Strength in numbers: BM TRADA announce timber strength grading courses

BM TRADA has released a comprehensive list of dates for its 2015 timber strength grading courses.

Aimed at timber industry employees and merchants, these practical courses in visual strength grading (VSG) provide the necessary skills and understanding for grading softwood and hardwood to the required standards.

BM TRADA has more than 25 years experience in delivering visual strength grading courses, during which it has built up significant expertise. All BM TRADA consultants are engaged in European Standards committees and are therefore always up-to-date on any changes. Training courses are as current as possible and delivered with an expert knowledge of the present industry situation.

Delegates who pass the BM TRADA timber grading course will be able to grade and assess their own stock; check and confirm that the graded timber they have purchased meets the contract; re-grade machined timber and provide their clients with better insight, knowledge and understanding.

Phil O’Leary, BM TRADA Section Leader, Timber Technology Investigations who runs the courses, is confident that those participating in the course will see the benefits. “People who take the BM TRADA grading courses will improve their grading skills and knowledge,” said Phil. “Being able to interpret the rules correctly means that you reduce the risk of sending out stock that is non-compliant.”

The next softwood training course takes place 29th June to 3 July. The five-day course combines theoretical training with practical demonstrations and culminates in a formal VSG exam. BM TRADA also runs a series of refresher courses, which cover the content of days one to three in the standard softwood course – while then allowing attendees to take the formal exam. The next of these is 2-3 July.

In addition, BM TRADA runs a hardwood VSG training course, delivered twice during the year. These courses cover the meanings of the strength classes, an explanation of strength grading, and the marking systems for strength graded timber. Delegates will also learn about the responsibilities of the grader. Graders will gain practical experience grading lengths of hardwood to TH1 and TH2 grades under the close supervision of BM TRADA’s experienced trainers. The three-day events finish with a formal VSG exam. Dates for 2015 are: 15-17 July and 25-27 November.