What is BS EN 13986

The BS EN 13986 is a technical standard that governs the performance and quality requirements for wood-based panels used in construction and furniture manufacturing. Wood-based panels, such as plywood, particle board, and medium density fiberboard (MDF), are widely used in various applications due to their versatility and affordability.

Why is BS EN 13986 important?

BS EN 13986 sets the criteria for various properties, including mechanical strength, dimensional stability, formaldehyde emission levels, and resistance to moisture and fire. This standard ensures that wood-based panels meet minimum quality standards and can perform adequately under different environmental conditions.

One significant aspect regulated by BS EN 13986 is formaldehyde emission. Formaldehyde is a chemical compound commonly used in wood adhesives that can cause adverse health effects when released in high concentrations. This standard limits the amount of formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels to protect the well-being of occupants in indoor environments.

How does BS EN 13986 work?

To comply with BS EN 13986, manufacturers must strictly follow specific procedures and tests. The standard outlines requirements for raw materials, production processes, and finished products. Manufacturers need to ensure that the wood-based panels they produce meet the specified criteria for each property.

For example, when testing the mechanical strength, samples of wood-based panels are subjected to bending forces, compression, and tension to assess their load-bearing capacity. The panels should be able to withstand these forces without failing or deforming excessively.

Similarly, the formaldehyde emission levels are measured using standardized methods to determine if they fall within permissible limits. Laboratories use specialized equipment to analyze and quantify the concentration of formaldehyde emitted from the wood-based panels.

Conclusion

The BS EN 13986 plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of wood-based panels used in construction and furniture manufacturing. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can provide reliable and trustworthy products, and consumers can have confidence in the materials they purchase for their projects or homes.