures problems do not occur down the track because the timber did not comply with the specification – a comforting insurance for the biggest expenditure a family may make.

When home owners, builders, architects or timber suppliers find a problem with the performance of timber, an inspection can usually pinpoint the cause and often suggest a solution.

The inspection service is used routinely by local state and overseas Government departments as well as by members of the public and organisations such as Choice magazine.

Although the inspections are on a fee-for-service basis, rates are reasonable and inspections can be made at relatively short notice.

Forests NSW was formerly known as State Forests of NSW.

Timber Marketing Regulation review

The Timber Marketing Regulation is made under the Timber Marketing Act which is administered by Forests NSW.

The current Regulation lapsed on 1 September 2005. Forests NSW proposes to remake the Regulation.

The object of this Regulation is:

To protect the consumer against the sale of timber which may not perform to the consumer’s expectation or to the description of the timber in certain circumstances;
To protect a person selling framing timber having lyctid susceptible sapwood in certain circumstances;
To ensure that the industry exercises quality control to comply with various recognised standards;
To provide information and safeguards to the consumer in respect of treated timber;
To facilitate trade by granting exemptions from the stringent requirements of the Act in certain limited circumstances;
To prescribe such matters as are required by the Act to be prescribed.

A draft Regulation and a Regulatory Impact Statement have been prepared for public comment (see Links). The documents may be inspected at:

Forests NSW
121-123 Oratawa Avenue
West Pennant Hills 2125

Copies are also available by telephoning (02) 9872 0179.