A Brisbane workshop hosted by the Timber Preservers Association of Australia unanimously agreed to further investigate CodeMark as a viable alternative to the current standard AS/NZS 1604.
The TPAA board appointed a dedicated sub-group to progress the project and to “further explore the potential of CodeMark as a solution to product compliance and traceability challenges within the wood protection industry”.
The CodeMark Certification Scheme is a voluntary third-party building product scheme administered by the Australian Building Codes Board.
Neil Savory, managing director of ICC Oceania, a CodeMark certifying body, provided the meeting with a comprehensive overview of building compliance requirements and the application of CodeMark in Australia.
Geoff Mitchell, who manages a company of building certifiers, highlighted CodeMark’s mandatory acceptance as compliance with standards within the National Construction Code (NCC), emphasising the growing importance of traceability and the potential of digital product passports.
Discussion included inconsistencies among certification bodies and the costs associated with maintaining CodeMark certification. While some saw limited benefit in using CodeMark for treatments already covered by existing standards, others recognised its value for new treatment products.
The workshop explored the TPAA’s potential to play a more prominent role in quality assurance of preserved wood. Suggestions included developing an industry guidance document, and a rigorous tiered system of confidence. Participants discussed a ‘code of conduct’ for members, potentially linked to plant registration and varying levels of verification.
Opportunities for TPAA members include developing a ‘code of conduct’ for the wood protection industry, creating an industry-guidance document on AS1604 application; exploring data submission requirements for branding; developing a tiered branding system; improving product traceability; and researching best practices from other industry associations.
“The overarching goal is to enhance confidence in preserved wood, the value of the TPAA brand and to implement cost-effective processes for members,” TPAA chair Peter Webb said.
The meeting followed a TPAA decision late last year to progress an alternative treatment standard centred on using the CodeMark Certification Scheme.
