ENV 807:2001

Wood preservatives - Determination of the effectiveness against soft rotting micro-fungi and other soil inhabiting micro-organisms

This European Prestandard specifies a method of test for determining the toxic effectiveness of a wood preservative, applied to wood by full impregnation, against the micro-fungi which cause soft rot of wood.
The method is applicable to testing of formulated products or of their active ingredients.
NOTE   A method suitable for undertaking screening tests of potential active ingredients is given in annex A.

Holzschutzmittel - Prüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der Grenze der Wirksamkeit gegen Moderfäule und andere erdbewohnende Mikroorganismen

Anwendungsbereich
Diese Europäische Vornorm legt ein Prüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der toxischen Wirksamkeit eines im Volltränkverfahren eingebrachten Holzschutzmittels gegen Mikropilze fest, die im Holz Moderfäule verursachen.
Das Verfahren ist anwendbar für die Prüfung formulierter Holzschutzmittelerzeugnisse oder ihrer wirksamen Bestandteile.
ANMERKUNG   Ein geeignetes Verfahren, um orientierende Versuche über wirksame Bestandteile durchzuführen, ist in Anhang A beschrieben.

Produits de préservation du bois - Détermination de l'efficacité vis-à-vis des micro-organismes de pourriture molle et d'autres micro-organismes du sol

La présente Prénorme européenne spécifie une méthode de détermination de l'efficacité toxique d'un produit de préservation appliqué au bois par imprégnation à refus, vis-à-vis des micro-organismes qui entraînent la pourriture molle du bois.
La méthode est applicable aux produits de préservation du bois formulés ou à leurs matières actives.
NOTE   Une méthode appropriée pour effectuer des essais de tri des matières actives potentielles est donnée dans l'annexe A.

Zaščitna sredstva za les – Ugotavljanje učinkovitosti zaščitnega sredstva proti glivam razkrojevalkam lesa

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-May-2001
• ICS: 71.100.50 - Wood-protecting chemicals
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 38 - Durability of wood and derived materials
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 38/WG 23 - Fungal testing (basidiomycetes-microfungi)
• Current Stage: 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Completion Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Ref Project: SIST-TS ENV 807:2004 - Wood preservatives - Determination of the effectiveness against soft rotting micro-fungi and other soil inhabiting micro-organisms

Overview

ENV 807:2001 (CEN) defines a laboratory test method for assessing the effectiveness of wood preservatives against soft‑rotting micro‑fungi and other soil‑inhabiting micro‑organisms. It applies to preservatives applied by full impregnation and may be used for formulated products or their active ingredients. The procedure provides a controlled, repeatable basis for comparing performance and supporting product development, regulatory assessment and quality control.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: Impregnated small wood specimens (stakes) are leached (per EN 84) and partly buried in a biologically active soil; specimens are assessed after 8, 16, 24 and 32 weeks. Performance is compared with a reference preservative.
• Materials:
  • Soil: Natural topsoil or a loam‑based horticultural soil (pH 6–8) with water‑holding capacity (WHC) between 25% and 60% (annex B gives a WHC method). Turf/top 50 mm removed; pass through 12.5 mm sieve; soil used only once. Annex C describes a virulence check.
  • Wood species: Scots pine (softwood) and beech (hardwood) are specified; wood must be defect‑free and conditioned to (12 ± 2)% moisture content.
  • Reference preservative: A copper/chromium formulation (composition given in the standard) is used as the comparison control.
• Specimen dimensions and handling:
  • Specimens: (100 ± 1) mm × (10 ± 0.1) mm × (5 ± 0.1) mm; nominal volume 5.0 cm3.
  • Replication: at least six treated specimens per concentration/species/exposure period; virulence and moisture monitoring controls per container; check specimens for correction calculations.
• Apparatus and conditions: Conditioning at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5)% RH; culture/incubation at (27 ± 2) °C and (70 ± 5)% RH; vacuum impregnation equipment, ventilated test containers (see annex D).
• Scope of testing: Applicable to formulated products or active ingredients; annex A provides an optional screening test for candidate actives.

Applications and users

• Who uses ENV 807:
  • Independent testing laboratories and product certification bodies
  • Wood‑preservative manufacturers and R&D teams
  • Regulatory authorities assessing biocide efficacy and safety
  • Specifiers and quality control units validating product performance
• Practical uses:
  • Comparative efficacy testing against soft rot organisms
  • Screening of new active ingredients (annex A)
  • Supporting claims for durability and service life in soil contact applications
  • Supplementary data to field trials and other biological tests

Related standards

• EN 84 - Accelerated ageing/leaching of treated wood (referenced)
• EN ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (referenced)
• ENV 807 includes informative annexes on screening, WHC determination, virulence checks, container setup and example reports, which help implement the method consistently.

Keywords: ENV 807, wood preservatives, soft rot test, soft rotting micro‑fungi, soil‑inhabiting micro‑organisms, CEN, wood protection testing, EN 84.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2004
=DãþLWQDVUHGVWYD]DOHV±8JRWDYOMDQMHXþLQNRYLWRVWL]DãþLWQHJDVUHGVWYDSURWL
JOLYDPUD]NURMHYDONDPOHVD
Wood preservatives - Determination of the effectiveness against soft rotting micro-fungi
and other soil inhabiting micro-organisms
Holzschutzmittel - Prüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der Grenze der Wirksamkeit gegen
Moderfäule und andere erdbewohnende Mikroorganismen
Produits de préservation du bois - Détermination de l'efficacité vis-a-vis des micro-
organismes de pourriture molle et d'autres micro-organismes du sol
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ENV 807:2001
ICS:
71.100.50 .HPLNDOLMH]D]DãþLWROHVD Wood-protecting chemicals
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN PRESTANDARD
ENV 807
PRÉNORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE VORNORM
May 2001
ICS 71.100.50 Supersedes ENV 807:1993
English version
Wood preservatives - Determination of the effectiveness against
soft rotting micro-fungi and other soil inhabiting micro-organisms
Produits de préservation du bois - Détermination de Holzschutzmittel - Prüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der
l'efficacité vis-à-vis des micro-organismes de pourriture Grenze der Wirksamkeit gegen Moderfäule und andere
molle et d'autres micro-organismes du sol erdbewohnende Mikroorganismen
This European Prestandard (ENV) was approved by CEN on 1 March 2001 as a prospective standard for provisional application.
The period of validity of this ENV is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the ENV can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this ENV in the same way as for an EN and to make the ENV available promptly
at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the ENV) until the final
decision about the possible conversion of the ENV into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2001 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. ENV 807:2001 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Page 2
Contents
page
Foreword.3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions.5
4 Principle.5
5 Test materials.5
6 Sample of the preservative .7
7 Test specimens .7
8 Procedures .9
9 Validity of test.13
10 Expression of results .13
11 Test report .14
Annex A (informative) Optional screening test .16
Annex B (informative) Determination of soil water holding capacity .26
Annex C (informative) Rapid soil virulence test.29
Annex D (informative) Experimental set up of the test containers .30
Annex E (informative) Calculation of the nominal effective retention.31
Annex F (informative) Example of a test report .35
Bibliography .41

Page 3
Foreword
This European Prestandard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 38, "Durability of wood and
derived materials", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Prestandard supersedes ENV 807:1993.
The annexes A, B, C, D, E and F are informative.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this European Prestandard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Page 4
Introduction
This European Prestandard specifies a laboratory method of test which gives a basis for assessing the
effectiveness of a wood preservative against micro-fungi (ascomycetes and fungi imperfecti) which cause soft rot of
wood in service. The infection source is the natural micro-flora of the soil which may also contain other
micro-organisms, such as bacteria and other fungi, such as moulds and basidiomycetes. This laboratory method
provides one criterion by which the value of a wood preservative product can be assessed. This information has to
be supplemented by data from other relevant tests and from practical experience.

Page 5
1 Scope
This European Prestandard specifies a method of test for determining the toxic effectiveness of a wood
preservative, applied to wood by full impregnation, against the micro-fungi which cause soft rot of wood.
The method is applicable to testing of formulated products or of their active ingredients.
NOTE A method suitable for undertaking screening tests of potential active ingredients is given in annex A.
2 Normative references
This European Prestandard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Prestandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 84, Wood preservatives — Accelerated ageing of treated wood prior to biological testing — Leaching procedure
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Prestandard, the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
representative sample
sample having its physical or chemical characteristics identical to the volumetric average characteristics of the total
volume being sampled
3.2
supplier
sponsor of the test
4 Principle
A number of small test specimens (as small stakes) are impregnated with the preservative under test at a minimum
of three concentrations ranged about the retention expected to provide protection throughout the test period. The
test specimens are exposed to leaching according to EN 84. The specimens are partly buried vertically in a
microbially active soil. Sets of test specimens are assessed after 8, 16, 24 and 32 weeks of exposure. The
performance of the test preservative is evaluated by comparison with the performance of a reference preservative.
5 Test materials
5.1 Biological materials
5.1.1 Soil
1)
Natural top soil or a fertile loam-based horticultural soil of pH 6 to pH 8 and not containing added agro-chemicals.
It shall have a waterholding capacity (WHC) of between 25 % (m/m) and 60 % (m/m).
NOTE 1 A suitable method for determining WHC is described in annex B.

1)
A horticultural soil of the John Innes No.2 type and with the following composition has been found to be suitable; seven
parts by volume loam, three parts by volume sphagnum peat, two parts by volume sharp sand plus 0,6 g chalk and 6,0 g slow
release fertilizer per litre of soil mixture. If the WHC is too high, it can be lowered by modifying the soil with the addition of sand.

Page 6
If a natural soil is used, it shall have the turf or top 50 mm removed and shall not be taken from a depth below
200 mm from the original surface. It shall be passed through a sieve of nominal aperture size 12,5 mm. If it is
necessary to store the soil prior to use, it shall be stored in closed moisture-proof containers. Before use,
thoroughly mix the sample of soil.
NOTE 2 The soil should only be collected in a moist condition.
If a horticultural soil is used which is sterilized during its preparation, then 20 % (m/m) of a natural soil, prepared as
above, shall be added and the soils thoroughly mixed prior to the start of the test.
The soil shall be used only once.
NOTE 3 If assurance of the virulence of the soil is required, the test procedure using cotton cloth described in annex C, or a
similar standardized procedure, may be used.
5.2 Products and reagents
5.2.1 Solvents and diluents
Water to grade 3 of EN ISO 3696 and, if appropriate, volatile organic liquids leaving in the wood no residue which
would have a toxic effect on the soil inhabiting micro-organisms at the end of the post-treatment conditioning
period.
NOTE Information on appropriate solvents and diluents should be provided by the supplier.
5.2.2 Reference preservative
A copper/chromium preservative with a composition equivalent to the following :
.
CuSO 5H 0 50,0 % (m/m)
4 2
K Cr 0 48,0 % (m/m)
2 2 7
CrO 2,0 % (m/m)
The preservative shall be prepared from ingredients of at least 95 % (m/m) purity.
5.2.3 Xylene
(C H (CH ) ) mixed isomers, technical grade.
6 4 3 2
5.3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Conditioning chamber, well ventilated and maintained at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % r.h.
5.3.2 Ventilated drying oven, capable of being maintained at (103 ± 2) °C.
5.3.3 Desiccators, with efficient desiccant (silica gel for example).
5.3.4 Treatment vessels, of a material that does not react with either the preservative or solvents or diluents, for
example of glass for organic products and plastics materials for salts containing fluorine.
5.3.5 Weights, of a material that does not react with the preservative solutions under test, to provide ballast for
the test specimens.
5.3.6 Plastics mesh, of a material that does not react with the preservative solutions under test, for retaining test
specimens during impregnation.
5.3.7 Vacuum vessels, fitted with stopcocks.
5.3.8 Vacuum pump, fitted with a pressure gauge and capable of maintaining a pressure of 0,7 kPa.

Page 7
5.3.9 Drying vessels, provided with a cover and containing supports which will give a minimum of contact with
the treated test specimens which are to be placed on them. The vessels and supports shall be of a material that
does not react with the test solvent or test preservative, for example glass for organic products or of plastic material
for salts containing fluorine.
5.3.10 Culture chamber (incubator or room), dark and maintained at (27 ± 2) °C and (70 ± 5) % r.h.
5.3.11 Vacuum filtration apparatus,
comprising vacuum flask, 146 mm diameter Buchner funnel and fitting
coarse grade filter papers.
5.3.12 Test containers, made of material which does not have a toxic effect on the soil inhabiting micro-
organisms and provided with a ventilated lid. The depth shall be at least 150 mm, so as to provide at least 30 mm
below the test specimens when inserted in the soil to a depth of 80 mm and adequate clearance above the top of
the protruding parts of the test specimens.
NOTE The exact dimensions are not critical but they determine the number of test specimens in each vessel (which should
not be less than 10). An example of a suitable test container is described in annex D.
5.3.13 Safety equipment and protective clothing,
appropriate for the test product, test solvent and reference
preservative, to ensure the safety of the operator.
5.3.14 Ordinary laboratory equipment, including a balance accurate to 0,001 g.
6 Sample of the preservative
The sample of preservative shall be representative of the product to be tested. Samples shall be stored and
handled in accordance with any written recommendations from the supplier.
NOTE For the sampling of preservatives from bulk supplies, the procedure given in EN 212 should be used.
7 Test specimens
7.1 Species of wood
The following species shall be used for the test :
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris Linnaeus) for products intended to be used on softwoods ;
beech (Fagus sylvatica Linnaeus) for products intended to be used on hardwoods.
NOTE Additional tests may be carried out using other species but, if so, this should be stated in the test report.
7.2 Wood quality
The wood shall be free from cracks, stain, decay, insect damage and other defects. The wood shall not have been
water-stored, floated, chemically treated or steamed.
NOTE Wood that has been kiln dried at temperatures below 60 °C may be used.
The Scots pine shall be exclusively sapwood containing little resin and having between 2,5 annual growth rings per
10 mm and eight annual growth rings per 10 mm. The proportion of latewood in the annual rings shall not exceed
30 % of the whole.
The beech shall be even-grained, free from tyloses and discolouration. It shall have between two annual growth
rings per 10 mm and six annual growth rings per 10 mm.
7.3 Provision of test specimens
Condition the wood to (12 ± 2) % (m/m) moisture content. Prepare planed strips having a cross-section of
(10 ± 0,1) mm (5 ± 0,1) mm. The longitudinal faces shall be parallel to the direction of the grain. The annual rings

Page 8
shall have a contact angle of (90 ± 15) ° to the broad faces. Make transverse cuts, neatly to give sharp edges and
a fine-sawn finish to the end-grain surfaces, to give test specimens (100 ± 1) mm long.
The specimens shall originate from a minimum of three trees or shall be taken from a stock of more than
500 specimens and originating from at least five planks.
NOTE A moisture meter of the two pronged electrical conductivity type is suitable for assessing moisture content.
7.4 Dimensions and density of specimens
The dimensions of each test specimen at (12 ± 2) % (m/m) moisture content shall be (100 ± 1) mm (10 ± 0,1) mm
(5 ± 0,1) mm.
For the purposes of calculating the density of the specimens (8.1.1) and the mass of preservative retained per unit
volume of wood (8.1.3), the nominal volume of each test specimen shall be taken as 5,0 cm .
In any batch of specimens, the mass of an individual is permitted to differ from the mean value of the batch
by ± 10(m/m).
7.5 Number and distribution of test specimens
The test specimens are divided into :
s treated test specimens.
s test specimens treated with the test preservative: these are impregnated with the solutions of the test
1.1
preservative (clause 6) and subjected to attack by the micro-organisms in the soil. Use at least six
test specimens for each combination of test preservative concentration, species of wood and
exposure period (8.3.1).
s test specimens treated with the reference preservative: these specimens are impregnated with the
1.2
solutions of the reference preservative (5.2.2) and subjected to attack by the micro-organisms in the
soil. Use at least six test specimens for each combination of reference preservative concentration,
species of wood and exposure period.
s untreated test specimens.
s virulence control specimens : these specimens are not treated, they are of the same species of wood
2.1
as the treated test specimens, and are subjected to attack by the micro-organisms in the soil. They
are used to provide a measure of comparability between tests. Use three virulence control
specimens for each test container.
NOTE 1 The virulence control specimens are assessed after 16 weeks exposure.
s moisture monitoring specimens : these specimens are not treated, they are of the same wood
2.2
species as the treated test specimens and are planted in the soil to assess that the moisture content
level established in the test specimens is adequate to support active fungal attack. Use three
moisture monitoring specimens for each test container.
NOTE 2 If the test is to be carried out in eight test containers of the type described in annex D (four containers for Scots pine
specimens and four containers for beech specimens, (see 8.2.2), each of these containers would require three replicates of the
virulence control specimens and three replicates of the moisture monitoring specimens of the appropriate species of wood; this
gives a total of 12 virulence control specimens and 12 moisture monitoring specimens per species of wood. With smaller test
containers, lower numbers of replicates are acceptable but each test container should contain at least one replicate virulence
control specimen and one moisture monitoring specimen.
s treated check test specimens for calculation of the correction values.
s check test specimens treated with the test preservative: these are test specimens treated in exactly
3.1
s test specimens, except that after drying, conditioning and leaching, they are
the same way as the
1.1
allowed to dry fully and are not planted in the soil. Use at least four specimens for each combination

Page 9
of tests preservative concentration and species of wood. Variations in the mass of these specimens
make it possible to determine the correction value (C ) for the variations in mass of the treated test

specimens s , resulting from factors other than attack by the soil inhabiting micro-organisms. At a
1.1
given treating solution concentration, the correction value C is the mean percentage change in
mass of the s test specimens.
3.1
s check test specimens treated with the reference preservative: these are test specimens treated in
3.2
exactly the same way as the s test specimens, except that after drying, conditioning and leaching,

1.2
they are allowed to dry fully and are not planted in the soil. Use at least four specimens for each
combination of reference preservative concentration and species of wood. Variations in the mass of
these specimens make it possible to determine the correction value (C ) for the variations in mass of
the reference preservative treated test specimens s resulting from factors other than attack by the

1.2
soil inhabiting micro-organisms. At a given treating solution concentration, the correction value C is

the mean percentage change in mass of the s test specimens.

3.2
Mark each test specimen so that it can be identified throughout the test.
NOTE 3 It is advisable to treat more specimens than the minimum number required to allow the rejection of specimens
having more than the permitted variation in the quantity of product absorbed (8.1.3).
8 Procedures
8.1 Preparation of test specimens
8.1.1 Conditioning of specimens before treatment
2)
Place the numbered test specimens in the oven (5.3.2) and leave them there for 18 h to 24 h . Cool to room
temperature in a desiccator (5.3.3) and weigh to the nearest 0,001 g to determine the initial dry mass (m ). Replace
the test specimens in the desiccator and store them there in order to keep them dry until impregnation. Calculate
the mean density of the specimens of each species using the mean mass and the nominal volume (see 7.4).
8.1.2 Preparation of treatment solutions
Prepare a series of solutions of at least three concentrations (expressed as % (m/m)) of the test preservative
(clause 6) in the appropriate solvent or diluent (5.2.1). A solvent or diluent control, that is treatment at
concentration 0, shall also be included.
NOTE 1 It is preferable to use at least five concentrations of the test preservative except when there is prior experience of
the performance of the test preservative in the test. It is normal for the treating solution concentrations to be arranged in a
geometric or arithmetic progression.
NOTE 2 The selection of the treating solution concentrations (and therefore retentions) of the test preservative should be
made giving consideration to the performance of the reference preservative in the test and the method of calculation of the
results (see annex E). It is also necessary to include a retention of the test preservative which fails in the test before the
reference preservative fails, to be able to calculate accurately the nominal effective retention of the test preservative (see
clause 10). With beech test specimens, the retentions in the test specimens will normally be ranged about the likely retention to
be effective in practice. However, with Scots pine sapwood test specimens, the retentions in the test specimens should be over
a range which is much lower than the likely retention to be effective in practice. This is because of the good performance of
wood preservatives in this species of wood in laboratory tests and is exemplified by the selection of the treating solution
concentrations for the reference preservative.
Prepare the reference preservative (5.2.2) at the following concentrations in water :

2)
In the case of supplementary tests (7.1) using species of wood other than Scots pine sapwood or beech, this drying time
may need to be longer than 18 h to 24 h; the drying time should be such that the test specimens achieve constant mass. This
can be established by selecting at random from the batch being dried 10 test specimens; after drying and cooling as directed,
determine the total mass, return the specimens to the oven and repeat the operation at intervals of not less than 4 h ; constant
mass is achieved when the total mass of the selected specimens does not lose more than 0,05 g between weighings.

Page 10
Scots pine: 0,1 % - 0,16 % - 0,25 % - 0,4 % (m/m) ;
beech: 1,0 % - 1,6 % - 2,5 % - 4,0 % (m/m).
All treatment solutions shall be freshly prepared.
8.1.3 Impregnation
Carry out impregnation of the sets of test specimens with the test preservative solutions in ascending order of
concentration starting with the solvent control (concentration = 0). Using clean equipment, impregnate the
appropriate sets of test specimens with the reference preservative, again in ascending order of concentration.
The following procedure ensures the required complete impregnation of test specimens by the test solutions.
For each solution place the test specimens, kept dry as described in 8.1.1 and of known mass m , in one of the
treatment vessels (5.3.4) so that as much of their surface as possible is exposed (for example, by stacking them
crosswise). Ballast the stack of specimens with the weights (5.3.5) using the plastics mesh (5.3.6) if necessary,
to prevent them floating when the liquid is admitted.
Place each treatment vessel in one of the vacuum vessels (5.3.7) and after reducing the pressure to 0,7 kPa,
using the vacuum pump (5.3.8), hold it at this pressure for 15 min. After this period, close the stopcock to the
vacuum pump and open the stopcock to allow the solution of preservative to be drawn into the treatment vessel
within the vacuum vessel until it completely covers the test specimens. Keep the specimens covered completely
by the solution throughout the remainder of the impregnation process.
Next, admit air slowly to bring the vacuum vessel back to atmospheric pressure, remove the treatment vessel
with its submerged specimens from the vacuum vessel. Cover the top of the treatment vessel and leave it
for 2 h, adding further solution if necessary to keep the specimens fully covered by the liquid.
After impregnation, remove the test specimens one by one from the treatment vessel and remove excess liquid
from them by lightly blotting with absorbent paper. Immediately weigh each to the nearest 0,001 g to ascertain the
mass after impregnation (m ).
In the case of preservatives which are being studied as active ingredients, calculate the mass of preservative
3)
retained for each test specimen, from the mass of solution absorbed (m - m ) and its concentration .
1 0
In the case of formulated wood preservatives, express the retention for each test specimen in terms of the
ready-to-use product, and, for products supplied in the form of a concentrate, in terms of the product as supplied.
NOTE If the product has been supplied as a concentrate for dilution prior to use, the nominal effective concentration
established (see clause 10) will need to be equivalent to the product as marketed, to provide the data in the correct form for use
in EN 599-1.
Calculate the mass of active ingredient or formulation retained per unit volume of wood, in kilograms per cubic
metre, for each test specimen from the retention of product and volume of the test specimens (7.4) and the mean
value for each simultaneously impregnated group of test specimens.
Reject those test specimens in which the quantity of product absorbed varies by more than 15 % from the mean
absorption of the group. Replace them with supplementary specimens and calculate a new mean.
8.1.4 Drying and conditioning of specimens after treatment
NOTE The procedures described below are usually applicable, but if the nature of the test preservative is such that
alternative procedures are required, details of the procedure used should be included in the test report.
Keep the test specimens for four weeks in the conditioning chamber (5.3.1). Arrange the test specimens in the
drying vessels (5.3.9), resting on their narrow faces on the supports, and placing only specimens treated with the

3)
When dealing with preservative formulations whose constituents are absorbed selectively by the wood, it may be necessary
to carry out chemical analysis of the solution before and after impregnation. Similarly, analysis is recommended when very dilute
solutions are used.
Page 11
same concentration of the test or reference preservative in the same drying vessel; avoid contact between
specimens. Invert the test specimens twice a week at intervals of three or four days.
In the case of test specimens impregnated using water as the solvent or diluent, keep the vessels covered for two
weeks. To prevent mould growth, also place in each vessel a small dish containing xylene (5.2.3). During the third
week, uncover each vessel progressively each day to allow the specimens to dry steadily. From the beginning of
the fourth week, leave the vessels completely open.
In the case of test specimens impregnated using a volatile organic liquid as the solvent or diluent, keep each vessel
covered for one week. Open each vessel gradually during the second week and finally leave them open during the
third and fourth weeks.
8.1.5 Leaching procedure
Subject all treated test specimens and treated check test specimens (s , s , s and s ) to the procedure

1.1 1.2 3.1 3.2
described in EN 84.
Stop the drying stage of EN 84 when all the test specimens have reached a moisture content of (50 ± 5) % (m/m). If
the test specimens become too dry, they shall be rewetted by a short soak in water.
NOTE The moisture content should be checked by periodic weighing of a minimum of 10 specimens taken at random
during the drying period and comparing their mass with their initial dry mass (m ), making an allowance for the mass of
preservative retained. Drying to 50 % moisture content is likely to occur within 24 h.
8.1.6 Wetting of untreated specimens
Impregnate the virulence control specimens (s ) and the moisture monitoring specimens (s ) with water, using
2.1 2.2
the method described in EN 84. Allow to soak for 2 h, then lay to dry. Continue with the drying stage of EN 84,
stopping this when the test specimens have reached a moisture content (50 ± 5) % (m/m).
NOTE This impregnation procedure should be timed to coincide with the end of the leaching period of the treated
specimens (8.1.5) in order that drying of all the test specimens is undertaken at the same time.
8.2 Exposure of the test specimens to soil inhabiting micro-organisms
8.2.1 Preparation of test containers
Determine the mass of soil required to provide at least 120 mm depth of soil in a selected test container. Determine
the moisture content and water holding capacity (WHC) of the soil (5.1.1). Calculate the amount of water required
to bring the soil in the fully charged container to 95 % of its WHC.
NOTE A suitable procedure for determining WHC and the quantity of water required to wet up the soil is described in
annex B.
Add the required volume of soil to each test container and add the calculated amount of water slowly whilst
thoroughly mixing to ensure an even distribution of moisture.
8.2.2 Planting the test specimens
Plant the Scots pine and beech test specimens in different containers. Plant the treated and untreated test
specimens s and s vertically with 20 mm of their length protruding above the surface of the soil and with a

1 2
minimum of 20 mm between adjacent specimens and from the sides of the container. Assign the correct number of
virulence control specimens s and moisture monitoring specimens s (7.5.2) to each test container and
2.1 2.2
distribute them at random. Assign the positions of the test specimens treated with the test preservative s and the
1.1
reference preservative s at random among all the test vessels being used for the appropriate species of wood.
1.2
During planting and subsequent handling ensure the exact location of each specimen is recorded to guard against
loss of identity if the numbering is obscured. Apply a ventilated lid to each charged test container.
NOTE The test specimens of each species of wood are separated to reduce the number of untreated specimens (s ) that
are required and to allow separate adjustment to the moisture content of the test specimens (8.2.4) which may vary between
wood species.
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8.2.3 Culture conditions and duration of test
Transfer the charged test containers to the culture chamber (5.3.10) and incubate for up to 32 weeks (see 8.3.1).
8.2.4 Monitoring initial moisture content
After 5 days incubation remove the moisture monitoring specimens from each container, cleanse them of adhering
soil particles and weigh to the nearest 0,001 g (m ). Calculate the moisture content of each specimen by
expressing its water content (m - m ) as a percentage of the initial dry mass (m ).

2 0 0
NOTE 1 The optimal conditions for decay are achieved if the initial moisture content of the test specimens is between
(50 ± 5) % (m/m) and (80 ± 5) % (m/m).
If the mean moisture content of the specimens from any container is below 45 % (m/m), add a volume of water to
that container not greater than 10 % (m/m) of that originally added (8.2.1) distributing it evenly over the surface of
the soil. Replant the moisture monitoring specimens, incubate for 2 days and repeat the weighing and calculation.
Add further water and repeat if necessary.
If the mean moisture content of the specimens from any container is greater than 85 % (m/m), remove the lid of that
container and leave for several days to allow some drying. Replant the moisture monitoring specimens, replace the
lid and continue incubation; recheck the moisture content of the specimens after 5 days as previously.
NOTE 2 If a continuous indication of soil moisture content is required or as an alternative to the procedure described in 8.2.5,
insert sets of new moisture monitoring specimens at suitable intervals during incubation and check as above.
8.2.5 Monitoring and maintenance of soil moisture
Prior to the start of incubation, weigh each charged test vessel to the nearest 5 g and record the initial mass. After
4 weeks incubation, reweigh each test container. Make good any loss in mass, allowing for the mass of moisture
monitoring specimens removed, by addition of water distributed evenly over the soil surface. Repeat the operation
at 4 weeks intervals.
If the test containers are too large to be weighed, use the procedure described in 8.2.4.
NOTE If the culture chamber is a sealed incubator fitted with a water tray, the moisture content may be assumed to remain
constant during incubation and no monitoring of moisture content is required. Similarly, if previous experience has shown that
there is no moisture loss under the incubation conditions used, no monitoring of moisture content is required.
8.2.6 Control test
Complete drying of the treated check test specimens (s and s ) as described in EN 84. Transfer the specimens
3.1 3.2
to the drying oven (5.3.2). Dry the specimens for 18 h to 24 h, cool to room temperature in desiccators (5.3.3),
weigh each specimen to the nearest 0,001 g and record the final dry mass (m ).
NOTE 1 It is convenient to oven dry these specimens at the same time as the first set of replicates exposed to fungal attack.
After air drying has been completed, wrap the specimens in polyethylene and store in the conditioning chamber (5.3.1) until the
end of the first exposure period.
Calculate the change in mass of each test specimen by expressing the change in mass (m - m ) as a percentage
0 3
of the initial dry mass (m ). Calculate the correction value (C ) for the check test specimens treated with each
0 1
concentration of the test preservative (s ) and the correction value (C ) for the check test specimens treated with
3.1 2
each concentration of the reference preservative (s ). At a given treating solution concentration, the correction
3.2
value is the mean percentage change in mass of the check test specimens.
NOTE 2 These correction values are used to correct the mass losses of the treated test specimens for changes in mass
other than those caused by fungal attack (8.3.2).

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8.3 Assessment of test
8.3.1 Examination of the test specimens
After each exposure period (8, 16, 24 and 32 weeks after the test specimens have been planted in the soil (see
8.2.2)), remove one replicate set of test specimens treated with the test preservative and the reference
preservative from the soil. After 16 weeks of exposure, remove the set of virulence control specimens. Cleanse the
specimens of adhering soil particles. Make good any obscured numbering, note outstanding features of their
condition including evidence of waterlogging and weigh each specimen to the nearest 0,001 g (m ).
NOTE The presence of decay types in addition to soft rot (for example white rot, brown rot and bacterial attack) can be
useful in the interpretation of the test data.
Transfer the specimens to the drying oven (5.3.2). Dry the specimens for 18 h to 24 h, cool to room temperature in
desiccators (5.3.3), weigh each specimen to the nearest 0,001 g and record the final dry mass (m ). Calculate the
moisture content of each specimen at the end of the test by expressing the water content (m - m ) as a percentage

2 3
of the final dry mass (m ).
8.3.2 Assessment of test specimens
Calculate the loss in mass of each test specimen by expressing the loss in mass (m - m ) as a percentage of the

0 3
initial dry mass (m ). Use the appropriate correction value (8.2.6) to correct the loss in mass of each treated test
specimen after all the exposure periods.
Reject any test specimen having a corrected loss in mass of less than 3 % (m/m) which appears abnormal in
relation to moisture content, that is having a final moisture content of less than 40 % (m/m) or greater than
150 % (m/m).
Calculate the mean corrected loss in mass for each set of replicate test specimens. If any test specimen shows an
increase in corrected mass this increase shall be recorded as such but taken as zero in these calculations.
9 Validity of test
The test shall be accepted as valid if, among the test specimens treated with the reference preservative, the mean
corrected mass loss of specimens treated with the lowest concentration is greater than 3 % (m/m) after 32 weeks
exposure.
10 Expression of results
The performance of the test preservative in a given species of wood shall be evaluated by comparison with the
performance of the highest concentration of the reference preservative which showed a mean corrected loss in
mass greater than 3 % (m/m) after 32 weeks exposure using the same species of wood.
For this concentration of the reference preservative, the mean retention is equivalent to the nominal retention of the
reference preservative (n.r.R.).
For each concentration of the test preservative, determine the mean corrected loss in mass of the test specimens
which would have been achieved at the same time as 3 % (m/m) loss in mass was achieved by the specimens
treated with the concentration of the reference preservative selected above.
From the mean loss in mass of the test specimens treated with each concentration of the test preservative,
determine the retention of the preservative that would equate to a mean loss in mass of 3 % (m/m). This retention is
equivalent to the nominal retention of the test preservative (n.r.P.).
NOTE An example of these calculations is given in annex E.
Calculate the nominal effective retention (n.e.r.) of the test preservative as follows recording the calculated value to
the nearest 0,1 kg/m :
Page 14
n.r.P. at 3 % (m/m) mass loss
n.e.r.target retention of the reference preservative
n.r.R. at 3 % (m/m) mass loss
where
n.r.P. is the nominal retention of the test preservative ;
n.r.R. is the nominal retention of the reference preservative.
The target retentions of the reference preservative are as follows :
Scots pine 8 kg/m ;
beech 20 kg/m .
11 Test report
The report shall include at least the following (see also annex F for an example) :
a) the number and date of this European Prestandard ;
b) the name of the supplier of the preservative under test ;
c) the specific or unique code or number of the preservative tested, with an indication of whether or not the
composition has been declared ;
d) the name and concentration of active ingredient(s) ;
e) the solvents or diluents used ;
f) the reference preservative used ;
g) the species of wood used ;
h) the mean density of test specimens of each wood species used for the test ;
i) the concentrations, as percentages by mass, of the preservative tested and the reference preservative ;
j) the quantity of solution, expressed in grams, absorbed by each test specimen and the quantity of preservative,
expressed in kilograms per cubic metre, retained by each specimen ;
k) the conditioning period after impregnation ;
l) the date when the test specimens were planted in the test containers ;
m) the type of soil used and its water holding capacity ;
n) the dates when the test specimens were removed from the test containers and the exposure periods ;
o) for each specimen, the uncorrected loss in mass expressed as a percentage of the initial dry mass ;
p) the percentage loss in mass of each virulence control, the mean loss in mass for each species of wood after
the 16 week exposure ;
q) the correction value (C ) or (C ) for each concentration studied ;
1 2
r) the corrected percentage loss in mass of each test specimen treated with the reference preservative and, for
each combination of preservative concentration, exposure time and species of wood and the mean corrected
loss in mass together with a statement as to whether or not these validate the test ;

Page 15
s) the corrected percentage loss in mass of each test specimen treated with the test preservative and, for each
combination of preservative concentration, exposure time and species of wood, the mean corrected loss in
mass ;
t) the nominal effective retention of the test preservative for each species of wood and the concentration of the
reference preservative used for the calculations ;
u) the name of the organization responsible for the report and the date of issue ;
v) the name(s) and signature(s) of the officer(s) in charge ;
w) the following note:
"The interpretation and practical conclusions that can be drawn from a test report demand a specialized
knowledge of wood preservation and for this reason the test report cannot of itself constitute an approval
certificate."
The report shall also list any variation from the specified test method as well as any factors which may have
influenced the results.
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Annex A
(informative)
Optional screening test
A.1 Introduction
To provide information on the effectiveness of active ingredients or wood preservatives to prevent decay of the soft
rot type, it may be appropriate to carry out screening tests using the method described in this annex. The method
uses a mixture of five fungi, which are all capable of causing soft rot, to challenge treated test specimens thus
providing basic information on activity against this group of fungi. This method does not expose the test specimens
to the wide range of organisms found in the soil used in the main prestandard and which are known to influence
significantly the overall performance of a wood preservative in the ground contact service situation.
The annex refers to the main text where requirements are similar.
A.2 Principle
A number of small test specimens are impregnated with the preservative under test at a minimum of five
concentrations. The test specimens are exposed to leaching according to EN 84. The specimens are buried in a
test substrate and inoculated with a mixed spore suspension of five fungi capable of causing soft rot. The test
specimens are assessed after a minimum period of exposure of 12 weeks for beech and 16 weeks for Scots pine.
The performance of the test preservative is evaluated by comparison with the performance of a reference
preservative.
A.3 Test materials
A.3.1 Biological materials
A.3.1.1 Test fungi
The foll
...