Timber Products Inspection, Inc.
Timber Products Inspection, Inc.
For many years the utility industry has recognized the need for "independent inspection" of the wood utility pole. Most utilities have as part of their specifications a requirement for this service. The key to success with this requirement is to be certain that the purchaser specifies the inspection agency that best fills his needs. The inspection agency should be designated by, and report directly to, the purchaser versus the plant.
Due to the nature of the product, the requirement for inspection beyond the capability of the pole producer has long been a requirement. Preservative systems have changed and the analytical equipment of the laboratories requires monitoring and calibration. Since there is no government agency or industry orgnization that certifies a treating plant's lab, your inspection agency should be able to provide a full service laboratory that would verify the performance of the producer's lab.
The inspection agency should also provide another level of communication with your pole supplier. You have already established communication with the supplier's marketing division. Your inspector would provide the contact with the production end. Support with specification writing and interpretation is just one key function that your inspector should provide.
The inspection agency should also be capable of providing a variety of inspection services. This service could range from "100% inspection" to a multi-tiered monitoring program or even a plant certification program to your standards.
TP is capable of providing all of these services. Our laboratory is fully staffed and can provide analysis using a variety of AWPA approved methods. TP is also the only agency that can offer the third tier of a multi-level monitoring program by taking advantages of our relationship with the Wood Quality Control (WQC) Program. NRECA field staff monitor TP under the WQC program.
With our trained staff of field representatives covering the U. S. from coast to coast, and the support of our laboratory and testing services, TP is able to satisfy all your inspection requirements. We are capable of providing inspection for all approved species for poles as well as solid or laminated crossarms.
The price of inspection is usually less than 2% of the purchase price of the product. This is certainly a reasonable investment for the confidence inspection would provide in the reliability of the foundation of your system.
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