Timber used in UK construction must be strength graded, either by visual examination by a trained operative, or mechanically using a purpose made strength grading machine. BM TRADA (TRADA Technology's sister company) has developed three Q-Mark certification schemes under the auspices of the UK Timber Grading Committee to enable third-party assessment and verification to take place.
Visual graders must be trained in accordance with the requirements of BS 4978 "Visual strength grading of softwood" and then checked annually by a BM TRADA Certification inspector to ensure that their competence level has remained at the required standard. A similar scheme exists for hardwood against the requirements of BS 5756 "Specification for visual strength grading of hardwood".
The Machine Strength Grading (MSG) scheme provides third-party verification of the effective operation of timber strength grading machines and the competency of their operators. Companies receive two unannounced visits per year.
TRADA Technology provides a training service to support BM TRADA's timber grading schemes. The courses include practical examinations with a Certificate of Proficiency awarded to successful applicants.
We run a number of courses which are open to anyone at our facilities in High Wycombe. Alternatively, we can tailor courses to your needs and deliver them at your premises.
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