Our Mission Statement
As a responsible partner TP delivers to clients, employees and the industries we serve the confidence to drive value through the effective use of our diverse professional team.
TIMBER PRODUCTS August 2020 HT Newsletter Volume: 08/11/2020
Online Newsletter
Matt McGowen - WPM Program Manager
mmcgowan@tpinspection.com
mmcgowan@tpinspection.com
Office: 770.785.4769
Mobile: 678.480.2451
Mobile: 678.480.2451
For more information on the IPPC program
Please contact:
Matt McGowan
WPM Program Manager
Peachtree City GA
Office 770.785.4769
Mobile 678.480.2451
The unauthorized and/or fraudulent use of the TP IPPC mark is illegal and a situation we take seriously. Anyone with information regarding the misuse of IPPC marks should contact TP's WPM Manager immediately. Thank you for helping to protect the integrity of the ISPM 15 program which is vital to our business and economy.
"That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong."
"The individual activity of one man with backbone will do more than a thousand men with a mere wishbone."
"You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money."
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season is once again coming up and runs September 1 of the current year to April 30 of the following year for Australian shipments. The Australian government has created a list of "at risk" and "high risk" goods that can be viewed here: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug AU Info.
​While there is a section for wood and articles of wood, this does not relate to wood packaging material (WPM). The temperature and time requirement to heat treat for BMSB is at 50°C (120°F) or higher for at least 20 minutes. Given this, any WPM marked with an IPPC HT mark will meet this requirement. However, most of the "at risk" and "high risk" items identified, that would typically ship on HT IPPC marked WPM, have never been treated and this is the reason why Australia requires additional treatment even with IPPC HT marked WPM. Many customers of WPM manufacturers find it more convenient to use fumigation for treating their shipment. Methyl Bromide or Sulfuryl Fluoride are the required chemicals for this and a certificate is needed from the fumigator as proof the treatment was administered.
Make certain you are aware of these seasonal requirements to avoid any interuptions in shipment.
Inspector Assistance Appreciated
Inspectors visit mutiple locations each day and it is greatly appreciated when they receive assistance to complete their audits. This includes:
- Having records that are accessible and ready for review (QC procedures, received & shipped logs, HT charts, etc.).
- Forklift assistance to break down stacks of WPM to a manageable height for review.
- Assistance in flipping pallets to prevent injury.
- Access to stamps to check inventory and condition.
- Access to interior of heat chamber to review probe condition and possibly placement in WPM.
Some of this can be challenging since inspections are unannounced and can occur during a hectic period of the day. However the more cooperation inspectors receive in these areas during an audit, the quicker they can finish their work so a facility can get back to business as usual. Your cooperation in these areas is always appreciated.