Federal Register: April 3, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 63)
DOCID: fr03ap09-19 FR Doc E9-7518
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Docket ID: [Docket No.: 090306279-9290-01]
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr03ap09-19
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Proposed Revision to Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 20-05 ``American Softwood Lumber Standard''
DATES: Written comments regarding the proposed revision, PS 20-05, should be submitted to the Standards Services Division, NIST, no later than May 18, 2009.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
This notice advises the public that the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking comments for the proposed
revision of Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 2005, ``American Softwood
Lumber Standard.'' This standard, prepared by the American Lumber
Standard Committee, serves the procurement and regulatory needs of
numerous federal, state, and local government agencies by providing for
uniform, industrywide grademarking and inspection requirements for
softwood lumber. The implementation of the standard also allows for
uniform labeling and auditing of treated wood and, through a Memorandum
of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, labeling and
auditing of wood packaging materials for international trade. As part
of a fiveyear review process, NIST is seeking public comment and invites
[[Page 15256]]
interested parties to review the revised standard and submit comments.
SUMMARY:
Proposed Revision to Voluntary Product Standard 20–05 (American Softwood Lumber Standard)
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Under Department of Commerce regulations codified in Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10, Procedures for the Development of Voluntary Product Standards, and administered by NIST, the American Lumber Standard Committee acts as the Standing Committee for PS 2005, American Softwood Lumber Standard, responsible for maintaining, revising, and interpreting the standard. The Committee is comprised of producers, distributors, users, and others with an interest in the standard.
Voluntary Product Standard (PS) 2005 establishes standard sizes and requirements for developing and coordinating the lumber grades of the various species of lumber, the assignment of design values, and the preparation of grading rules applicable to each species. Its provisions include implementation of the standard through an accreditation and certification program; establishment of principal trade classifications and lumber sizes for yard, structural, and factory/shop use; classification, measurement, grading, and grademarking of lumber; definitions of terms and procedures to provide a basis for the use of uniform methods in the grading inspection, measurement, and description of softwood lumber; commercial names of the principal softwood species; definitions of terms used in describing standard grades of lumber; and commonly used industry abbreviations. The standard also includes the organization and functions of the American Lumber Standard Committee, the Board of Review, and the National Grading Rule Committee.
All public comments will be reviewed and considered. The American
Lumber Standard Committee and NIST will revise the standard accordingly.
Dated: March 26, 2009.
Patrick Gallagher,
Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. E97518 Filed 4209; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351013P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
David F. Alderman, Standards Services Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, telephone: (301) 9754019; fax: (301) 9754715, email: david.alderman@nist.gov.