NIST Requests Comments on How to Revise the Voluntary Softwood Lumber Standard
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a notice seeking comments on how to revise the Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 20-05, "American Softwood Lumber Standard."
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This standard, prepared by the American Lumber Standard Committee, serves the procurement and regulatory needs of numerous federal, state, and local government agencies by providing for uniform, industry-wide grade-marking and inspection requirements for softwood lumber. The standard also allows for uniform labeling and auditing of treated wood and, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, labeling and auditing of wood packaging materials for international trade.
The standard contains provisions on (partial list):
scope
terminology
classification
measurement and tally
lumber sizes
grading rule requirements
grade marking (grade stamping)
inspection and re-inspection
commercial names of the principal softwood species
definitions of terms used in describing standard grades of lumber
implementation and maintenance of standard
NIST Asks for Review of Standard and Comments on Proposed Revisions
As part of a five-year review process, NIST is seeking public comment by May 18, 2009 and invites interested parties to review the current standard and submit comments on any proposed revisions.
American Lumber Standard Committee and NIST Will Revise Standard
NIST states that all public comments will be reviewed and considered. The American Lumber Standard Committee and NIST will revise the standard accordingly.
NIST contact - David Alderman (301) 975-4019
NIST notice (dated 04/03/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-7518.pdf
Electronic copy of the current standard (PS 20-05) available at http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/Conformity/upload/ps20-05.pdf.