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IS 9104:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for guide for storage and protection of logs and sawn timber. This standard provides guidance on the appropriate methods for storing logs and sawn timber to protect them from degradation. It covers aspects like site selection, stacking techniques, and measures for protection against fire, fungi, insects, and weathering.
Guide for storage and protection of logs and sawn timber
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Although an old code (reaffirmed in 2018), its fundamental principles for timber storage remain critical for preventing material loss on sites and in yards.
! The guide emphasizes the importance of good 'housekeeping' in storage yards, including regular inspections, removal of debris, and maintaining clear fire lanes.
! Pay close attention to stacking methods; proper air circulation is key to preventing fungal decay, especially in humid conditions.
BS 8417:2011+A1:2014BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
MediumCurrent
Preservation of wood. Code of practice
Covers handling and storage of timber pre- and post-preservative treatment, overlapping with IS 9104's protection goals.
AWPA M4-22American Wood Protection Association, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard for the Care of Preservative-Treated Wood Products
Provides guidelines on handling and storing treated wood to maintain integrity, sharing core principles with IS 9104.
CSA O80 Series-15CSA Group, Canada
MediumCurrent
Wood preservation
A comprehensive preservation standard series that includes requirements for handling and storing wood to ensure product quality.
EN 14229:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
LowCurrent
Structural timber - Wood poles for overhead lines
Specifies storage and handling for wood poles, which directly parallels IS 9104's principles for storing round timber/logs.
Key Differences
≠IS 9104:1979 is a general guide for all timber, while modern international standards like AWPA M4 or BS 8417 are often more specific, focusing on preservative-treated wood and integrating storage as a step in a larger quality control process.
≠The Indian standard is tailored to the climatic conditions and biological hazards (fungi, insects) of the Indian subcontinent. International standards address different ranges of pests and climatic factors relevant to their respective regions.
≠IS 9104 is highly prescriptive (e.g., 'stack width shall not exceed 2 m'), reflecting its age. Many contemporary international standards lean towards a performance-based approach, defining the required outcome (e.g., 'timber must be kept to maintain its condition') rather than dictating the exact method.
≠IS 9104 mentions traditional materials like coal tar for end-coating logs, which are now largely phased out in international practice due to environmental and health concerns in favor of proprietary wax emulsions.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally recommend storing timber clear of the ground on bearers and dunnage to prevent moisture uptake and insect attack.
≈The principle of stacking sawn timber with stickers (crossers) of uniform thickness to ensure adequate air circulation for drying and to prevent distortion is a fundamental and shared concept.
≈Emphasis on yard hygiene is a common theme, including the regular removal of wood debris, bark, and vegetation to reduce fire risk and eliminate breeding grounds for insects and fungi.
≈All standards recognize the importance of fire prevention measures, such as maintaining wide, clear aisles between stacks for firefighter access and to act as fire breaks.
≈The need to protect timber from direct sunlight and rain is a shared principle, with sheds and waterproof covers being common recommendations to prevent checking, splitting, and fungal growth.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Ground Clearance for Stacks
At least 15 cm from ground to the underside of bearers.
Wood should be kept free of contact with the ground on stringers or dunnage; 150 mm (6 inches) is a common industry practice.
AWPA M4-22
Sticker Thickness for Air Seasoning
Uniform thickness, typically 25 mm.
Stickers of uniform thickness, dry, and preferably treated; typical thickness is 19 mm to 25 mm.
BS 8417:2011+A1:2014
Stack Width for Air Seasoning
Should not generally exceed 2 m.
Recommended between 1.5 m and 2.5 m to ensure adequate airflow to the stack's center.
General international best practice (e.g., US FPL Guidelines)
Main Aisle Width for Fire Safety
At least 6 m wide.
Clear aisleways of at least 15 feet (~4.5 m) for fire apparatus access.
NFPA 1 (USA)
Log Storage Method
Recommends continuous water storage (ponds) or land storage with end coatings.
Continuous water storage or water spraying (sprinkling) are standard methods; land storage requires end-sealing.
General international forestry practice
Log End Protection
Application of coal tar, bitumen, rosin-lampblack mixtures, or wax emulsions.
Application of proprietary wax-based end-sealers or paint. Coal tar is generally avoided.
Modern international best practice
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Minimum clearance between adjacent stacks6 m
Maximum height of timber stacks4.5 m
Minimum height of foundation bearers above ground30 cm
Clear zone free from combustible material around storage yard15 m