Treated Timber - It's what's inside that counts
Treated Timber - It's what's inside that counts
JJ du Plessis
Poor-quality, structurally unsound timber poles are flooding the market, posing significant risks to the integrity and safety of construction projects and jeopardising jobs in the forestry sector.
At first glance, non-compliant treated timber may appear identical to those processed through proper channels. However, the difference lies beneath the surface, deep within the timber's core.
A recent South African Utility Pole Association (SAUPA) study revealed the alarming growth of illegal timber treatment across South Africa, particularly impacting the Eastern Cape.
The SAUPA study highlighted a significant increase in illegally treated poles. While the allure of cheaper, illegally treated poles may be tempting in the short term, the long-term repercussions are far too severe to ignore.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Properly treated timber undergoes a process where preservatives are impregnated into the wood at precise depths and concentrations, as defined by national specifications. Standards are in place to ensure that the treated timber can perform as promised, withstanding years of exposure without significant degradation.
Industrial wood preservatives can only be sold to licensed timber treaters approved by the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specification). The suppliers must be certified by SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) accredited auditing bodies to comply with the provisions and requirements of SANS 10005 and SANS 1288. This is to protect human and environmental health and safety.
Compliant treaters and their products are essential for the long-term stability and safety of structural frameworks in residential and commercial buildings, foundation pilings and supporting structures. The timber is treated to prevent insect and fungal attacks.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Illegal treaters do not comply with the strict provisions to protect people and the environment.
Timber that is not treated according to the national specifications and possibly only dip-treated instead of vacuum-pressure-treated does not comply with the penetration levels required and specified in the national specifications. The lack of sufficient preservative retention makes it prone to premature failure.
ECONOMIC RIPPLE EFFECT
In addition to the dangers to human health and the environment, illegally treated timber poses a substantial risk to the future economic stability of South Africa's forestry industry.
The SAUPA study estimates that compliant treatment plants in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are losing 1,500 cubic meters of timber per month, equivalent to approximately 90,000 poles. This loss translates to a staggering R7.8 million in lost revenue each month and R1.17 million in lost VAT revenue.
The ripple effect extends even further. Job losses threaten the broader forestry economy, where every 50 cubic meters of treated timber maintains two jobs. The illegal trade undermines job creation potential, adversely affecting the livelihoods of forestry and wood processing workers and their communities.
COLLABORATION
Rooting out illegal treatment practices in the timber industry is not a challenge that can be overcome by individual efforts alone.
It requires a collaborative effort from industry stakeholders throughout the value chain. This underscores the vital role of architects, specifiers, and building contractors in overseeing product quality by performing diligent compliance checks and requesting certification to ensure that all timber treatment standards have been met.
JJ du Plessis, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Arxada's South African Timber Protection division, emphasises that dampening demand by raising awareness of the associated risks and costs is the first line of defence against poor quality and undertreated timber.
CONSUMER EDUCATION
"To maintain the high standards our industry is known for, we consistently highlight the importance of purchasing from reputable, certified treaters who are accredited with SANAS-approved certification bodies when buying Tanalised products," du Plessis comments.
He highlights the importance of consumer education, noting that informed buyers can drive demand for quality products and help reduce the market for illegally treated wood.
"By standing together, sharing knowledge, and strictly adhering to industry standards, we can create a unified front against illegal practices. This collective effort will protect the integrity of our industry and ensure that the structures we build remain safe, durable, and reliable for generations to come", du Plessis explains.
Source: WoodBiz / SA Forestry - August Newsletter 2024 (Pages 21 - 22)