```

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 11, Parts 1600 to 1899]
[Revised as of January 1, 2000]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR1728]

[Page 277-301]
 
PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Sec.
1728.10  General purpose and scope.
1728.20  Establishment of standards and specifications.
1728.30  Inclusion of an item for listing or technical acceptance.
1728.40  Procedure for submission of a proposal.
1728.50  Removal of an item from listing or technical acceptance.
1728.60  List of materials and equipment.
1728.70  Procurement of materials.
1728.97  Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
          specifications.
1728.201  RUS Bulletin 1728H-701, RUS Specification for Wood Crossarms 
          (Solid and Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys.
1728.202  RUS Bulletin 1728H-702, RUS Specification for Quality Control 
          and Inspection of Timber Products.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to **part** 1728 appear at 55 FR 
39397, Sept. 27, 1990.

Sec. 1728.10  General purpose and scope.

    (a) The requirements of this **part** are based on contractual 
provisions between RUS and the organizations

[[Page 278]]

which receive financial assistance from RUS.
    (b) RUS will establish certain specifications and standards for 
materials, equipment, and construction units that will be acceptable for 
RUS financial assistance for the electric program. Materials and 
equipment purchased by the electric borrowers or accepted as contractor-
furnished material must conform to RUS standards and specifications 
where they have been established and, if included in RUS Bulletin 43-5, 
``List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS Electrification 
Borrowers'' (List of Materials), must be selected from that list or must 
have received technical acceptance from RUS. RUS, through its Technical 
Standards Committees, will evaluate certain materials, equipment and 
construction units, and will determine acceptance.

[50 FR 47710, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.20  Establishment of standards and specifications.

    (a) National and other standards. RUS will utilize standards of 
national standardizing groups, such as the American National Standards 
Institute (ANSI), American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA), the 
various national engineering societies and the National Electrical 
Safety Code (NESC), to the greatest extent practical. When there are no 
national standards or when RUS determines that the existing national 
standards are not adequate for rural electric systems, RUS will prepare 
standards for material and equipment to be used on systems of electric 
borrowers. RUS standards and specifications will be codified or listed 
in Sec. 1728.97, Incorporation by Reference of Electric Standards and 
Specifications. RUS will also prepare specifications for materials and 
equipment when it determines that such specifications will result in 
reduced costs, improved materials and equipment, or in the more 
effective use of engineering services.
    (b) Deviations from Standards. No member of the RUS staff will be 
permitted to authorize deviations from the standard specifications, or 
to establish or change the technical standards, or to authorize the use 
of items that have not received acceptance by the Technical Standards 
Committees, except as provided for under Sec. 1728.70, or by 
authorization and/or delegation of authority by the Administrator of 
RUS.
    (c) Category of Items. Items appearing in the List of Materials are 
listed by categories of generic items which are used in RUS construction 
standards incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97. RUS will establish 
and define these categories and will establish all criteria for 
acceptability within these categories.

[50 FR 47710, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990, and amended at 55 FR 53487, Dec. 31, 1990]

Sec. 1728.30  Inclusion of an item for listing or technical acceptance.

    (a) Scope. RUS, through its Technical Standards Committees ``A'' and 
``B'' will determine the acceptability of certain standards, standard 
specifications, standard drawings, and items of materials and equipment 
to be used in transmission, distribution and general plant (excluding 
office equipment, tools, and work equipment, and consumer-owned electric 
wiring facilities).
    (b) Addresses of Committees. The address of Technical Standards 
Committee ``A'' is: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' 
(Electric), Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250-1500. The address of Technical Standards Committee 
``B'' is: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``B'' (Electric), 
Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250-1500.
    (c) Review by Technical Standards Committee ``A''. All proposals for 
listing a product in the List of Materials must be addressed to 
Technical Standards Committee ``A.'' This committee will consider all 
proposals made by sponsors of specifications, drawings, materials, or 
equipment in categories for which RUS has established criteria for 
acceptability. A sponsor may be a manufacturer, supplier, contractor or 
any other person or organization which has made an application for 
listing or has requested an action by the committee.

[[Page 279]]

Committee ``A'' will consider all relevant information presented in 
determining whether an item should be accepted by Technical Standards 
Committee ``A.'' Formal rules of evidence and procedure shall not apply 
to proceedings before this committee.
    (d) Action by Technical Standards Committee ``A''. (1) Committee 
``A'' may take one of the following actions:
    (i) Accept an item for listing without conditions (domestic items 
only),
    (ii) Reject an item (domestic or nondomestic),\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Nondomestic items are items which do not qualify as domestic 
products pursuant to RUS ``Buy American'' requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Accept an item for listing with conditions (domestic items 
only),
    (iv) Table an item for a time period sufficient to allow the sponsor 
to be notified and furnish additional information (domestic or 
nondomestic),
    (v) Grant technical acceptance with or without conditions for a 
period of one year from the date of notification by RUS (nondomestic 
items only).
    (2) All committee decisions regarding the actions listed above must 
be unanimous. If the vote is not unanimous, the item shall be referred 
to Technical Standards Committee ``B.'' Written notice of Technical 
Standards Committee ``A's'' decision, stating the basis for the 
decision, will be provided to the sponsor.
    (3) Items accepted without conditions by the Technical Standards 
Committees will be considered to be accepted on a general basis. No 
restrictions as to quantity or application will be placed on items which 
have received general acceptance. Items accepted subject to certain 
conditions, such as limited use to gain service experience, or limited 
use appropriate to certain areas and conditions, will be considered to 
be accepted on a conditional basis. The conditions will be cited as a 
**part** of the listing provided for in Sec. 1728.60, or as **part** of the 
technical acceptance for nondomestic items.
    (e) Appeal to Technical Standards Committee ``B''. A sponsor may 
request a review of an adverse decision by Technical Standards Committee 
``A'' within ten (10) days of notification of such decision by 
submitting a letter requesting such review to Technical Standards 
Committee ``B'' (Electric).
    (f) Action by Technical Standards Committee ``B''. Committee ``B'' 
may take any of the actions listed for Committee ``A'' in 
Sec. 1728.30(d). However, for a Committee ``B'' action to be effective 
it must be by majority vote. Failure to obtain a majority on one of the 
proposed actions shall mean that the product will not be listed or 
accepted. Committee ``B's'' determination shall be based on the record 
developed before Committee ``A'' and such additional information as 
Committee ``B'' may request. Formal rules of procedure and evidence 
shall not apply to proceedings before Committee ``B.'' Written notice of 
Committee ``B's'' decision, stating the basis of the decision, will be 
provided to the sponsor.
    (g) Appeal to the Administrator. In the event of an adverse decision 
by Committee ``B,'' the sponsor may, within ten (10) days of 
notification of such decision, request a review of this decision by 
submitting a letter to the Administrator requesting such a review.
    (h) Change in Design. RUS acceptance of an item will be conditioned 
on the understanding that no design changes (material or dimensions) 
affecting the quality, strength, or electrical characteristics of the 
item shall be made without prior concurrence of Technical Standards 
Committee ``A.''

[50 FR 47711, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.40  Procedure for submission of a proposal.

    (a) Written Request. Consideration of an item of material or 
equipment will be obtained by the sponsor through the submission of a 
written request in an original and five copies addressed to the 
Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Electric). The letter 
must include the catalog number or other identifying number or code as 
well as a description of the item. In the event that an item being 
submitted is also intended for consideration by Technical Standards 
Committee ``A'' (Telephone), a separate request must be made to the 
telephone committee. (See **part** 1755 of this chapter).

[[Page 280]]

    (b) Technical and Performance Data. Six copies of the specification 
of manufacture, drawings and test data must be submitted to the 
committee. Six copies of the performance history shall also be submitted 
unless RUS determines that such performance history is not reasonably 
available.
    (c) Sample. One sample of the item must be submitted to the 
Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A,'' unless RUS waives the 
requirements of the sample. In case of large, bulky or extremely heavy 
samples, the sponsor should contact the Chairman, Technical Standards 
Committee ``A'' (Electric), at the above address, before any sample is 
shipped.
    (d) Action on Proposal. RUS will inform a sponsor of the action 
taken on the sponsor's proposal.

[50 FR 47711, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.50  Removal of an item from listing or technical acceptance.

    (a) Removal Actions. An item of material or equipment may be removed 
from the listing or technical acceptance in accordance with the 
following procedures upon determination that the item is unsatisfactory 
or has been misrepresented to the owner or RUS.
    (b) Notification by the Committee. The sponsor of an item of 
material or equipment will be notified in writing of a proposal to 
remove such item from the listing or technical acceptance.
    (c) Supplemental Information. Within ten (10) days of receipt of 
such notification, the sponsor may submit to Committee ``A'' a letter 
expressing the sponsor's intent to submit written supplemental technical 
information relevant to Committee ``A's'' determination. The sponsor 
must submit such information within twenty (20) days from the submission 
of its letter to Committee ``A.'' Committee ``A'' will have the 
discretion of making a decision following the expiration of the time 
periods provided in this paragraph.
    (d) Review by the Technical Standards Committee ``A''. Committee 
``A'' will consider all relevant information presented in determining 
whether an item should be removed from the listing or technical 
acceptance. Formal rules of evidence and procedure shall not apply to 
proceedings before Technical Standards Committee ``A.''
    (e) Action by the Technical Standards Committee ``A''. Committee 
``A'' may take one of the following actions:
    (1) Order the immediate removal of the item from the listing, or 
technical acceptance,
    (2) Condition the item's continued listing, or technical acceptance,
    (3) Recommend a basis of settlement which will adequately protect 
the interest of the Government, or
    (4) Delay the effectiveness of its decision for a time period 
sufficient to allow the sponsor to appeal to Technical Standards 
Committee ``B.''

All committee ``A'' decisions regarding the actions listed above must be 
by unanimous vote. If the vote is not unanimous, the item will be 
referred to Technical Standards Committee ``B.''

Written notice of Technical Standards Committee ``A's'' decision, 
stating the basis for the decision, will be provided to the sponsor.
    (f) Additional Opportunity to Present Information. At the request of 
the sponsor, RUS may afford additional opportunity for consideration of 
relevant information. Such additional opportunity may include, without 
limitation, a meeting between RUS and the sponsor in such a forum that 
RUS may determine. In making this decision, RUS will consider, among 
other things, the best interests of RUS, its borrowers, and the sponsor, 
and the best manner to develop sufficient information relating to the 
proposed action.
    (g) Appeal to the Technical Standards Committee ``B''. Within ten 
(10) days of notification of Committee ``A's'' decision, a sponsor may 
appeal in writing to Technical Standards Committee ``B'' to review 
Committee ``A's'' decision, specifying the reasons for such a request. 
Committee ``B's'' determination, in response to such request, shall be 
based on the record developed before Committee ``A'' and such additional 
information as Committee ``B'' may request. Formal rules of procedure 
and evidence shall not apply to proceedings before Committee ``B.''
    (h) Action by Technical Standards Committee ``B''. Committee ``B,'' 
by majority vote, may take one of the following actions:

[[Page 281]]

    (1) Order the immediate removal of the item from listing, or 
technical acceptance,
    (2) Condition the item's continued listing, or technical acceptance,
    (3) Recommend a basis of settlement which adequately protects the 
interests of the Government, or
    (4) Delay the effectiveness of its decision for a time period 
sufficient to allow the sponsor to appeal to the Administrator of RUS.

Failure to obtain a majority vote on any of the above actions shall mean 
that the product will continue to be listed or accepted.

Written notice of Committee ``B's'' decision stating the basis of the 
decision will be provided to the sponsor.
    (i) Appeal to the Administrator. Within ten (10) days of the receipt 
of Committee ``B's'' decision, a sponsor may appeal to the Administrator 
to review Committee ``B's'' decision. If an appeal is made, the sponsor 
shall submit a written request to the Administrator, Rural Utilities 
Service, Room 4053, South Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250-1500 specifying the reasons to request 
reconsideration. The Administrator will have the option to decline the 
request, in which case the decision of Committee ``B'' shall stand. If a 
review is granted, the determination by the Administrator or the 
Administrator's designee shall be based on the record developed before 
Committee ``A'' and Committee ``B'' and such additional information as 
the Administrator may request. Formal rules of procedure and evidence 
shall not apply to the actions of the Administrator.
    (j) Action by the Administrator. The Administrator may take one of 
the following actions:
    (1) Order the immediate removal of the item from the listing, or 
technical acceptance,
    (2) Condition its continued listing, or technical acceptance, or
    (3) Recommend a basis of settlement which adequately protects the 
interests of the Government.

Written notice of the Administrator's determination, stating the basis 
for the decision, will be provided to the sponsor.

The Administrator's actions are final.

[50 FR 47711, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.60  List of materials and equipment.

    (a) General. Those items of material or equipment accepted by 
Technical Standards Committee ``A'' or ``B,'' with the exception of 
technically accepted nondomestic items, will be listed in the List of 
Materials. Items which do not qualify as domestic products may be 
accepted on a technical basis only (technical acceptance) for a period 
of one year as provided in Sec. 1728.30(c)(1) and will not be included 
in the List of Materials.
    (b) Publishing and Revisions. RUS will reissue the List of Materials 
every year, dated July, and issue supplements, if needed, dated October, 
January, and April of every year. An RUS office copy, which is the 
official current copy, of the List of Materials, will be updated every 
time changes are made by the Technical Standards Committees.
    (c) Dual Listings. RUS, through its Technical Standards Committees, 
will accept for listing only one item of a particular type of material 
or equipment for each manufacturer. If a manufacturer submits an item to 
perform the identical function of a listed item, RUS, through its 
Technical Standards Committees, may accept that item and remove the one 
previously listed. RUS will list only new items of material and 
equipment in the List of Materials. Used items will not be considered 
for listing.

[50 FR 47712, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.70  Procurement of materials.

    (a) By Owner. When purchasing the type of materials included in the 
List of Materials, RUS borrowers shall purchase only materials listed in 
the List of Materials, or materials which have a current technical 
acceptance by RUS and meet the ``Buy American'' requirement.
    (b) By Contractor. When performing work for an RUS borrower, 
contractors shall supply only items from the general acceptance pages of 
the List of Materials, or obtain the borrower's

[[Page 282]]

concurrence prior to purchase and use of a technically nondomestic item 
or any item listed on a conditional basis.
    (c) Procurement of Unlisted Items. (1) The borrower shall request 
prior approval from RUS for use of an item that does not fall in 
categories established by RUS in the List of Materials for which 
acceptability has been established by the Technical Standards 
Committees.
    (2) RUS will also determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to 
allow use of an unlisted item in emergency situations and for 
experimental use or to meet a specific need. For purposes of this **part** 
1728, an emergency shall mean a situation wherein the supply of listed 
material and equipment from the industry is not readily available, or 
the standard designs are not applicable to the borrower's specific 
problem under consideration.
    (3) RUS will make arrangements for test or experimental use of newly 
developed items requiring limited trial use. RUS, working with the 
borrower and the manufacturer, will establish test locations for the 
items to facilitate installation and observation.

[50 FR 47712, Nov. 20, 1985. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
1990]

Sec. 1728.97  Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
          specifications.

    (a) The following electric bulletins have been approved for 
incorporation by reference by the Director of the Office of the Federal 
Register. The bulletins containing construction standard (50-1 to 50-14) 
and Bulletin 50-18 (DT-5C), may be purchased from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The 
bulletins containing specifications for materials and equipment (50-15 
to 50-99) may be obtained from the Rural Utilities Service, 
Administrative Services Division, Room 0175-S, Washington, DC 20250. The 
terms ``RUS form'', ``RUS standard form'', ``RUS specification'', and 
``RUS bulletin'' have the same meanings as the terms ``REA form'', ``REA 
standard form'', ``REA specification'', and ``REA bulletin'', 
respectively unless otherwise indicated.

The bulletins are available for inspection at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. 
These materials are incorporated as they exist on the date of the 
approval and a notice of any change in these materials will be published 
in the Federal Register.
    (b) List of Bulletins.

Bulletin 50-3 (D-804), Specifications and Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line 
Construction (4-83)
Bulletin 50-4 (D-801), Specification and Drawings for 34.5/19.9 kV 
Distribution Line Construction (11-86)
Bulletin 50-6 (D-806), Specifications and Drawings for Underground 
Electric Distribution (3-90)
Bulletin 50-15 (DT-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins with 1\3/8\' 
Diameter Lead Thread (1-51)
Bulletin 50-16 (DT-4), RUS Specifications for Angle Suspension Brackets 
(3-52)
Bulletin 50-19 (DT-7), RUS Specifications for Clevis Bolts (8-53)
Bulletin 50-23 (DT-18), RUS Specifications for 60" Wood Crossarm Braces 
(2-71)
Bulletin 50-31 (D-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins with 1" 
Diameter Lead Threads (2-79)
Bulletin 50-32 (D-4), RUS Specifications for Steel Crossarm Mounted Pins 
with 1" Diameter Lead Threads (10-50)
Bulletin 50-33 (D-5), RUS Specifications for Single and Double Upset 
Spool Bolts (2-51)
Bulletin 50-34 (D-6), RUS Specifications for Secondary Swinging Clevises 
(12-70)
Bulletin 50-35 (D-7), RUS Specifications for Service Swinging Clevises 
(9-52)
Bulletin 50-36 (D-8), RUS Specifications for Service Deadend Clevises 
(9-52)
Bulletin 50-40 (D-14), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Brackets for 
Channel Type Pins (9-51)
Bulletin 50-41 (D-15), RUS Specifications for Service Wireholders (11-
51)
Bulletin 50-55 (T-2), RUS Specifications for Overhead Ground Wire 
Support Brackets (5-53)
Bulletin 50-56 (T-3), RUS Specifications for Steel Plate Anchors for 
Transmission Lines (12-53)
Bulletin 50-60 (T-9), RUS Specification--Single Pole Steel Structures, 
Complete with Arms (12-71)
Bulletin 50-70 (U-1), RUS Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary 
Underground Power Cable (12-22-87)
Bulletin 50-72 (U-4), RUS Specification for Electrical Equipment 
Enclosures (5-35 kV) (10-79)
Bulletin 50-73 (U-5), RUS Specifications for Pad-Mounted Transformers 
(Single and Three-Phase) (1-77)

[[Page 283]]

Bulletin 50-74 (U-6), RUS Specification for Secondary Pedestals (600 
Volts and Below) (10-79)
Bulletin 50-91 (S-3), RUS Specifications for Step-Down Distribution 
Substation Transformers (34.4-138 kV) (1-78)
Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs and Anchor 
Logs (8-93).
Bulletin 1728F-803, Specifications and Drawings for 24.9/14.4 kV Line 
Construction (10-98).
Bulletin 1728F-810, Electric Transmission Specifications and Drawings, 
34.5 kV to 69 kV (3-98).
Bulletin 1728F-811, Electric Transmission Specifications and Drawings, 
115 kV to 230 kV (3-98).

[48 FR 31853, July 12, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 22289, June 11, 1987; 
52 FR 48799, Dec. 28, 1987; 53 FR 39229, Oct. 6, 1988; 53 FR 44176, Nov. 
2, 1988; 55 FR 8909, Mar. 9, 1990. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 
27, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 1563, Jan. 16, 1991; 58 FR 41398, Aug. 3, 
1993; 59 FR 66440, Dec. 27, 1994; 63 FR 11591, Mar. 10, 1998; 63 FR 
72104, Dec. 31, 1998]

Sec. 1728.201  RUS Bulletin 1728H-701, RUS Specification for Wood 
          Crossarms (Solid and Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole 
          Keys.

    (a) General provisions. (1) This section implements contractual 
provisions between RUS and borrowers receiving financial assistance from 
RUS. The contractual agreement between RUS and its borrowers requires 
the borrower's system to be constructed in accordance with RUS accepted 
plans and specifications. Each RUS electric borrower must purchase only 
wood crossarms produced in accordance with the specification in this 
section.
    (2) Each RUS electric borrower shall require each contractor to 
agree in writing to furnish only materials produced in accordance with 
the specification in this section.
    (3) This specification describes the minimum acceptable quality of 
wood distribution crossarms and transmission crossarms (hereinafter 
called crossarms) that are purchased by or for RUS borrowers. Where 
there is conflict between this specification and any other specification 
referred to in this section, this specification shall govern.
    (4) Various requirements relating to quality control and inspection 
are contained in Sec. 1728.202 of this **part**, RUS Specification for 
Quality Control and Inspection of Timber Products. Section 1728.201 of 
this **part** and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 05.2, 
1983, American National Standard for Wood Products--Structural Glued 
Laminated Timber for Utility Structures, shall be followed exactly and 
shall not be interpreted or subjected to judgment by the quality control 
person or an independent inspector.
    (5) The borrower shall purchase from producers only material that 
meets the requirements of this specification. Each purchaser shall use a 
written purchase order to purchase material for use in RUS financed 
systems in order to insure compliance with the standards and 
specifications of this **part**. The written purchase order shall contain a 
provision that specifically requires the producer to comply with the 
provisions of this **part**. The purchase order shall contain a provision 
that specifically requires the producer to make the treating plant, and 
storage areas available, during normal business hours, in order for 
representatives of either the purchaser or RUS to inspect such to 
determine compliance with the standards and specifications of this **part**.
    (6) The borrower shall insure that the producer provides the 
inspectors with full information (drawings, etc.) relating to the 
requirements contained in purchase order which is supplementary to this 
specification.
    (7) The borrower shall insure that the producer maintains, or has 
access to, adequate laboratory facilities at or very near the treating 
plant. All chemical tests, assays or analyses associated with the 
treatment shall be independently performed in this laboratory by both 
the quality control designee and the borrower's inspector. If acceptable 
to RUS on a case-by-case basis, the producer may use a central 
laboratory.
    (8) Inspection and treatment of all timber products produced under 
this specification should be performed after receipt of the order from 
the purchaser, except as provided for reserve treated stock.
    (9) The borrower shall insure that each inspection agency maintains 
its own central laboratory with qualified staff capable of completely 
analyzing

[[Page 284]]

the preservative and treatments. If acceptable to RUS, this central 
laboratory may be used for the independent inspector's routine assays, 
with results made available the next working day.
    (10) The testing and inspection of the lamination process shall be 
in accordance with American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC) 200-
83, Inspection Manual.
    (11) With the exception of reserve treated stock, all invoices for 
treated timber products shall be accompanied, in duplicate, by a copy of 
the producer's Certificate of Compliance and a copy of either the 
Independent Inspection Report or a Quality Assurance Plan Certificate. 
The certificate shall be presented to the purchaser with the invoice. 
For reserve treated stock, inspection reports shall be available from 
the inspection agency. When shipped from reserve stock, the invoice 
shall bear an endorsement and a further certification by the producer 
that the material meets the requirements of this specification and any 
supplementary requirements cited in the purchase order under which it is 
purchased.
    (12) Crossarms shall be warranted to conform to this specification. 
If any crossarm is determined to be defective or does not conform to 
this specification within 1 year after shipment to the borrower, it 
shall be replaced as promptly as possible by the producer. In the event 
of failure to do so, the purchaser may make such replacement and the 
cost of the crossarm, at destination, recoverable from the producer.
    (b) Definitions.
    Arm refers to structural wood member used to support electrical 
conductors.
    Certificate of compliance is a certification by an authorized 
employee of the producer that the material shipped meets the 
requirements of this specification and any supplementary requirements 
specified in a purchase order from a borrower or the borrower's 
contractor.
    Crossarm is a term used interchangeably with arm.
    Independent inspection relates to examination of material by an 
independent inspector employed by a commercial inspection agency.
    Inspection means an examination of material in sufficient detail to 
insure conformity to all phases of the specification under which it was 
purchased.
    Lot is a quantity of crossarms of like size, conditioning, and 
fabrication, usually making up one treating charge.
    Producer is used to describe the party who manufactures and treats 
crossarms.
    Purchaser refers to either the RUS borrower or contractors acting as 
the borrower's agent, except where a **part** of the specification 
specifically refers to only the RUS borrower or the contractor.
    Quality control designee refers to an individual designated by the 
producer to be responsible for quality control.
    Reserve treated stock consists of timber products treated in 
accordance with this specification, prior to and in anticipation of the 
receipt of specific orders, and held in storage ready for immediate 
shipment.
    Supplier is a term used interchangeably with producer, or in some 
cases, may be the distributor selling crossarms to the borrower.
    Treating plant is the organization that applies the preservative 
treatment to the crossarms.
    (c) Related specifications and standards incorporated by reference. 
The following specifications and standards are incorporated by 
reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director 
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
**part** 51. Copies of each reference are available for inspection during 
normal business hours at RUS, room 1250-S, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. 
Copies of these standards and specifications may be purchased from the 
addresses shown below.
    (1) West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, Standard No. 17, Grading 
Rules for West Coast Lumber, September 1, 1991, available from West 
Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, P.O. Box 23145, Portland, Oregon 97223, 
telephone (503) 639-0651, Fax (503) 684-8928.
    (2) Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, Standard Grading Rules for 
Southern

[[Page 285]]

Pine Lumber, October 15, 1991, available from Southern Pine Inspection 
Bureau, 4709 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32504, telephone (904) 
434-2611.
    (i) Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, Special Product Rules for 
Structural, Industrial, and Railroad-Freight Car Lumber, October 15, 
1991, available from Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, 4709 Scenic 
Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32504, telephone (904) 434-2611.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA), Book of Standards, 
1991 edition, available from AWPA, P.O. Box 286, Woodstock, Maryland 
21163-0286.
    (i) A1-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Creosote and Oil-Type 
Preservatives.
    (ii) A2-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Waterborne 
Preservatives and Fire-Retardant Formulations.
    (iii) A3-91, Standard Methods for Determining Penetration of 
Preservatives and Fire Retardants.
    (iv) A5-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Oil-Borne 
Preservatives.
    (v) A6-89, Method for the Determination of Oil-Type Preservatives 
and Water in Wood.
    (vi) A7-75, Standard Wet Ashing Procedure for Preparing Wood for 
Chemical Analysis.
    (vii) A9-90, Standard Method for Analysis of Treated Wood and 
Treating Solutions by X-Ray Spectroscopy.
    (viii) A11-83, Standard Method for Analysis of Treated Wood and 
Treating Solutions by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
    (ix) C1-91, All Timber Products--Preservative Treatment by Pressure 
Processes.
    (x) C4-91, Poles--Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes.
    (xi) C8-91, Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar Poles--
Preservative Treatment by the Full-Length Thermal Process.
    (xii) C10-91, Lodgepole Pine Poles--Preservative Treatment by the 
Full-Length Thermal Process.
    (xiii) C12-90, Western Larch Poles--Full-Length Preservative 
Treatment by Thermal Process.
    (xiv) M1-90, Standard for the Purchase of Treated Wood Products.
    (xv) M2-91, Standard for Inspection of Treated Timber Products.
    (xvi) M3-81, Standard Quality Control Procedures for Wood Preserving 
Plants.
    (xvii) M4-91, Standard for the Care of Preservative-Treated Wood 
Products.
    (xviii) P1/P13-91, Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and, 
Fresh Water and Marine (Coastal Water Use).
    (xix) P5-91, Standards for Waterborne Preservatives.
    (xx) P8-91, Standards for Oil-Borne Preservatives.
    (xxi) P9-91, Standards for Solvents and Formulations for Organic 
Preservative Systems.
    (4) American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC) 200-83, 
Inspection Manual, 1987 edition, available from AITC, 333 West Hampden 
Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80110, telephone (303) 761-3212.
    (5) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 05.2-1983, American 
National Standard for Wood Products--Structural Glued Laminated Timber 
for Utility Structures, available from ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, 
New York 10018.
    (6) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D9-87 (1992), 
Standard Terminology Relating to Wood, available from ASTM, 1916 Race 
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1187, telephone number (215) 299-5585.
    (d) Independent inspection plan. This plan or a Quality Assurance 
Plan, as described in paragraph (e) of this section, is acceptable for 
supplying crossarms. All crossarms produced under the independent 
inspection plan for use on an RUS financed system shall be inspected by 
a qualified independent inspector in accordance with Sec. 1728.202 of 
this **part**.
    (1) The borrower has the prerogative to contract directly with the 
inspection agency for service. The borrower should, where practical, 
select the inspection agency so that continual employment is dependent 
only on performance acceptable to the borrower and in accordance with 
this specification. The selected inspection agency shall not subcontract 
the service to any other inspection agency without the prior written 
consent by the borrower.

[[Page 286]]

    (2) The producer shall not be a party to the selection of the 
inspection agency by the borrower and shall not interfere with the work 
of the inspector, except to provide notification of the readiness of 
material for inspection. To obtain the inspection services for reserve 
stock, the producer may deal directly with the inspection agency. Under 
the Independent Inspection Plan, the producer shall not treat material 
before it has been properly inspected in the white, as evidenced by the 
inspector's hammer mark.
    (3) The methods of inspection described in this section and in 
Sec. 1728.202 of this **part** shall be used no matter which plan crossarms 
are produced under, i.e., Independent Inspection Plan, or Quality 
Assurance Plans, as described in this section. The number of crossarms 
actually inspected by monitors of quality control under a Quality 
Assurance Plan may vary from the number of crossarms inspected under the 
Independent Inspection Plan.
    (e) Quality assurance plans. The producer shall furnish crossarms 
conforming to this specification as monitored by a Quality Assurance 
Plan acceptable to RUS. RUS borrower groups or agents for borrower 
groups endeavoring to operate Quality Assurance Plans shall submit their 
plan for assuring quality control to the Director, Electric Staff 
Division, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1500, for 
specific approval prior to contracting with RUS borrowers under such 
plans.
    (f) Material requirements--(1) Material and grade. All crossarms 
furnished under this specification shall be free of brashy wood, decay, 
and insect holes larger than 3/32 of an inch (0.24 cm), and shall meet 
additional requirements as shown on specific drawings. They shall be 
made of one of the following:
    (i) Douglas-fir which conforms to the applicable crossarm provisions 
of paragraphs 170 and 170a, or the applicable transmission arm 
provisions of paragraphs 169 and 169a of the 1991 Standard Grading Rules 
for West Coast Lumber No. 17. All references to Douglas-fir shall be of 
coastal origin;
    (ii) Southern Yellow Pine which conforms to the provisions of Dense 
Industrial Crossarm 65, as described in paragraph 31.2 in Southern Pine 
Inspection Bureau 1991 Special Product Rules for Southern Pine; or
    (iii) Laminated wood crossarms shall conform to ANSI 05.2-1983, and 
have at least the same load carrying capacity as the solid sawn arm it 
replaces. The load carrying capacity of the laminated arms shall be 
determined by one of the procedures outlined in ANSI 05.2.
    (2) Borrowers may use alternative wood crossarms that are listed in 
RUS Bulletin 1728C-100, List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Systems 
of RUS Electrification Borrowers.
    (3) Knots. Sound, firm, and tight knots, if well spaced, are 
allowed.
    (i) Slightly decayed knots are permitted, except on the top face, 
provided the decay extends no more than 3/4 of an inch (1.91 cm) into 
the knot and provided the cavities will drain water when the arm is 
installed. For knots to be considered well spaced, the sum of the sizes 
of all knots in any 6 inches (15.24 cm) of length of a piece shall not 
exceed twice the size of the largest knot permitted. More than one knot 
of maximum permissible size shall not be in the same 6 inches (15.24 cm) 
of length. Slightly decayed, firm, or sound ``Pin knots'' (3/8 of an 
inch (0.95 cm) or less) are not considered in size, spacing, or zone 
considerations.
    (ii) Knots are subject to the following limits on size and location:

                    Knot Limits For Distribution Arms
                 DRAWING M-19 (SEE FIGURE 1, EXHIBIT A)
                        All Dimensions in Inches
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Maximum Knot
                                                             Diameter
               Class of Knot and Location                ---------------
                                                           Close   Dense
                                                           Grain   Grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round Knots
  Single Knot: Maximum Diameter.........................
    Center Section<SUP>*</SUP>.....................................
      Upper Half........................................     3/4       1
      Lower Half........................................       1   1-1/4
    Elsewhere...........................................   1-1/4   1-1/2

Sum of Diameters in a 6-Inch Length: Maximum
    Center Section......................................
      Upper Half........................................   1-1/2       2
      Lower Half........................................       2   2-1/2
    Elsewhere...........................................   2-1/2       3
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 287]]


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Inch                                  Cm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/4                                         1.91
1                                           2.54
1-1/4                                       3.18
1-3/8                                       3.49
1-1/2                                       3.81
1-3/4                                       4.45
1-7/8                                       4.76
2                                           5.08
2-1/4                                       5.72
2-1/2                                       6.35
3-1/4                                       8.26
3-1/2                                       8.89
3-5/8                                       9.21
4-5/8                                       11.75
5-5/8                                       14.29
7-3/8                                       18.73
9-3/8                                       23.81
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Knot Limits For Transmission Arms
                       (SEE FIGURE 2, EXHIBIT A)'
                        All Dimensions in Inches
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Maximum Diameter For Single
         Pole Mounting Hole Zone<SUP>*</SUP>                       Knot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upper Half (inner zone)                     3/4
Upper Half (outer zone)                     1 for close grain
                                            1-1/4 dense grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Wide Face (Two
                                                            Sides)
   Other Locations Transmission Arm Size<SUP>**</SUP>    Narrow -------------------
                                               Face              Along
                                                       Edge   Centerline
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-5/8 x 5-5/8 or less                              1   1-1/4     1-1/4
5-5/8 x 7-3/8                                  1-1/4   1-3/8     1-7/8
3-5/8 x 9-3/8                                    3/4   1-3/4    2-1/4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*No knot will be closer than its diameter to the pole mounting hole.
**For cross sections not shown, refer to grading rules.

    (iii) Knot clusters shall be prohibited unless the entire cluster, 
measured on the worst face, is equal to or less than the round knot 
allowed at the specific location.
    (iv) Spike knots shall be prohibited in deadend arms. Any spike knot 
across the top face shall be limited to the equivalent displacement of a 
knot 3/8 of an inch (0.95 cm) deep on one face and the maximum round 
knot for its particular location on the worst face, with a maximum width 
of 1 inch (2.54 cm) measured at the midpoint of the spiked section. 
Elsewhere across the bottom or side faces, spike knots shall not exceed 
1/2 the equivalent displacement of a round knot permitted at that 
location, provided that the depth of the knot on the worst face shall 
not exceed the maximum round knot allowed at that location.
    (v) Loose knots and knot holes shall drain water when the arm is 
normally installed. In the center section, upper half, they shall not be 
greater than 1/2 the dimensions of round knots. Elsewhere, they shall 
not be greater than the round knot dimension. They shall be prohibited 
in deadend arms.
    (vi) All knots except those ``spike'' knots intersecting a corner 
shall be measured on the least diameter of the knot.
    (vii) A knot shall be considered to occupy a specific zone or 
section if the center of the knot (i.e. pith of knot) is within the zone 
or on the zone's boundary.
    (viii) If a round or oval knot appears on two faces and is in two 
zones, each face shall be judged independently. When this does not 
occur, average the least dimension showing on both faces. Knots which 
occur on only one face of a free of heart center (FOHC) arm shall be 
permitted to be 25 percent larger than the stated size.
    (ix) Knot spacing. Two or more knots opposite each other on any face 
shall be limited by a sum not to exceed the size of a maximum single 
knot permitted for the location. On all four faces, all knots shall be 
well spaced.
    (x) Knots which have a maximum of 5/8 inch (1.59 cm) diameter may 
intersect pin holes in the center section. One inch (2.54 cm) diameter 
knots may intersect pin holes elsewhere.
    (4) Miscellaneous characteristics, features and requirements. (i) 
The top face of distribution crossarms shall not have more than four 
medium pitch and bark pockets in 8 foot (2.4 m) arms, and not more than 
five pitch and bark pockets in 10 foot (3.0 m) arms. Elsewhere a maximum 
of six medium pockets in 8 foot (2.4 m) arms and eight in 10 foot (3.0 
m) arms shall be permitted. Equivalent smaller pockets shall be 
permissible. An occasional large pocket is permissible.
    (ii) Shakes shall be prohibited.
    (iii) Checks. Prior to treatment on properly seasoned arms, single 
face checks shall not exceed an average penetration of 1/4 the depth 
from any face and shall be limited to 10 inches (25.40 cm) long on the 
top face, and 1/3 the arm length on the other faces. Checks shall not be 
repeated in the same line of grain in adjacent pin holes. The sum of the 
average depths of

[[Page 288]]

checks occurring in the same plane on opposite faces shall be limited to 
1/4 the face depth.
    (iv) Compression wood shall be prohibited on any face. It is 
permitted if wholly enclosed in the arm, more than six annual rings from 
the surface, and not over 3/8 of an inch (0.95 cm) in width.
    (v) Insect holes larger than 3/32 of an inch (0.24 cm) shall be 
prohibited. Pin holes (i.e. holes not over 1/16 of an inch (0.16 cm) 
diameter) shall be allowed if scattered and not exceeding 10 percent of 
the arm girth.
    (vi) Wane shall be allowed on one edge, limited to approximately 1 
inch (2.54 cm), measured across the corner. Outside of the top center 
section, an aggregate length not to exceed 2 feet may have wane up to 1-
1/2 inches (3.81 cm) on an occasional piece on one or both edges. Bark 
shall be removed.
    (vii) Prior to preservative treatment, crook, bow, or twist shall 
not exceed 1/2 of an inch (1.27 cm) in 8 foot arms (2.4 m) and 5/8 of an 
inch (1.59 cm) in 10 foot (3.0 m) arms.
    (g) Manufacture. (1) All dimensions and tolerances shall conform to 
those shown on the drawings in this section or drawings supplied with 
the purchase order. Drawings supplied shall meet or exceed minimum 
dimensions and tolerances shown on the drawings in this section. Cross-
sectional dimensions shall be measured and judged at about 1/4 the arm 
length, except when the defects of ``skip dressing'' or ``machine bite 
or offset'' are involved.
    (2) Lamination techniques shall comply with ANSI 05.2-1983.
    (3) Pin and bolt holes shall be smoothly bored without undue 
splintering where drill bits break through the surface. The center of 
any hole shall be within 1/8 of an inch (0.32 cm) of the center-line 
locations on the face in which it appears. The holes shall be 
perpendicular to the starting and finishing faces.
    (4) Shape. The shape of the arms at any cross section, except for 
permissible wane, shall be as shown on the respective drawings in this 
section or supplied with the order. The two top edges may be either 
chamfered or rounded 3/8 of an inch (0.95 cm) radius. The two bottom 
edges may be slightly eased 1/8 of an inch (0.32 cm) radius for the 
entire length.
    (5) Incising. The lengthwise surfaces of Douglas-fir crossarms shall 
be incised approximately 1/4 of an inch (0.64 cm) deep. The incision 
shall be reasonably clean cut with a spacing pattern that insures 
uniform penetration of preservative.
    (6) Workmanship. All crossarms shall be first quality workmanship. 
Crossarms shall be dressed on four sides, although ``hit and miss 
skips'' may occur on two adjacent faces on occasional pieces. Five (5) 
percent of a lot or shipment may be 1/8 of an inch (0.32 cm) scant in 
thickness or width at the ends for a length not exceeding 6 inches 
(15.24 cm), or may have 1/8 of an inch (0.32 cm) machine bite on offset.
    (h) Conditioning prior to treatment. (1) All solid sawn crossarms 
shall be made of lumber which has been kiln-dried. Douglas-fir arms 
shall have an average moisture content of 19 percent or less, with a 
maximum not to exceed 22 percent. Southern Yellow Pine arms shall have 
an average moisture content of 22 percent or less, with a maximum not to 
exceed 30 percent.
    (2) Moisture content levels shall be measured at about 1/4 the 
length and at a depth of about 1/5 the crossarm's thickness. 
Additionally, the moisture content gradient between the shell (i.e. 1/4 
of an inch (0.64 cm) deep) and the core (i.e. about 1 inch (2.54 cm) 
deep) shall not exceed 5 percentage points.
    (3) A minimum of at least 20 solid sawn crossarms per treating 
charge shall be measured to verify moisture content and shall be duly 
recorded by the quality control designee or independent inspector.
    (4) The moisture content of lumber used in laminating shall, at the 
time of gluing, be within the range of 8 to 12 percent, inclusive.
    (i) Preservatives. (1) The preservatives shall be:
    (i) Creosote which conforms to the requirements of AWPA Standard P1 
when analyzed in accordance with the methods in AWPA Standard A1, 
sections 2, 3, 4, either 5 or 9, and 6;
    (ii) Pentachlorophenol which contains not less than 95 percent 
chlorinated phenols and conforms to AWPA Standard P8 when analyzed in

[[Page 289]]

accordance with AWPA Standard A5 or A9. The hydrocarbon solvents for 
introducing the preservative into the wood shall meet the requirements 
of AWPA Standard P9 Type A; or
    (iii) Waterborne preservatives, which may only be one of the 
following:
    (A) Ammoniacal Copper Arsenates (ACA) and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc 
Arsenate (ACZA) which shall meet the requirements of AWPA Standard P5, 
when analyzed in accordance with methods in AWPA Standards A2, A9, or 
A11; and
    (B) Chromated Copper Arsenates (CCA) which shall meet the 
requirements of one of the formulations given in AWPA Standard P5, 
sections 4, 5 or 6, and 10. Tests to establish conformity shall be made 
in accordance with AWPA Standards A2, A9, or A11.
    (1) The pH of treating solutions of the waterborne preservatives 
shown in AWPA Standard P5, section 10, shall be determined in accordance 
with AWPA Standard A2, section 8.
    (2) Waterborne preservatives are available either as oxides, which 
form non-ionizing chemical compounds in the wood, or as salts, which 
leave ionizing compounds as well as non-ionizing compounds in the wood. 
Salt formulations of a waterborne preservative are more corrosive to 
metal than the oxide formulation and may cause surface deposits. Unless 
otherwise specified in the purchase order, the oxide formulations of 
waterborne preservatives shall be supplied.
    (3) Douglas-fir crossarms shall not be treated with CCA 
preservatives.
    (4) Materials treated with waterborne preservatives shall be free of 
visible surface deposits.
    (iv) Copper Naphthenate (CuN) concentrate used to prepare wood 
preserving solutions shall contain not less than 6 percent nor more than 
8 percent copper in the form of Copper Naphthenate and shall conform to 
AWPA Standard P8 when analyzed in accordance with AWPA Standard A5. The 
hydrocarbon solvents for introducing the preservative into the wood 
shall meet the requirements of AWPA Standard P9 Type A.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (j) Preservative treatment. (1) All timber products treated under 
this specification shall be treated by either a pressure or a thermal 
(nonpressure) process.
    (2) These materials may be further conditioned by steaming, or by 
heating in hot oil (Douglas-fir), within the following limits:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Time
                                           Hours    Temperature Deg. F
                                          (max.)          (max.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steam                                        3    220 (104.4C)
Heating in Preservative                      3    210 (98.9C)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) A final steam or hot oil bath may be used only to meet 
cleanliness requirements of paragraph (k) of this section. Total 
duration of the final steam bath shall not exceed 2 hours and the 
temperature shall not exceed 240 degrees Fahrenheit (115.6C).
    (k) Results of treatments. (1) The quality control designee shall 
test or supervise the testing of each treated charge for penetration and 
retention.
    (2) Method of sampling. When testing penetration and retention, a 
borer core shall be taken from not less than 20 crossarms in each 
treating charge. The borings shall be taken from any face except the top 
face at a point as close to the end as possible, being at least 3 inches 
(7.62 cm) from the end of the arm and no closer than 3 inches (7.62 cm) 
from the edge of the holes. The bored holes shall be plugged with 
preservative-treated plugs driven into the arm. Borings from laminated 
arms shall not be taken from the same laminate unless there is an end 
joint separation.
    (3) Penetration by the preservative, as determined in accordance 
with AWPA Standard A3, shall be 100 percent of the sapwood in crossarms. 
In the heartwood of Douglas-fir crossarms, the penetration shall be not 
less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) longitudinally from the edge of holes and 
ends, and at least 3/16 inch (0.45 cm) from the surface of any face.
    (4) Retention of preservative in the outer 6/10 of an inch (1.52 cm) 
for Douglas-fir and one inch (2.54 cm) for Southern Yellow Pine assay 
zones at the treating plant shall be not less than:

[[Page 290]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          AWPA Analysis
            Preservative               Retention (pcf)        Method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creosote                              8                  A6
Pentachlorophenol                     0.4<SUP>*</SUP>               A5
ACA, ACZA, or CCA                     0.4                A2, A7, A9, or
                                                          A11
Copper Naphthenate                    0.04               A5, A9, or A11
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*This retention is for the lime ignition method. The copper pyridine
  method, retention 0.36 pcf, is required when timbers may have been in
  contact with salt water, and for all species native to the Pacific
  coast region. It is not required when it specifically states on the
  rough sawn material invoice that this material has not been in contact
  with salt water or is shown by analysis to have no additional
  chlorides present in the wood before treating.

    (5) Cleanliness of lengthwise surfaces of all crossarms shall be 
free from tarry, greasy, or sticky material, and from oil exudation and 
pentachlorophenol crystallization (blooming).
    (6) Re-treatment of materials which do not meet the penetration and 
retention requirements of this specification may be done only twice. 
Initial treatment steaming time plus re-treatment steaming time, 
combined, shall not exceed time allowed in paragraph (i) of this 
section.
    (l) Marks and brands. (1) All crossarms shall be branded (hot brand) 
or die-stamped legibly and to a depth of approximately 1/16 of an inch 
(0.16 cm) before treatment.
    (2) The letters and figures shall be not less than 1/2 of an inch 
(1.27 cm) in height. The top of the brand shall be oriented to the top 
of the arm.
    (3) The brand or die-stamp shall include:
    (i) The manufacturer's identification symbol;
    (ii) Month and year of manufacture;
    (iii) Species of timber such as DF for Douglas-fir and SP for 
Southern Yellow Pine; and
    (iv) The preservative notated with a C for creosote, P for penta, S 
for salts, or N for Copper Naphthenate.
    (4) An example is:

M-6-72  Manufacturer--Month--Year
DF-P      Douglas-fir--penta treated

    (5) The brand or stamp shall be placed on either of the wide 
surfaces of the arms, oriented with letters right side up towards the 
top of the arm and preferably about 1 foot (30.48 cm) from the midpoint 
of the arm.
    (6) The mark should be approximately the same location on each type 
of crossarm of each producer.
    (7) Brands, inspection marks, or quality assurance marks shall be 
removed from arms that do not meet these specifications
    (m) Storage. (1) Producers may treat crossarms for reserve stock 
under any of the RUS approved plans. Prior to treating reserve stock, 
and annually thereafter, producers shall notify the Director of the 
Electric Staff Division of their intent to treat reserve stock. The 
letter of notification shall be addressed to the Director, Electric 
Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1500.
    (2) RUS shall acknowledge, by letter, each notification of intent to 
treat material for reserve stock under the RUS specification.
    (3) RUS's letter acknowledging the plant's advance notice of intent 
to treat material for reserve treated stock for the calendar year in 
question shall be evidence of compliance with the notification 
requirements.
    (4) Producers shall notify RUS of:
    (i) The locations of all storage or distribution yards where reserve 
treated stock will be maintained;
    (ii) The designation of the RUS-approved plan;
    (iii) The name of the selected inspection agency, where applicable; 
and
    (iv) Any changes that occur during the year.
    (5) Crossarms treated with oil-borne preservatives which have been 
held in storage for more than 1 year before shipment to the borrower, 
shall be reassayed before shipment and shall be re-treated if found 
nonconforming for retention on orders placed in accordance with this 
section.
    (6) The crossarms shall meet the assay after re-treatment in 
accordance with paragraph (k) of this section.
    (7) Crossarms which are held in storage after final acceptance shall 
be stacked in piles or on skids in such a manner as to assure good 
ventilation. The stacks shall be covered or stored indoors for 
protection from the sun and weather to reduce checking, bending, and 
loss of preservative.
    (8) Borrowers or their contractors shall not purchase reserve 
treated stock from plants that fail to comply with the notification 
requirements.

[[Page 291]]

    (n) Drawings. (1) The drawings of Exhibit B of this section, 
Crossarm Drilling Guide, have a type number and show in detail the hole 
size, shape, and pattern desired for crossarms ordered under this 
specification.
    (2) Purchase orders shall indicate the type required.
    (3) Crossarms shall be furnished in accordance with the details of 
these drawings or in accordance with drawings attached to the purchase 
order
    (4) Technical drawings for transmission crossarms are published in 
RUS Bulletin 1728F-T805B (formerly 50-1), Electric Transmission 
Specifications and Drawings, 115kV through 230kV, and RUS Bulletin 
1728F-T805A (formerly 50-2), Electric Transmission Specification and 
Drawings, 34.5kV through 69kV.
    (5) Appropriate drawings for transmission arms are to be specified 
and included with purchase orders.
    (o) Destination inspection. (1) When cross-sectional tolerances are 
measured at destination, average shrinkage allowance shall be considered 
using the arm's current moisture content and actual size.
    (2) Using the average shrinkage allowances for Douglas-fir and 
Southern Yellow Pine as 1 percent size change for each four point 
moisture content change below the fiber saturation point, calculations 
can be made to determine if the arm met the minimum size at time of 
manufacture, when the arm was to meet the average moisture content.

[[Page 292]]

     Exhibit A to Sec. 1728.201--Distribution and Transmission Arms
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC16SE91.002


[[Page 293]]



           Exhibit B to Sec. 1728.201--Crossarm Drilling Guide
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC16SE91.003

[58 FR 41396, Aug. 3, 1993]

[[Page 294]]

Sec. 1728.202  RUS Bulletin 1728H-702, RUS Specification for Quality 
          Control and Inspection of Timber Products.

    (a) Scope. This specification describes in more detail the 
responsibilities and procedures pertaining to quality control for 
crossarms, as specified in Sec. 1728.201 of this **part**, and poles, 
covered in RUS Bulletin 1728F-700, incorporated by reference in 
Sec. 1728.97 of this **part** and in Sec. 1755.97 of 7 CFR **part** 1755.
    (b) Related specifications and standards incorporated by reference. 
The following specifications and standards referenced throughout this 
section are incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference 
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR **part** 51. Copies of each are available for 
inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 1250-S, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC. Copies of these standards and specifications may be purchased from 
the addresses shown below.
    (1) American Wood-Preservers' Association (AWPA), Book of Standards, 
1991 edition, available from AWPA, P.O. Box 286, Woodstock, Maryland 
21163-0286.
    (i) A1-91, Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and Fresh Water 
Use.
    (ii) A2-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Waterborne 
Preservatives and Fire-Retardant Formulations.
    (iii) A3-91, Standard Methods for Determining Penetration of 
Preservatives and Fire Retardants.
    (iv) A5-91, Standard Methods for Analysis of Oil-Borne 
Preservatives.
    (v) A6-89, Method for the Determination of Water and Oil-Type 
Preservatives in Wood.
    (vi) A7-75, Wet ashing Procedure for Preparing Wood for Chemical 
Analysis.
    (vii) A9-90, Standard Method for Analysis of Treated Wood and 
Treating Solutions by X-Ray Emission Spectroscopy.
    (viii) A11-83, Analysis of Treated Wood and Treating Solutions by 
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
    (ix) C1-91, Standard for Preservative Treatment by Pressure 
Processes All Timber Products.
    (x) C4-91, Standard for the Preservative Treatment of Poles by 
Pressure Processes.
    (xi) C8-91, Standard for the Full-Length Thermal Process Treatment 
of Western Red Cedar Poles.
    (xii) C10-91, Lodgepole Pine Poles--Preservative Treatment by the 
Full-Length Thermal Process.
    (xiii) C12-90, Western Larch Poles--Full-Length preservative 
Treatment by Thermal Process.
    (xiv) M1-90, Standard for the Purchase and Preservation of Forest 
Products.
    (xv) M2-91, Standard Instructions for the Inspection of Preservative 
Treatment of Wood.
    (xvi) M3-81, Standard Quality Control Procedures for Wood Preserving 
Plants.
    (xvii) M4-91, Standard for the Care of Preservative-Treated Wood 
Products.
    (xviii) P1/P13-91, Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and, 
Fresh Water and Marine (Coastal Water Use).
    (xix) P5-91, Standards for Water-Borne Preservatives.
    (xx) P8-91, Standards for Oil-Borne Preservatives.
    (xxi) P9-91, Standards for Solvents for Organic Preservative 
Systems.
    (2) American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC) 200-83, 
Inspection Manual, 1987 edition, available from AITC, 333 West Hampden 
Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80110.
    (3) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 05.2-1983, American 
National Standard for Wood Products--Structural Glued Laminated Timber 
for Utility Structures, available from ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, 
New York 10018.
    (4) American National Standards Institute/American Institute of 
Timber Construction (ANSI/AITC) A190.1-1983, American National Standard 
for Wood Products--Structural Glued Laminated Timber, available from 
ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.
    (5) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D9-87 (1992), 
Standard Terminology Relating to Wood, available from ASTM, 1916 Race 
Street,

[[Page 295]]

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1187, telephone number (215) 299-5585.
    (c) General stipulations. (1) Each RUS electric borrower shall 
submit to the Director, Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities 
Service, room 1250-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-1500, in January of each year a list of plants from which it 
obtained poles or crossarms during the preceding calendar year.
    (2) Ultimate quality control is the responsibility of the producer's 
management; however, a member of the producer's staff shall be 
designated quality control designee and charged with the responsibility 
for the exercise of proper quality control procedures. The requirements 
in American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA) Standard M3, covering 
records, adequate laboratory, plant gauges, and other plant facilities 
including proper storage, shall be followed.
    (3) The methods of inspection described in this section shall be 
used no matter which plan timber products are purchased under, i.e., 
Insured Warranty Plan, Independent Inspection Plan, or Quality Assurance 
Plans as described in Sec. 1728.201 of this **part** or RUS Bulletin 1728F-
700. The number of poles and crossarms actually inspected by monitors 
for quality control under a Quality Assurance Plan or the Insured 
Warranty Plan may vary from the number of poles and crossarms inspected 
under the Independent Inspection Plan. Under the Independent Inspection 
Plan, each pole and a sample number of crossarms shall be inspected.
    (4) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the RUS borrower should 
designate in the purchase order which inspection agency it has selected. 
Unless the RUS borrower contracts for inspection as a separate 
transaction, the treating company shall obtain the services of the RUS 
borrower's designated inspection agency. For reserve treated stock for 
purchase under the Independent Inspection Plan, the treating company 
shall obtain the services of an inspection agency. Selection of and 
changes in inspection agencies for reserve treated stock shall be 
promptly reported to the Director, Electric Staff Division, Rural 
Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1500, in accordance with RUS 
Bulletin 1728F-700, and Sec. 1728.201.
    (5) Individual inspectors in the employ of Independent Inspection 
Agencies shall be experienced and competent. The inspector shall perform 
all phases of the inspection personally and in the proper sequence. The 
primary responsibility of the inspector is to determine, for the 
borrower, by careful inspection and verification, that the timber 
products, preservative, and treatment meet the requirements of RUS 
Bulletin 1728F-700 and Bulletin 1728H-701 and that the methods, storage 
facilities, and production equipment conform to applicable RUS 
specifications. For details of the recommended inspector's 
qualifications see appendix A of this section.
    (6) Laminated materials for use on RUS borrower systems shall follow 
manufacturing and quality control requirements as specified in ANSI 
05.2--1983, American National Standard for Wood Products--Structural 
Glued Laminated Timber for Utility Structures, and ANSI/AITC A190.1-
1983, American National Standard for Wood Products--Structural Glued 
Laminated Timber. The product shall be marked and certified.
    (i) Laminated material shall be inspected by a qualified inspection 
and testing agency.
    (ii) Quality control of material shall be performed to determine 
conformance with Sec. 1728.201 of this **part** and AITC 200-83, Inspection 
Manual.
    (d) Quality control and inspection procedures for product 
acceptance. It is the responsibility of the plant quality control 
designee to perform the following procedures to insure that a particular 
lot of material conforms to the requirements of the applicable RUS 
specification prior to treatment. After the plant quality control 
designee has performed these procedures, a particular lot of material 
shall be released to the inspector for verification of conformance.
    (1) Poles can be purchased under any of the three purchase plans. 
These plans are Insured Warranty Plan, Independent Inspection Plan, or a 
Quality Assurance Plan. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, all poles 
in a lot shall

[[Page 296]]

be inspected. Under the Insured Warranty Plan and a Quality Assurance 
Plan, the number of poles in a lot actually inspected may be less than 
every pole, depending on the terms of the plans.
    (i) Ample space and assistance shall be provided by the treating 
plant for handling and turning to insure that the surfaces of all items 
can be adequately inspected.
    (ii) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, all poles shall be 
inspected for conformance to the requirements of RUS Bulletin 1728F-700. 
If a pole is rejected and the cause of rejection is corrected, the 
rejected pole may be offered again for inspection as new material.
    (iii) Dimensions, length, and circumference shall be measured by a 
standard steel pole tape to determine that they are in agreement with 
the details for class and length in the brand and butt stamp. If it is 
obvious by visual comparison with a measured pole that the brand 
information is correct, individual poles need not be measured. Pole 
circumference dimensions made prior to treatment shall govern 
acceptance. Reduction in dimension due to treatment and shipping shall 
be not more than 2 percent below the minimum for the pole class.
    (iv) If 15 percent of the poles in a lot offered for inspection are 
defective, the inspector shall terminate the inspection. Re-examination 
of an entire lot by plant quality control shall be required when the 
number of rejected poles equals or exceeds 15 percent of the lot 
inspected. All defective or nonconforming poles either shall be removed 
from the lot or marked out.
    (v) Poles in a lot inspected for decay shall be of the same 
seasoning condition. If the independent inspector suspects that decay 
has occurred, he shall cut a slice from both ends for closer 
examination. If 5 percent of the inspected poles in a lot shows evidence 
of decay, the entire lot shall be unconditionally rejected without 
further sorting.
    (vi) Moisture content, when limited by the purchaser, as stated on 
the borrower's purchase order, shall be measured by calibrated electric 
moisture meter. Calibration of the meter shall include not only the zero 
settings for the X and Y readings, but also two resistance standards for 
12 and 22 percent moisture content.
    (vii) Material failing to conform for moisture content may be 
retested upon request after a recalibration of the instrument. The 
results of the second test shall govern disposition of the lot.
    (viii) Re-examination for any mechanical damage or deterioration and 
for original acceptance shall be conducted on timber products not 
treated within 10 days after original inspection.
    (2) Crossarms can be purchased only under either of two purchase 
plans. These plans are the Independent Inspection Plan or Quality 
Assurance Plans. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, crossarms are to 
be inspected prior to manufacture, during manufacture, and after 
treatment. Under a Quality Assurance Plan, crossarms are monitored 
according to the terms of the quality assurance program acceptable to 
RUS.
    (i) Inspection prior to treatment shall include:
    (A) Surface inspection of all ends of all arms. This is usually done 
on the stacks of arms prior to manufacture. Particular attention shall 
be paid to defects commonly found in the ends, such as compression wood, 
red heart and other forms of decay, shakes, splits, through checks, 
scantiness, honeycomb, and low density, determined by rings per inch 
(centimeter) and percent of summerwood. Whenever the number of 
nonconforming arms is found to exceed 0.5 percent of the lot or one arm, 
whichever is greater, the entire lot shall be rejected for excess number 
of defective ends. After the producer has removed or marked out the 
defective material, the arms may be resubmitted for inspection.
    (B) Surface inspection of the lengthwise sides performed on a random 
representative sample. The sample size shall equal 20 percent of a lot 
size or 200 arms, whichever is smaller. The inspector shall examine side 
surfaces as they are slowly rotated. When necessary, the rotation may be 
stopped for closer inspection. Whenever the number of nonconforming arms 
is found to exceed 2 percent of the sample size, the entire lot shall be 
rejected. After the producer has removed or marked out

[[Page 297]]

the defective material, the arms may be resubmitted for inspection.
    (C) Check of moisture content of the random sample by a calibrated 
moisture meter.
    (D) Check of crossarm dimensions of the random sample measured after 
surfacing.
    (ii) Inspection during manufacture shall consist of:
    (A) Checking bolt and insulator pin holes for squareness and 
excessive splintering;
    (B) Checking brands for completeness, location, and legibility; and
    (C) Checking arms for conformance.
    (iii) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, there shall be a final 
inspection during and after treatment for preservative retention and 
penetration and for damage.
    (3) Structural glued laminated timber shall be tested and inspected 
in accordance with AITC 200-83, Inspection Manual. Grade of lumber shall 
be inspected by a qualified grader for specified quality, and so marked, 
in accordance with grading rules of the American Lumber Standards. 
Adhesives used for all structural arms shall meet requirements of ANSI 
05.2-83, paragraph 5.2. Melamine urea adhesives shall not be used. End 
joint spacings and limitations shall be in accordance with ANSI 05.2-83.
    (e) Preservatives. (1) Creosote shall conform to the requirements of 
AWPA Standard P1 when analyzed by AWPA Standard Al, sections 2, 3, 4, 
either 5 or 9, and 6.
    (i) Each occasional charge, all material treated in a cylinder at 
one time, shall be analyzed.
    (ii) The first charge and one of every five charges randomly 
selected in consecutive charges shall be analyzed.
    (2) Solutions of waterborne preservatives shall be analyzed for 
components in accordance with AWPA Standards A2, A9, or A11, and shall 
meet the requirements of P5 for composition. AWPA A2 shall be used as a 
referee method.
    (3) Pentachlorophenol shall contain not less than 95 percent 
chlorinated phenols and conform to AWPA Standard P8 in hydrocarbon 
solvent AWPA P9 Type A.
    (4) Copper Naphthenate in hydrocarbon solvent (AWPA P9 Type A) shall 
contain not less than 6 percent nor more than 8 percent copper in the 
form of Copper Naphthenate and conform to AWPA Standard P8 when analyzed 
in accordance with AWPA Standard A5.
    (f) Plant facilities and inspection during treatment. (1) 
Manufacturing and treating plant facilities shall conform to AWPA 
Standard M3, paragraph 3. Pressure plants shall be equipped with 
recording instruments to register time, pressure, temperature and vacuum 
during each cycle of treatment. They shall also be equipped with 
indicating thermometers and pressure and vacuum gauges to check the 
accuracy of the recorders. Work tanks shall be equipped with a 
thermometer. Thermal treating vats shall be equipped with a time and 
temperature recorder and with an indicating thermometer. Temperature 
recording devices are not mandatory for plants treating exclusively with 
waterborne preservatives.
    (2) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the inspector shall be 
present during the treatment procedure, except at times when it may be 
impractical, such as during late night or early morning treatments. At 
such times, temperature, pressure, and vacuum data shall be taken from 
the recording charts.
    (3) Recording instruments shall be checked with indicating gauges 
and thermometers. Inaccuracies shall be referred to the treating company 
for prompt correction. In the event of an inaccuracy, indicating 
possible damage to the material, the inspector shall reject the charge.
    (g) Results of treatment. (1) Poles shall be tested for retention 
and penetration by means of a calibrated increment borer 0.2 inches 
(0.51 cm) <plus-minus> 0.02 inches (0.05 cm) in diameter in accordance 
with procedures in AWPA Standard M2, paragraph 5.22. Under the 
Independent Inspection Plan, all treating charges shall be tested for 
retention and penetration. Plant quality control and independent 
inspection shall do their analyses separately. Under the Insured 
Warranty Plan and Quality Assurance Plans, the frequency of testing 
retention and penetration may vary according to the plan.

[[Page 298]]

    (i) Western red and northern white cedars and western larch poles 
shall be bored at any point of the periphery approximately 6-12 inches 
(15.24-30.48 cm) above ground line and all other species approximately 1 
foot (30.48 cm) above or below the brand.
    (ii) Penetration shall be determined in accordance with AWPA 
Standard A3. Chrome Azurol S and Penta-Check shall be used to determine 
penetration of copper containing preservatives and penta, respectively.
    (iii) Retention sampling. (A) When there are 20 or more poles in the 
treating charge, the retention sample for creosote shall consist of 20 
assay zones from southern pine and Douglas-fir poles. All poles in 
charges with fewer than 20 poles shall be bored once. Charges with less 
than 15 poles shall be bored once and bored again on a random basis to 
obtain a minimum of 15 assay zones.
    (B) Retention samples shall be taken from 20 poles in charges of 20 
or more poles.
    (C) Retention samples for Alaska yellow, western red, and northern 
white cedars shall be comprised of a minimum of 30 assay zones for 
creosote and waterborne preservatives. For penta charges of fewer than 
30 poles, the sample shall contain the assay zone from each pole in the 
lot.
    (D) Retention samples shall be comprised of borings, representative 
of pole volumes for each class and length in the charge. Further 
selection and marking of poles of mixed seasoning, volume, and location 
on the tram shall be made as illustrated in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Vol.            Number
       Number of Poles           Class/Length    in cu.   Total     of
                                                   ft.   Volume  Borings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27                             7/30(09.1 m)      232     15      3
26                             4/35(10.7 m)      447     29      6
11                             5/35(10.7 m)      163     10      2
55<SUP>*</SUP>                            6/35(10.7 m)      704     46      9
                                                --------
          Total..............                    1,546
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*If a portion of these poles were green and some partially seasoned,
  then the number of borings should reflect the approximate percentage
  of each.

    (iv) When material in a lot consists of fewer pieces than the 
designated minimum number of samples for assay, additional borings shall 
be taken so as to make up at least the minimum sample, and in such 
manner that the sample is representative of the lot of material with 
respect to any variations in size, seasoning condition, or other 
features that might affect the results of treatment.
    (v) Analyses for preservative retention shall be performed.
    (A) Creosote shall be analyzed by AWPA Standard A6.
    (B) Penta shall be analyzed by AWPA Standard A5 or A9. Copper 
pyridine method is required when timber may have been in contact with 
salt water and for all species native to the Pacific coast region, 
unless the raw material invoice specifically states that the material 
either has not been in contact with salt water or has been shown by 
analysis to have contained no additional chlorides before treating.
    (C) Copper Naphthenate shall be analyzed by tests in accordance with 
AWPA Standards A5 or A9.
    (D) Waterborne preservatives shall be analyzed by tests in 
accordance with AWPA Standards A2, A7, A9, or A11.
    (E) Prior to unloading a tram, the inspectors may take their own 
samples and analyze them concurrently with the quality control designee, 
but each shall work independently, and quality control data shall be 
presented before acceptance of the charge.
    (vi) Penetration sampling of poles. (A) Group A poles consist of 
poles with a circumference of 37.5 inches (95.25 cm) or less at 6 feet 
(1.8 m) from butt.
    (1) Bore 20 Group A poles or 20 percent of the poles, whichever is 
greater. Accept if 100 percent of the sample conform; otherwise, bore 
all poles.
    (2) Re-treat the charge if more than 15 percent of the borings are 
found to be nonconforming.
    (3) Re-treat all nonconforming poles if 15 percent or fewer fail the 
requirement.
    (B) Group B poles consist of poles with circumference greater than 
37.5 inches (95.25 cm) at 6 feet (1.8 m) from the butt.
    (1) For Group B poles 50 feet (15.2 m) and shorter, bore each pole 
and re-treat only those found to be nonconforming, unless more than l5 
percent fail; in that case, re-treat the entire lot.

[[Page 299]]

    (2) For Group B poles longer than 50 feet (15.2 m), bore each pole 
twice at 90 degrees apart around the pole and accept only those poles 
conforming to the penetration requirement in both borings. All 
nonconforming poles may be re-treated only twice.
    (vii) All holes (nominal 0.2 of an inch (0.05 cm) diam. bit) shall 
be promptly filled with treated, tight-fitting wood plugs.
    (2) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, all treating charges of 
crossarms shall be tested for retention and penetration. Plant quality 
control inspectors and independent inspectors shall do their analyses 
independently. Under the Quality Assurance Plans, the frequency of 
testing retention and penetration may vary according to the plan.
    (i) The penetration and retention sample shall consist of 20 (48 for 
creosote) outer 6/10 of an inch (1.52 cm) for Douglas-fir and 1 inch 
(2.54 cm) for Southern Yellow Pine zones from borings taken from any 
face except the top face at a location as close to the end as possible 
being at least 3 inches (7.62 cm) from the end of the arm and no closer 
than 3 inches from the edge of any holes. For laminated material, 
borings shall be taken from laminates on a random basis.
    (ii) Penetration shall be tested by taking not less than 20 borings 
from 20 crossarms in each charge, determined in accordance with AWPA 
Standard A3. Chrome Azurol S and Penta-Check shall be used to determine 
penetration of copper containing preservatives and penta, respectively.
    (3) Laminated material shall be checked for any evidence of 
delamination due to treatment and for the identifying quality stamp of 
AITC or American Plywood Association (APA).
    (4) When x-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments are used to analyze 
preservative or retention, Periodic Instrument Checks (PIC) shall be 
made by the treating plant and any outside inspection agency using the 
treating plant's instrument or its own. Appendix B of this section 
outlines a recommended procedure.
    (5) At a minimum, treating plants shall perform the PIC weekly and 
record the results in the instrument's log, which shall be stored with 
the instrument. Independent inspection agencies shall use their own 
samples to perform the PIC on treater's instrument once per visit, not 
to exceed one PIC per week. Inspection agencies shall record their 
results in the instrument's log and state the date of its latest PIC on 
all treating reports.
    (6) XRF instruments shall be accurate and reliable, and they shall 
generate reproducible results. Instruments shall have thorough 
instructions which should include recommendations on drying techniques, 
equipment, and density calculations. These drying recommendations shall 
be followed when using these instruments.
    (h) Product acceptance. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the 
inspector shall signify acceptance by marking each piece of accepted 
material with a clear, legible hammer stamp in one end prior to 
treatment and in the other end after treatment. The inspector shall 
personally mark each piece, and shall not delegate this responsibility 
to another person.
    (i) Charge inspection reports. (1) Inspection Reports shall cover 
the following:
    (i) The total pieces in the lot, number of and causes for rejection;
    (ii) The conditioning of the material prior to treatment;
    (iii) The analyses of preservative identified by the analyst's 
signature or certification;
    (iv) The details of treatment; and
    (v) The results of treatment. These results shall include the 
following:
    (A) The depth of penetration for retention sample and a summary of 
all poles rejected for insufficient penetration;
    (B) Worksheets for retention analyses, each identified by quality 
control designee and independent inspector;
    (C) The number of pieces offered and rejected, together with the 
cause(s) for rejection;
    (D) The date of latest Periodic Instrument Check.
    (2) On each inspection report the independent inspector and the 
plant quality control designee shall certify, in writing, that the 
material listed on the report has been inspected before,

[[Page 300]]

during, and after treatment, and that the preservative used was analyzed 
in accordance with the requirements of this section.
    (3) Each inspector or inspection agency shall retain for a period of 
1 year a copy or transcript of each report of inspection, together with 
laboratory worksheets covering retention by assay and preservative 
analyses for the purchaser, and on request shall furnish a copy or 
transcript of any of these reports to the Director, Electric Staff 
Division, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1500.
    (j) Charge numbers on re-treat poles. The letter ``R'' shall be 
added to the original charge number in the butts of all poles that are 
re-treated for insufficient penetration or retention of preservative. 
All poles that fail to meet treatment requirements after two re-
treatments shall be permanently rejected.
    (k) Safety provisions. Poles intended for RUS borrowers shall not be 
inspected when, in the opinion of the inspector, unsafe conditions are 
present.

   Appendix A to Sec. 1728.202--Recommended Inspectors' Qualifications

    (a) Inspection agencies should see that inspectors assigned to the 
inspection of timber products and treatment for RUS borrowers are 
competent and experienced.
    (b) Recommended experience. In general, any of the following 
examples are recommended as minimum qualifying experience before a new 
inspector may be permitted to inspect timber products for RUS borrowers:
    (1) Three years' experience as an inspector of timber and the 
preservative treatment of timber.
    (2) Three years' experience in timber treating plant quality control 
work.
    (3) Under the direct supervision of an experienced, well-qualified 
inspector, who has performed the following:
    (i) Inspected at least 2,500 poles and/or crossarms ``in the 
white.''
    (ii) Checked preservative penetration results on at least 500 poles 
and crossarms.
    (iii) Made at least 35 wood assays for preservative retention.
    (iv) Made at least 25 analyses of each type preservative used on 
material the person is assigned to inspect.
    (v) In both (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this appendix A, the experience 
should be not less than that required in (b)(3)(i), (b)(3)(ii), 
(b)(3)(iii), and (b)(3)(iv).
    (4) Inspectors experienced in the inspections of one product, such 
as poles, should not be qualified to inspect another product, such as 
crossarms, until the above experience is gained.
    (5) The inspector should be especially well informed in wood 
preservation and the operation of a timber treating plant, and be 
competent in preservative analysis and other laboratory work.
    (6) In all cases, an inspector should be thoroughly instructed in 
the application of RUS specifications and the standards pertaining 
thereto before being permitted to independently inspect timber products 
and the treatments applied to them. Knowledge of these specifications 
and standards, as well as the inspector's proficiency, may be checked 
routinely by members of the RUS staff.

      Appendix B to Sec. 1728.202--Periodic Instrument Check X-ray 
                              Fluorescence

    (a) General. The following sample calibration standards and 
procedures may be used in lieu of comparison with analysis by wet ash or 
lime ignition methods.
    (b) Penta. Until such time as AWPA approves calibration standards 
for penta, the following method should be used to run a salt water 
solution to measure Cl (chloride).
    (1) Standard Solution. Dry approximately 15 grams of reagent grade 
NaCl at 105 deg.C for 1 hour. Weigh 10.00 grams into a tared beaker. Add 
distilled water until the total weight is 100.00 grams. Stir until 
completely dissolved. This will give a 10 percent weight to weight 
solution of NaCl.
    (2) Baseline Check. (i) Insure that the instrument is in good 
agreement with lime ignition.
    (ii) Record any user correction factors.
    (iii) Stabilize and standardize the instrument.
    (iv) Run the salt solution five times using the PENTA-OIL 
calibration mode.
    (v) Record the average and standard deviation of the values for 
percent penta. The average value will now be considered the nominal 
value.
    (3) Periodic Instrument Check. Run the salt solution two times and 
average the results. If the value is more than <plus-minus> 5 percent of 
the nominal value, the instrument needs further calibration, following 
manufacturer's recommendation.
    (c) Waterborne preservatives. Treaters and inspection agencies 
should purchase AWPA Committee P-5 Standard Reference Materials to 
analyze on their instruments. Reference materials should be in the 
retention range of the material being produced at the plants. If the 
value is more than <plus-minus> 5 percent of the nominal value, the 
instrument needs further calibration. AWPA Committee P-5 Standard 
Reference Materials may be purchased from:

[[Page 301]]

    American Wood Preservers' Association, P.O. Box 286, Woodstock, 
Maryland 21163, Phone: (410) 456-3169.

[58 FR 41406, Aug. 3, 1993]
```