What Do Markings On Treated Timber Tell Us?

Every piece of preservative-treated timber carries certain markings, but what do markings on treated timber tell us?

These codes or markings ensure that the product complies with a range of standards and helps in the quality management of preserved timber products. These markings are specified by South African National Standards SANS codes, specifically 1288, 457-2/3 and 753/4. Below is what each marking means:

• A unique plant identifier or trademark:
  This is a name or acronym identifying the timber treatment plant. A register of treatment plant trademarks is maintained by product certification bodies such as the SABS or SATAS.
• Product certification mark:
  This is the quality mark of the product certification body (SABS or SATAS) that certifies the timber treatment plant.
• SANS standard designation:
  This number is found below the quality mark. It indicates the SANS standard the treated timber complies with for example SANS 128, SANS 735, SANS 754 or SANS 457. ln the case of SANS 457 (hardwood poles) the additional letter refers to the class or grading, i.e. S – Structural /agricultural F – Fencing and V- Vineyard.
• A hazard class:
  There are six hazard classes (H1-H6) that identify the level of treatment applied.
• Date or year of manufacture of poles

For poles and round wood, the information is most commonly applied on 25 mm metal tags or anti-split endplates.
For any additional information please contact the Somerset Timber team.