The initial review and examination for agency accreditation is only the first part of CLSAB’s supervision of Lumber Grading Agencies. Ongoing supervision includes but is not limited to:

Review of quarterly reports

Agencies must report every three months on all grading-related activities, including: volume of lumber inspected, grade and moisture content results, certificate inspections, non-compliances and action taken.

Random on-site inspections

CLSAB conducts a minimum of two surveys per year of each accredited Lumber Grading Agency through visits to mills under the supervision of each of the Agencies. At least 10% of each Agency’s facilities in each size group (small, medium and large) are randomly selected for inspection. CLSAB inspectors can examine bundles of lumber which has already been graded. If they find non-compliance, the lumber will be held for futher inspection by the Agency. None of it may be released for shipment until the lumber is back in compliance.

Other inspections

CLSAB has authority to take additional steps to determine how well an Agency is carrying out its responsibilities. These include: unannounced checks of grade reliability at mill/treatment facilities, unannounced checks of grade reliability at destination points (retail lumber yards, building sites, etc.), and review of mill reports or other details such as inspectors’ experience record files at the Agency’s offices.

CLSAB Field Inspection Survey Reports

The results of CLSAB's twice yearly field inspection surveys of Lumber Grading Agencies' performance are reported to the Operations Committee.
Sample 2007 Inspection Report. 

Disciplinary action

CLSAB has a number of options for disciplinary action against an Agency with unsatisfactory performance.

The Operations Committee (OC) oversees regular reviews of the Lumber Grading Agencies and recommends enforcement actions to the Board of Directors. These range from warnings and increased supervision/sampling until grading is consistently acceptable, to more serious action. 

Where appropriate, the Board will direct the OC to set up a Review Panel, which can conduct investigations and hearings. A Review Panel can levy fines, probations or suspensions. It can also recommend de-accreditation of an Agency to the Board of Directors. De-accreditation is a very serious step, so the final decision on that must be made by the independent Board.