NSAI Training Course Visual Strength Grading of Structural Timber and Grading Operations

Certificate Course  VSG 1-15

Following the introduction of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) throughout the EU in July 2013, it is now a legal requirement that structural timber be graded and CE marked. This also applies to roof trusses and web joists and in the near future will also apply to timber frame. NSAI have revised and up-dated the 

When:  9.30 am on Monday 19th October 2015 and will finish with a practical examination on Friday 23rd October 2015

Where: Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan Ballyhaise College is located 8km north of Cavan town on a 220 acre estate and is operated by Teagasc

This is an intensive practical course which covers the theory and practice of grading structural timber by visual assessment of natural characteristics in the wood which can affect the strength of the timber. The course includes the methods used to assess the different strength reducing characteristics and how to apply the grading rules. The course is aimed at personnel working in sawmills, timber merchants, builders providers, roof truss and timber frame manufacturers.

The course is also applicable to quality control supervisors and personnel with responsibility for Factory Production Control (FPC) and to graders requiring a refresher course (see note). The course is based on the following standards;

  • European Standard EN 14081: Strength Graded Structural Timber
  • Irish Standard I.S.127 : Visual Strength Grading- Sawn Softwoods
  • UK standard BS 4978: Visual Strength Grading of Softwood 


The course will also cover other important standards and topics relevant to structural timber including moisture content and measurement, timber size and dimensional tolerances, strength classes, softwood timber species identification and span tables, the EU construction products regulation (CPR), declaration of performance (DoP) and basic requirements for a factory production control system (FPC). The course will also include an overview of the new Building Control and Market Surveillance System and how this applies to structural timber products in Ireland.

Those who successfully complete the course will be equipped with the skills necessary to grade structural timber and apply the new grade stamp containing the CE mark. Candidates who successfully complete the course and the practical examination on the final day will be awarded by NSAI - The National Standards Authority of Ireland with the following certificate: NSAI Certificate of Proficiency in Visual Strength Grading and Grading Operations


Course Fee: €1250


Accommodation: Participant companies are responsible for their own accommodation costs. A list of local accommodation will be provided to particpants when we confirm you place on the course.


Catering: The course fee includes one main meal and tea/coffee am and pm

Booking

Places on the course will be filled on a first come first served basis.

In order to secure a place, please complete the Application Form (download here) and return with payment to Patricia Walsh, NSAI, 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9 or alternatively email application to patricia.walsh@nsai.ie and we can take payment by Credit/Debit card to secure your place.