[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7717]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 31, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket Number 940379-4079]

 

Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-94; ``American Softwood Lumber 
Standard''

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Approval of Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-94 ``American 
Softwood Lumber Standard''.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
announced in the Federal Register on July 30, 1993 (59 FR 40797), that 
it was circulating for review and comment proposed Voluntary Product 
Standard PS 20-94 ``American Softwood Lumber Standard,'' an updated 
edition of PS 20-70 ``American Softwood Lumber Standard,'' in 
accordance with the provisions of 10.6 of Department ``Procedures for 
the Development of Voluntary Product Standards'' (15 CFR part 10, as 
amended; 51 FR 22497 dated June 20, 1986).
    Public response to the proposed standard indicated consensus among 
producers, distributors, users, and consumers in accordance with 
Department procedures. The standard was approved to supersede PS 20-70, 
effective March 1, 1994. The Standard differs from the previous 
edition, PS 20-70, in that its text has been simplified and updated. 
Terms have been modernized, and units of measurement in both 
conventional and metric units are presented. The basic sizes, technical 
requirements, and administrative structure for implementing and 
enforcing the Standard have been retained.
    The Standard establishes standard sizes and requirements for 
developing and coordinating the lumber grades of the various softwood 
species, 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, factory/shop use; 
classification, measurement, grading and grade-marking of rough and 
dressed sizes of lumber; 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.
    For further information or for copies of PS 20-94, contact Barbara 
Meigs, Standards Management Program, Office of Standards Services, 
NIST, A 625, Building 101, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, telephone 301-975-
4025, FAX 301-963-2871.

    Dated: March 28, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-7717 Filed 3-30-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M