Demonstrate quality with BM TRADA Marine Plywood Q-Mark

BM TRADA Marine Plywood Q-Mark scheme

From 1 September 2015, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) will require all Marine Plywood contracts placed by its members to be accredited to an independent third party certification scheme, such as BM TRADA’s Marine Plywood Q-Mark scheme.

Accreditation will provide independent verification that the plywood fully complies with the exacting standards of BS 1088: 2003: Marine Plywood.  

The move is in response to rising concerns in the industry that as the high quality, durable veneers required for BS 1088: 2003: Marine Plywood become more difficult to source, some of the Marine Plywood on the market may not be of the superior quality claimed.

BM TRADA’s Q-Mark scheme for Marine Plywood will enable manufacturers to demonstrate to customers and specifiers that their products are fit for purpose, having satisfied the most rigorous of quality processes.

Marine Plywood was originally intended for the manufacture of marine craft but is increasingly used in building construction, in extreme climates, and in general building work where a high standard of durability is required. The use of durable wood species, a class 3 glue bond and stringent production control on the quality of veneers mean that Marine Plywood will offer a higher level of resistance to biological attack and provide greater moisture resistance.

Designed as a method of ensuring the quality of the product, BS 1088 defines the characteristics of the raw material, as well as how the product needs to be tested, graded and labelled. Products must be of sufficient density (at least 500kg/m³ for Standard Marine Plywood); manufactured from durable veneer, graded with strict limitations on natural and processing defects; and the bonding quality should meet a minimum requirement of BS EN 314-2, Bonding Class 3. If the marine plywood is intended for use as a permanent part of construction it will also require CE marking to EN 13986.

To achieve certification under BM TRADA’s Q Mark scheme, initial type testing of the product must be undertaken by an independent laboratory to determine its bonding quality characteristics. The manufacturer must choose veneer species of sufficient durability and density. The manufacturer must also have in place a properly documented factory production control system (FPC) that includes procedures for all the activities undertaken during manufacturing.

The FPC system will be subject to an initial factory audit by BM TRADA auditors who may require improvements to be made. The way the factory grades the veneers and the finished product is closely monitored by BM TRADA auditors to ensure that it meets the requirements of the standard.

Any manufacturer deemed to satisfy the criteria will be issued with a certificate for each factory and with certification marks to apply to their products.  Certification is valid for three years and is maintained through a programme of periodic factory audits, periodic audit testing of the product and a recertification audit in the third year. 

Dr Hugh Mansfield-Williams, BM TRADA’s Technical Manager (Structural and Timber):“BM TRADA’s Marine Plywood Q-Mark Scheme aims to improve the quality and performance of marine plywood used within the construction industry. Developed in support of the Timber Trade Federation’s initiative to require independent verification of Marine Plywood, the Q-Mark Scheme will enable manufacturers to demonstrate that their product complies with BS 1088 and has been manufactured to exacting quality standards. It will also offer appropriate information to specifiers and regulatory and inspection authorities to help them identify suitable products.” 

Mark Cheriton, Chairman of the National Panel Products Division of the TTF:“This is an excellent initiative from BM TRADA to bring clarity to many of the issues surrounding the quality of Marine Plywood, and we would urge all members to consider the benefits this scheme can bring to their business.”

Link for more information on the BM TRADA Marine Plywood Q-Mark Scheme

or contact Dr Hugh Mansfield-Williams; tel: 44(0)1494 569655; email: [email protected]

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