The first step towards the certification of WPM heat treatment provider has to fulfil the following requirements.

  a.Regulatory Requirements

To ensure that heat treatment complies to the relevant legislation, safety codes or licensing applicable to the jurisdiction in which the heat treatment  is being performed;

• A valid Business Registration Certificate
• Approved by local authorities (eg. City council or District Council)
• Approved by Fire Brigade and Safety Department
• Others if required (eg NIOSH, Factory and Machinery Dept)
• Approved by relevant state and federal agencies

 
As forestry is a state matter, the relevant Federal Agency in relation to the above matter is to be replaced with the equivalent State Agency.

b. Technical Requirements

Wood packaging material should be heated in accordance with a specific time-temperature schedule that achieves a minimum wood core temperature of  56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.

1.  Number of heat probes/thermocouples:

• Minimum of  4 heat probes /thermocouples for a 20 footer chamber.  (Volume 33.3 cubic metre)
• Minimum of  6 heat probes /thermocouples for chamber measuring between 20 - 40’x30’x14’ (Volume 33.3 - 73 cubic metre)
• Minimum of 12 heat probes /thermocouples for a chamber exceeding  40’x30’x14’ (Volume more than 73.3 cubic metre)

2. All thermocouples must be able to measure 0° and 100° during simple calibration testing using ice cubes and boiling water.

3. All probes must be inserted tightly and correctly into woods at least 5cm.  One probe to be used  to measure ambient temperature in the chamber

4.  If wood packaging materials for heat treatment are of different dimension then probes should be inserted into woods that are of larger size (or thicker wood).

5.  After taking into consideration calibration error, the Temperature Recording chart should indicate a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a  duration of 60 minutes. Chart must be shown to auditors during period of initial audit, compliance audit and renewal audit.
6.   Heat Treatment provider must show proof  that heat probes/thermocouples are well  maintained (in good working condition) and has been calibrated by calibration agencies approved by SIRIM, during initial and renewal audit.

7.    Name of operator must be recorded in Temperature Recording Chart.

8.   Heat treatment of wood packaging materials treatment must not be done simultaneously with other wood materials in the same chamber.

9.   Wood packaging materials that have been treated must be marked according to ISPM 15.  Markings must be legible, permanent and placed in a visible location.  Red or orange coloured ink must not be used.

10.  The owner of wood packaging materials treatment facility must keep record of treated wood packaging materials and sale transaction in a format supplied by Crop Protection and Plant Quarantine Services division of Department of Agriculture.

11.   Availability of storage space that is free of waste woods and not exposed to sun and rain for storing treated wood packaging materials. Storage space must be at least 5 meters away from untreated woods.

12.  Maximum duration for keeping excess treated wood packaging materials in recommended storage space depends on importing countries requirements. For example one country wants it to be used immediately while others allowed it to be stored for a few months prior to it’s usage. For this reason it is best that exporters refer to importing countries requirement first.

13.   Operators, supervisors and owner of heat treatment facilities must be present during auditing.

14.    Heat treatment provider must ensure that his customers comply strictly with ISPM 15 and other guidelines from Department of Agriculture concerning storage and use of treated wood packaging materials that bear the IPPC Markings.

15.    Operators and supervisors must have experience in handling kiln drying operations   or attended courses conducted by Malaysian Timber Industry Board.

16.   Heat treatment providers must show clearly the location of KD/Heat Treatment Chamber that is to be used strictly for heat treatment of WPM only and storage space for keeping excess treated wood prior to usage in relation to other structure/buildings in the factory site plan.

17.    Heat treatment providers must have valid license from Registrar of Companies or Business Registration license, approval from Local Authority and Fire Services Department.