How a piece of lumber will perform in a structural application depends on a number of factors, such as what species of tree it was cut from, the number and location of imperfections (e.g., cuts or knots), moisture content, special treatments, etc. In Canada, CLSAB's system of grade stamps/certificates gives people that information in a trusted, easy-to-read way, using certified graders supervised by independent lumber grading agencies, who in turn are accredited, overseen and inspected regularly by CLSAB.
Behind the grade stamp is an all-encompassing system which includes:
Training and supervision of graders
Graders must take training and pass exams to become certified by an accredited Lumber Grading Agency.
Consensus-based grading rules, product standards and regulations
Grading rules establish standard lumber grades and grade names, assuring users of uniform design and performance for all species of dimension lumber. Special product standards set equivalent requirements for such things as finger joined lumber and machine graded lumber. The grading rules and product standards are written by Canada’s National Lumber Grades Authority, and approved and enforced in Canada by the CLSAB. Additional requirements can be found in CLSAB's Regulations.
Review of grading and operations at mills/treatment facilities by accredited Lumber Grading Agencies
A lumber producer wishing to grade stamp its product must have an independent, accredited Lumber Grading Agency provide or oversee grading at each mill/treatment facility; agencies visit the sites, review operations, inspect already-graded lumber, take disciplinary action if grading is not in compliance, and make regular reports to CLSAB.
Review of Agencies’ performance by CLSAB
Each accredited lumber grading agency must sign a contract with CLSAB agreeing to responsibilities for training and certifying graders, quality control procedures, inspections, reporting, etc. CLSAB reviews agencies` reports, makes unannounced inspections at mills/treatment facilities to review operations and grading accuracy, and takes disciplinary action against agencies where appropriate. Specifics are set out in the Policy and Procedures Quality Manual the Agency must prepare and maintain.
CLSAB carefully monitors the use of grade stamps and certificates and oversees how they are applied in the field, by accrediting, setting requirements for and reviewing the performance of the Lumber Grading Agencies.
