Page 17 - Nov-Dec 2019 - Reporter

"...when unloading lifts of lumber, do you ever wonder about
the markings on those white tags at the end of each piece?"

The CLSAB has four main roles: accurate and complete grade designation, sticker on the end of the lumber means,
1. Control the identification and certification by training and certifying lumber graders. you can answer that the lumber you sell in
of lumber; It is important to note that any lumber your yard meets the standards for Canadian
2. Accredit and supervise lumber grading grading agency must demonstrate that structural construction as graded by a
agencies; they are not controlled by any of the mills certified agency.
3. Review and approve grading rules and where it supervises grading. When looking at that sticker (or
product standards related to grading 3. To review, advise upon and approve or sometimes a stamp) you can explain
agencies; and disapprove the grading rules or other that grade marks meet a need in the
4. Promote acceptance of the Canadian standards which affect the certification marketplace, as follows:
lumber grading system in foreign of graders or lumber manufacturers, • Buyers can identify what they are buying
markets. the accreditation agencies or any other and determine its appropriate end use;
matter related to grading, inspection or • Designers have an easier means of
The CLSAB board is carefully chosen review of graders or agencies. The CLSAB specifying the appropriate lumber for
to provide a balance of lumber producers, also liaisons with Canadian government their plans and specifications, design and/
lumber users, standards bodies, research agencies (CSA) and international or engineering requirements;
organizations, financial institutions and authorities. • Building inspectors have the ability
government. Its work is recognized and 4. To facilitate acceptance in foreign to check that the product on site is
relied upon by government and standards markets of Canadian lumber grading appropriate for the purpose intended;
agencies in Canada and overseas; and systems. Export markets are crucial and • Lumber manufacturing facilities are able
referenced in the National and Provincial the CLSAB works with other key groups to meet the requirements in regulations
Building Codes. such as the Ministry of Agriculture to and in their delivery contracts, including
have Canadian lumber and food products the terms of their own warranties;
The CLSAB has four main objectives: approved by other countries for use • The National Building Code of Canada
1. To control the identification and and consumption in their respective and all Provincial Building Codes call for
certification of lumber to be used in jurisdictions. lumber to be grade stamped or certified,
Canada; exported from Canada; or referencing standards which specify
manufactured in accordance with CANADA RELIES ON GRADE MARKS accreditation by CLSAB.
standards approved in Canada. When So you know how and why lumber is
lumber is used as structural material it graded and, for those of you working in WHAT THE GRADE MARKS MEAN
needs to perform properly; and it must the yard, if a customer asks you what that (see chart below)
be strong enough and dry
enough to meet required
performance levels. In
Canada, a sophisticated
system has been
developed for product
standards, engineering
design guidelines,
regulations and education
to help people determine
what lumber they need for
specific building projects
and what grade of lumber
they are receiving. Grade
stamps and certificates
are the basis of sale,
purchase and regulatory
acceptance of most lumber
manufactured in Canada.
2. To provide a medium
for accreditation and
supervision of Lumber
Grading Agencies who
work with the mills
and similar lumber
manufacturing facilities
to see that every piece of
lumber produced is given
www.lbmao.on.ca LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2019 17