Refurbished lab adds to expert capability

[LAST SUMMER BM TRADA, the specialists in testing, inspection and certification services, unveiled its modernised timber laboratory following an extensive refurbishment and investment.

Part of Element Materials Technology, BM TRADA’s three-month long revamp at its High Wycombe facility included a complete overhaul of the laboratory’s layout. The space is now divided into two dedicated areas, with one room designated for timber inspection and timber species analysis and the other for woodworking and timber testing.

Alongside the new layout, the laboratory was stripped down and a host of new equipment installed. That includes new storage, dust extraction units, boil tanks and water baths for woodwork testing; and microscope testing kits to analyse timber specimens.

The organisation also fitted new tools and rigs for fastener and fixing testing for structural timber connections, which is operated under Element Material Technology’s Warringtonfire brand, as well as a cast-iron engineering table for measuring the straightness of wood samples and inspecting for timber distortion.

Ben Sharples, commercial lead at BM TRADA, said: “We decided to refurbish our timber laboratory following an increase in demand for timber testing and certification requirements.

“As well as timber construction, we’ve witnessed more demand for timber species verification from a wide variety of markets. We house one of the largest libraries of timber specimens – known as a xylarium – in the country at High Wycombe. With our new laboratory and equipment, we can continue improving on this service and providing even more accurate advice and knowledge on different types of wood.”

The timber testing and accreditation facility is complemented by BM TRADA’s expert witness service for all disputes involving timber and wood-based products.

The work is carried out by highly-experienced technical consultants who provide an independent expert witness report which complies with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Reports may be used for litigation, although they more frequently assist clients in achieving settlement without the need to proceed to court. q