BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

20-1:1992

Wood preservatives —
Determination of the
protective effectiveness
against Lyctus
brunneus (Stephens) —
Part 1: Application by surface
treatment (laboratory method)

The European Standard EN 20-1:1992 has the status of a

British Standard

UDC 674.048.4:620.193.87
BS EN 20-1:1992

Cooperating organizations

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), under whose supervision

this European Standard was prepared, comprises the national standards
organizations of the following countries.

Austria Oesterreichisches Normungsinstitut

Belgium Institut belge de normalisation
Denmark Dansk Standardiseringsraad
Finland Suomen Standardisoimisliito, r.y.
France Association française de normalisation
Germany Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.
Greece Hellenic Organization for Standardization
Iceland Technological Institute of Iceland
Ireland National Standards Authority of Ireland
Italy Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione
Luxembourg Inspection du Travail et des Mines
Netherlands Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut
Norway Norges Standardiseringsforbund
Portugal Instituto Portuguès da Qualidade
Spain Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación
Sweden Standardiseringskommissionen i Sverige
Switzerland Association suisse de normalisation
United Kingdom British Standards Institution

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Technical Sector
Board for Building and Civil
Engineering, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes into
effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 September 1992

© BSI 11-1999
Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/515
Draft for comment 89/55393 DC

ISBN 0 580 20646 7

 BS EN 20-1:1992

Contents

Page
Cooperating organizations Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 20-1 3
National annex NA (informative) Committees responsible Inside back cover
National annex NB (informative) Cross-references Inside back cover

© BSI 11-1999 i
BS EN 20-1:1992

National foreword

This Part of BS EN 20 has been prepared under the direction of the Technical
Sector Board for Building and Civil Engineering and is the English language
version of EN 20-1 “Wood preservatives — Determination of the protective
effectiveness against Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) — Part 1: Application by surface
treatment (laboratory method)”, published by the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN). EN 20-1 was produced as a result of international
discussion in which the United Kingdom took an active part.
BS EN 20-1 supersedes BS 5217:1975, which is withdrawn.
It is intended that BS EN 20 will consist of the following Parts:
— Part 1: Application by surface treatment (laboratory method);
— Part 2: Application by impregnation (laboratory method).
Part 2 will be identical with EN 20-2, which is in preparation.
The principal differences between this Part of BS EN 20 and BS 5217:1975
include:
— enrichment of the test specimens with a nutrient solution;
— a change in size of the test specimens from 100 mm × 40 mm × 15 mm
to 50 mm × 25 mm × 15 mm;
— the preservative is applied by pipette to each face instead of dipping each
specimen;
— each test specimen is exposed to only four male and four female insects
instead of at least five of each;
— the use of 2-naphthol has been removed;
— the minimum time of exposure of the test specimens to the insects is
specified;
— the procedure for the examination of the test specimens has been changed;
— the conditions for assessing the validity have been changed.
CAUTION. Attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974,
and the need for ensuring that the method specified in this Part of BS EN 20 is
carried out with suitable precautions.
The procedure described in this Part of BS EN 20 is intended to be carried out by
appropriately qualified and experienced persons or other suitably trained and/or
supervised personnel. Attention is drawn to the precautions given in the
introduction, 5.2.5 and 5.3.4.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

ii © BSI 11-1999
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 20-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 1992
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

UDC 674.048.4:620.193.87 Together with EN 20-2 supersedes EN 20:1974

Descriptors: Wood, wood preservatives, pesticides, insecticides, protection against pests, laboratory tests, determination, effectiveness,
prevention, lyctus

English version

Wood preservatives — Determination of the protective

effectiveness against Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) —
Part 1: Application by surface treatment (laboratory
method)

Produits de préservation du bois — Holzschutzmittel — Bestimmung der

Détermination de l’efficacité protectrice vorbeugenden Wirkung gegenüber Lyctus
vis-à-vis de Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) — brunneus (Stephens) —
Partie 1: Application par traitement de surface Teil 1: Oberflächenbehandlung
(Méthode de laboratoire) (Laboratoriumsverfahren)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1992-07-01. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© CEN 1992 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 20-1:1992 E
EN 20-1:1992

Foreword Contents
This Part of this European Standard has been Page
prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 38 Foreword 2
“Durability of wood and wood-based products”, the
Introduction 3
Secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
1 Scope 3
This Part of EN 20 together with EN 20-2 replaces
EN 20:1974. This Part of EN 20 is required to 2 Normative references 3
enable effectiveness assessments of preservatives 3 Definitions 3
which are intended to be applied by surface 4 Principle 3
treatment.
5 Test materials and apparatus 4
National standards identical to this European
Standard shall be published at the latest 6 Sampling 4
by 93-01-31 and conflicting national standards shall 7 Test specimens 4
be withdrawn at the latest by 93-01-31. 8 Procedure 5
This Part of this EN 20 was adopted by CEN in 9 Validity of test 7
accordance with the CEN/CENELEC Internal 10 Expression of results 7
Regulations. The following countries are bound to
implement this European Standard: Austria, 11 Test report 7
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Annex A (informative) Example of a
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, test report 9
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Annex B (informative) Technique for
Switzerland and United Kingdom. culturing Lyctus brunneus 11
Annex C (informative) Principal
parasites and predators of Lyctus 13
Annex D (informative) Bibliography 14
Figure B.1 — Checking for the presence
of sufficient starch content in European
oak using Lugol reagent — sufficient
starch content 11
Figure B.2 — Checking for the presence
of sufficient starch content in European
oak using Lugol reagent — insufficient
starch content 12
Figure B.3 — Last ventral segment of
the abdomen of Lyctus brunneus for
the identification of sex 13
Table A.1 — Results 10

2 © BSI 11-1999

Introduction
This Part of this EN 20 describes a laboratory
method of test which gives a basis for assessment of
the protective effectiveness of a wood preservative,
when applied as a surface treatment, against Lyctus
brunneus. It allows the determination of the
concentration at which the product prevents the
development of infestation from egg-laying.
It can also be used with formulations ready for use.
The species Lyctus brunneus is chosen because of its
particular practical relevance and because it can be
used easily in laboratory tests. The method can be
used with other lyctid species, but the results may
not be comparable with those obtained with Lyctus
brunneus.
The test specimens are enriched with a defined
nutrient solution, before exposure to egg-laying, in
order to ensure uniformity of nutrient quality of test
specimens between different laboratories.
This laboratory method provides one criterion by
which the value of a product can be assessed. In
making this assessment the methods by which the
preservative may be applied should be taken into
account. It is further recommended that results
from this test should be supplemented by those from
other appropriate tests, and above all by comparison
with practical experience.
When products which are very active at low
concentrations are used it is very important to take
suitable precautions to isolate and separate, as far
as possible, operations involving chemical products,
other products, treated wood, laboratory apparatus
and clothing. Suitable precautions should include
the use of separate rooms, areas within rooms,
extraction facilities, conditioning chambers and
special training for personnel.
1 Scope
This Part of EN 20 specifies a method for the
determination of the protective effectiveness or the
toxic values of a wood preservative against
infestation by Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) when the
product is applied as a surface treatment to wood.
This method is applicable to:
— water-insoluble chemicals which are being
studied as active insecticides, or,
— organic formulations, as supplied or as
prepared in the laboratory by dilution of
concentrates, or,
— organic water-dispersible formulations as
supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by
dilution of concentrates, or
— water-soluble materials, for example salts.
© BSI 11-1999
EN 20-1:1992
NOTE This method may be used in conjuction with ageing
procedures, which do not remove the added nutrient.
2 Normative references
This European Standard 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
Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
ISO 835-1:1981, Laboratory glassware —
Graduated pipettes — Part 1: General requirements.
ISO 3696:1987, Water for analytical laboratory
use — Specification and test methods.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of EN 20, the following
definitions apply.
3.1
representative sample
a sample having its physical or chemical
characteristics identical to the volumetric average
characteristics of the total volume being sampled
3.2
supplier
the sponsor of the test
4 Principle
Depending on the test being carried out either
a set of test specimens of a susceptible wood
species is impregnated with a nutrient solution
and then surface treated with a solution of the
preservative; or
if toxic values are to be determined, several sets
of test specimens of a susceptible wood species
are impregnated with a nutrient solution and
then surface treated with a series of solutions in
which the concentration of preservative is
ranged in a given progession.
The treated test specimens are exposed to adult
Lyctus brunneus and the resulting attack compared
with that in untreated controls. If the preservative
has been prepared in the laboratory by dilution of a
concentrate or by dissolution of a solid, the resulting
attack is also compared with that in solvent or
diluent treated controls.
3
EN 20-1:1992
5 Test materials and apparatus
5.1 Biological material
Lyctus brunneus (Stephens), insects emerged from
cultures not more than 48 h before use in the test,
reared for at least two generations on non-enriched
oak or no more than three generations on enriched
oak.
NOTE The culturing of Lyctus brunneus requires care in order
to obtain a regular supply of adults which have not already laid
eggs. The culturing technique, which experience has shown to be
suitable, is described in Annex B.
5.2 Products and reagents
5.2.1 Paraffin wax, for sealing the relevant surfaces
of specimens to be treated with solutions in which
water is the continuous phase.
NOTE Paraffin wax with a setting point of 52 °C to 54 °C has
been found suitable.
5.2.2 Gelatin, for sealing the relevant surfaces of
specimens to be treated with solutions in which an
organic solvent is the continuous phase.
5.2.3 Paste, for securing filter paper. The paste shall
be starch-free, non-toxic to Lyctus and insoluble in
the product under test.
NOTE Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, food grade, has been
found suitable.
5.2.4 Water, complying with grade 3 of ISO 3696.
5.2.5 Solvent or diluent, a volatile liquid that will
dissolve or dilute the preservative but does not leave
a residue in the wood at the end of the
post-treatment conditioning period that has a toxic
effect on the insects.
CAUTION. Do not use benzene or other solvents
which pose a health risk.
5.2.6 Peptone, prepared as an enzymatic
hydrolysate of meat.
5.2.7 D(+) glucose
5.2.8 Filter paper ordinary quality, medium-fast
grade
5.2.9 Fine cloth of cotton or linen, with a mesh
aperture of less than 0,3 mm.
5.3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Culturing chamber, with air circulation,
controlled at (26 ± 1) °C, and at relative
humidity (75 ± 5) %.
5.3.2 Conditioning chamber, well ventilated,
controlled at (20 ± 2) °C and relative
humidity (65 ± 5) %.
NOTE The conditioning of specimens may be carried out in the
laboratory work area (see 5.3.4) provided that this has the
conditions specified for the conditioning chamber (see 5.3.2).
1)
100 Pa = 1 mbar
4 © BSI 11-1999
5.3.3 Drying chamber, well ventilated, controlled
at (30 ± 2 ) °C.
5.3.4 Laboratory work area, well ventilated, where
treatment of the test specimens is carried out.
CAUTION. It is essential to follow safety procedures
for handling flammable and toxic materials. Avoid
excessive exposure of operators to solvents or their
vapours.
5.3.5 Testing chamber, with conditions identical to
those of the culturing chamber (see 5.3.1).
5.3.6 Vacuum vessel(s), fitted with stopcocks.
5.3.7 Vacuum pump, fitted with a pressure gauge
and capable of maintaining a pressure of 700 Pa1).
5.3.8 Weights, to provide ballast for the test
specimens. The weights shall not react with any
materials with which they come into contact during
the test.
5.3.9 Pipettes, of type specified in ISO 835, Part 1,
Class B: graduated pipette with no waiting time.
Capacity 1 ml with an accuracy of ± 0,01 ml.
5.3.10 Safety equipment and protective clothing,
appropriate for the test product and the test solvent,
to ensure the safety of the operator.
5.3.11 Test containers, suitable for holding the test
specimens and of material resistant to the solvents
used.
NOTE Jars of approximately 60 mm diameter and 100 mm
height have been found to be suitable.
5.3.12 Ordinary laboratory equipment, including a
balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0,01 g.
5.3.13 X-ray apparatus, (optional) with tungsten
target and beryllium window, with voltage and
current continuously variable in the ranges:
Voltage: 10 kV to 50 kV,
Current: 0 mA to 15 mA.
6 Sampling
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 test shall be carried out on European oak. This
shall comprise sessile oak, Quercus petraea
(Mattuschka) Lieblin, and pedunculate oak,
Quercus robur Linnaeus.

7.2 Quality of wood
Use only sound sapwood with between 2 annual
growth rings per 10 mm and 10 annual growth
rings per 10 mm, straight-grained without knots.
The wood, having few tyloses, shall not have been
floated or subjected to any chemical treatment and
shall be dried without delay as described in 7.3.
7.3 Provision of the test specimens
Remove the bark from the fleshly cut billets and
then cut them into lengths (from which
strips 25 mm × 15 mm in cross section will be cut).
Immediately place the billets in the drying
chamber (5.3.3) stacked with spaces between
individual billets so as to allow movement of air
through the stack. Retain the billets in the drying
chamber until their moisture contents are reduced
to 15 % (m/m)2).
NOTE Moisture meters of the two pronged electrical
conductivity type are suitable for assessing moisture content.
Cut the sapwood of the dried billets into planed
strips 25 mm × 15 mm cross section and with the
wide longitudinal faces oriented tangentially. Cut
the specimens for test from the planed strips. The
individual specimens for test shall be cut cleanly
and shall have sharp edges.
The specimens required for a test shall be taken
from at least two lots each corresponding to a
different tree or two sapwood strips taken from
diametrically opposed positions in the same log. The
specimens from the two sources shall be combined
and the test specimens taken at random from them.
7.4 Dimensions of test specimens
The dimensions of each specimen after one week in
the conditioning chamber (5.3.2) shall be:
(50 ± 0,5) mm × (25 ± 0,5) mm ×
× (15 ± 0,5) mm
NOTE The total surface area of the longitudinal faces is
theoretically 40 cm2.
Mark each specimen so that it can be identified
throughout the test.
7.5 Number of test specimens
Use:
a) for each preservative and each concentration:
five specimens (see 7.4),
b) for a complete test of any given preservative:
five untreated control specimens (see 7.4),
c) if a solvent or diluent (water included) is used:
five control specimens (7.4) treated with that
solvent or diluent (5.2.4 or 5.2.5).
2)
As determined in accordance with ISO 3130.
© BSI 11-1999
EN 20-1:1992
8 Procedure
8.1 Prior impregnation of the test specimens
with a nutrient solution
8.1.1 Composition of the nutrient solution
Dissolve 2 g of peptone (5.2.6) and 10 g of the
glucose (5.2.7) in 100 ml water (5.2.4).
8.1.2 Method of impregnation of nutrient
solution
Weigh each test specimen, place them in a beaker
and ballast them with weights (5.3.8) to prevent
them floating. Place the beaker in the vacuum
vessel (5.3.6), and reduce the pressure using the
vacuum pump (5.3.7) to 700 Pa. Hold the specimens
at this pressure for 15 min. Allow the nutrient
solution (8.1.1) into the beaker so as to cover the
specimens. Bring the specimens back to
atmospheric pressure, adding further solution if
necessary to keep the specimens covered.
Leave the specimens immersed for 1 h in the
solution and then reweigh them after draining
for 1 min.
Determine the uptake of nutrient solution for each
test specimen.
Retain for testing only test specimens absorbing
between 300 kg/m3 and 600 kg/m3 of nutrient
solution.
8.1.3 Drying of test specimens
Dry the specimens in the drying chamber (5.3.3)
at (30 ± 2) °C for one week.
8.2 Conditioning of specimens before end
sealing
Transfer the dried test specimens to the
conditioning chamber (5.3.2) and condition them for
one week.
8.3 Preparation of test specimens
8.3.1 Sealing of transverse surfaces
Seal the end-grain surfaces as follows:
8.3.1.1 For test with solutions in which water is the
continuous phase, apply three coats of the paraffin
wax (5.2.1) at about 90 °C so that the first coat
adheres closely to the wood and the successive
coatings bond to one another. Condition the sealed
specimens in the conditioning chamber (5.3.2) for at
least one day.
5
EN 20-1:1992
8.3.1.2 For tests with preservative solutions in
which the continuous phase is an organic solvent,
that dissolves paraffin wax, use the gelatin (5.2.2):
apply the first coat with an aqueous solution
of 200 g/1 at 40 °C, then after a minimum of 8 h of
drying, apply two further coats of an aqueous
solution of 300 g/1 at 50 °C. Condition the sealed
specimens in the conditioning chamber (5.3.2) for at
least one day.
8.3.2 Treatment of test specimens
8.3.2.1 Preparation of treatment solution
8.3.2.1.1 Solid preservatives
— water-soluble preservatives:
Dissolve the preservative in the water (5.2.4) to the
required concentration, or to a series of
concentrations if toxic values are to be determined.
— non water-soluble preservatives:
Dissolve the preservative in an appropriate
solvent (5.2.5) to the required concentration, or to a
series of concentrations if toxic values are to be
determined.
8.3.2.1.2 Liquid preservatives
If appropriate, use the preservative without further
preparation other than any necessary stirring. If it
is a concentrate, or if toxic values are to be
determined, dilute the preservative with the diluent
to the required working concentration, using the
procedure specified by the manufacturer. All
treatment solutions shall be freshly prepared.
8.3.2.1.3 Toxic values
If toxic values are to be determined, prepare a series
of at least five concentrations by mass, distributed
evenly about the expected toxic values. A solvent or
diluent control, i.e. treatment at concentration = 0,
shall also be used. If the approximate toxic values
are unknown, the concentrations shall form a
widely spaced geometric progression for a first test
and a more closely spaced geometric or arithmetic
progression for subsequent tests.
All treatment solutions shall be freshly prepared.
8.3.2.2 Application of the treatment solution
Determine the actual area of each unsealed surface
to be treated taking into account any possible
encroachment of the sealing compound.
NOTE 1 The areas to be treated are respectively 12,5 cm2 for
larger faces and 7,5 cm2 for smaller faces.
Determine the volumes or masses of the treatment
solution (8.3.2.1) to be applied to each unsealed face
to give the application rate specified by the supplier.
NOTE 2 The quantity of treatment solution to be applied
should be realistic in view of the field of application and the
manufacturer’s instructions. Normally the quantity should not
exceed 100 g/m2.
6 © BSI 11-1999
In the laboratory work area (5.3.4), using the
pipette (5.3.9) apply the calculated volume or mass
of the treatment solution (8.3.2.1) to each of the
unsealed faces as uniformly as possible. Apply the
treatment solution to each unsealed face whilst
keeping that face in a horizontal and upward facing
position. Allow any surface liquid to be absorbed
into each face before treating the next face.
NOTE 3 If the required quantity cannot be applied in one
application the treatment solution may be applied in successive
applications at appropriately close intervals so as to avoid
solidification of any substances hindering the penetration of the
subsequent applications.
From the quantity of treatment solution applied to
each unsealed face of each treated test specimen,
determine and record the application rate in grams
per square metre or millilitres per square metre of
the treated test specimens.
Treat the control specimens (7.5. c) in an identical
manner using solvent or diluent (5.2.4 or 5.2.5) if
solvent or diluent are used in the preparation of the
treatment solution.
8.4 Drying and conditioning of the test
specimens after treatment
If the end-sealing has been damaged before or after
treatment, reject the test specimens concerned from
the tests.
After treatment, condition the specimens for four
weeks in the environment specified for the
conditioning chamber (5.3.2). Arrange the
specimens on their narrow faces, resting on glass
rods, not touching one another. Invert the
specimens twice a week.
Any ageing procedure carried out on test specimens
shall be carried out after completion of conditioning.
NOTE Ageing procedures which remove any of the added
nutrient should not be used.
Before exposing the test specimens to the insects,
condition all the test specimens for one week in the
testing chamber (5.3.5).
8.5 Exposure of the test specimens to the
insects
Subject the test specimens to insect attack as
follows.
For each test specimen:
— fix a with the paste (5.2.3) a disc of filter paper
to the bottom inner surface of a test
container (5.3.11). Place one test specimen in the
container and add four male insects and four
female insects (5.1);
— close securely the container with a disc of filter
paper (5.2.8) and adhesive tape or with the fine
cloth (5.2.9).

8.6 Conditions and duration of test
Place the containers containing the test specimens
and insects in the testing chamber (5.3.5).
NOTE 1 After 1, 2, 7 and 14 days the number of beetles that
have been knocked down may be counted and recorded.
On each working day, remove the dead adult from
the test containers. The minimum duration of the
test shall be 20 weeks after insertion of the beetles.
NOTE 2 If beetles emerge from treated specimens earlier, the
test may regarded as finished.
8.7 Examination of the test specimens
NOTE For laboratories possessing X-ray apparatus, an X-ray of
all the specimens can be taken 10 weeks after inspection of the
beetles to check the presence and state of advance of any larval
development.
At the end of the test determine and record the
following values for each test specimen:
— the number of emerged adult insects;
— the number of exit holes.
Split each test specimen longitudinally into strips
approximately 5 mm thick. Strike the strips firmly
onto a sheet of filter paper (5.2.8) on a hard surface
to extract the insects.
Count and record the number of larvae, pupae and
adult beetles and their state (alive or dead) for each
test specimen.
9 Validity of test
The results shall be accepted as valid provided that
for each control specimen (including solvent/diluent
controls if appropriate) the following three
conditions are met:
a) at least 20 insects (larvae, pupae and adult
beetles) are recovered;
b) 85 % of the insects present in each specimen
are living; and
c) adults have started to emerge at the time of the
final examination.
10 Expression of results
10.1 Assessment of the protective effectiveness
The protective effectiveness shall be assessed in the
terms recorded in the 8.7.
10.2 Toxic values
If a range of concentrations of product are tested the
results shall be expressed as toxic values.
© BSI 11-1999
EN 20-1:1992
The toxic values of a preservative product are
expressed as the following two loadings:
— the mean mass or volume of preservative
retained per unit area in the set of test specimens
treated with the lowest concentration of the
product in the series in which no exit holes or live
insects are found in all of the test specimens at
the end of the test;
— the mean mass or volume of preservative per
unit area in the set of test specimens treated with
the next lowest concentration of the product in
the series in which exit holes or live insects are
found in all of the test specimens at the end of the
test.
Express these toxic values as grams or millilitres of
preservative per square metre of treated wood
surface (see 8.3.2.2), and also state the
corresponding concentrations of the preservative in
the solvent or diluent.
11 Test report
The test report shall include at least the following
(see also Annex A for an example):
a) the number and date of this Part of this
European Standard;
b) the name of the supplier of the preservative
under test;
c) the specific and unique name or code of the
preservative tested, with an indication of
whether or not the composition has been
declared;
d) the name and concentration of active
insecticide;
e) if relevant the solvent or diluent used;
f) the species of wood used;
g) the date of impregnation of the test specimens
with the nutrient solution;
h) the date of the application of the preservative;
i) where relevant, the concentration(s) of the
preservative expressed as a percentage by mass;
j) for each test specimen treated:
— the mass of solution absorbed, in grams;
— the corresponding quantity, in grams or
millilitres per square metre, of the
preservative under test, per unit of surface
area;
k) the method of drying the test specimens;
l) any ageing procedures carried out, specifying
the type, conditions and duration, with possible
reference to a standard;
7
EN 20-1:1992
m) the date when the test specimens were
exposed to beetles;
n) the date(s) of examination of the test
specimens;
o) the results of the examination of the treated
specimens and control test specimens:
— number of adult beetles emerged from the
wood;
— number of exit holes;
— number of beetles found, dividing them into:
living (i) adult beetles, (ii) larvae and (iii)
pupae;
dead (i) adult beetles, (ii) larvae and (iii)
pupae;
p) if determined, the toxic values;
8 © BSI 11-1999
q) the name of the organization responsible for
the test report and the date of completion of the
test;
r) the name and signature of officer(s) in charge
of testing;
s) the following note:
“The interpretation and the practical conclusions
that can be drawn from this test report demand a
specialized knowledge of the subject of wood
preservation and, for this reason, this test report
cannot of itself constitute an approval
certificate.”
The test report shall list any variation from the
described test method and any factors that may
have influenced the results.
It may include any optional oberservations made,
for example X-ray examination (8.7).
 EN 20-1:1992

Annex A (informative)
Example of a test report

Number and date of this European Standard : EN 20-1:1992

Name of supplier : company S
Name and type of preservative : X-preservative in the form of an organic solvent,
ready for use, composition declared
Name and concentration of active insecticide : W 0,25 % (m/m)
Solvent or diluent used : none
Species of wood used : European oak (Quercus robur L.)
Date of impregnation with nutrient solution : 1986.03.24
Date of application of the preservative : 1986.04.08
Concentration of the preservative tested : preservative used undiluted
Type of treatment : applied using a pipette
Quantity of preservative applied to each test : 100 g/m2
specimen
Method of drying : as specified in the standard
Ageing test supplied : by evaporation for 12 weeks in accordance with
EN 73
Date of exposure to beetles : 1986.08.05
Date of examination of the test specimens : 1986.12.16
Results : see Table A.1
Toxic values : XX g/m2 and YY ml/m2
This report has been prepared by the institute : FPL
Location and date : Y 1986.12.31
Name and signature of the officer(s) in charge : Mrs Z
NOTE The interpretation and the practical conclusions that can be drawn from this test report demand a specialized knowledge of
the subject of wood preservation and, for this reason, this test report cannot of itself constitute an approval certificate.

© BSI 11-1999 9
 Table A.1 — Results
10

EN 20-1:1992
Test specimen Loading of Loading of Number (X) of Emergence Number and state of insects after splitting of
identification preservative nutrient beetles dead or specimens
g/m2 solution/specimen knock-down
(g) after (in days) First Number Number Living Dead
insects of exit of
emerge holes beetles Adult Pupae Larvae Adult Pupae Larvae
after emerged beetles beetles
1 2 7 14 (in
weeks)

Treated 1 100 7,7 2 6 8 3 — 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

test 2 100 9,0 0 5 7 8 — 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
specimens
3 100 8,8 0 4 7 8 — 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
4 100 11,3 2 5 6 8 19 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 18
5 100 10,2 2 6 7 8 — 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
Control 1 100 9,7 0 0 0 0 19 32 32 11 1 8 0 0 0
test 2 100 10,1 0 0 0 0 20 2 2 2 0 18 0 0 0
specimens
3 100 8,2 0 0 0 0 19 5 5 2 2 16 0 0 0
4 100 9,1 0 0 0 0 19 1 5 0 0 20 0 0 0
5 100 11,2 0 0 0 0 19 25 24 9 3 8 0 0 0
(X) Optional
© BSI 11-1999
 EN 20-1:1992

Annex B (informative)
Technique for culturing Lyctus brunneus
B.1 Introduction
The culturing of Lyctus brunneus requires care if adults that have not already oviposited are to be obtained
at regular intervals.
The normal life cycle of Lyctus brunneus from the egg to adult takes one or two years in the open air, and
the adults normally emerge from June to August. This period can be reduced to between 12 weeks
and 16 weeks at between 25 °C and 27 °C and between 70 % and 75 % relative humidity, when a constant
supply of beetles can be obtained under these conditions.
B.2 Wood
Collect freshly-felled oak branchwood in autumn or early winter and test to ensure adequate starch
content. To check the presence of starch in the wood, prepare a planed surface as close as possible to the
radial plane and wet this surface, with a few drops of Lugol reagent3). After a few minutes, the grains of
starch stained blue-black are clearly visible with a binocular microscope. Only specimens containing
sufficient starch are suitable for culturing (see Figure B.1 and Figure B.2 giving an example of sufficient
and insufficient starch contents respectively).
The starch content of oak is highest in autumn and early in winter (September to January) but starch
reserves are low if the tree has fruited abundantly. If possible, trees should be selected which have not
given an abundant acorn crop the previous summer.
After removing the bark from the wood, cut it into short billets; if necessary, split them into pieces and
rapidly dry them to about 15 % (m/m) moisture content by, for example, stacking them in open piles indoors
in the draught of a fan.
Store these pieces in an airtight container, in unheated premises, until required for use. The storage period
should not exceed 2 years.
If it is difficult to obtain a supply of suitable oak for normal culturing, it is possible to enrich the sapwood
as indicated in 8.1. However, to comply with this Part of EN 20 it is essential to collect insects cultured for
at least two generations on non-enriched oak or no more than three generations on enriched oak.

Figure B.1 — Checking for the presence of sufficient starch content in European oak using
Lugol reagent — sufficient starch content

3) Dissolve 2 g of potassium iodide in 10 ml of water, then dissolve 1 g of iodine in this solution and make up to 200 ml with
water.

© BSI 11-1999 11
EN 20-1:1992

Figure B.2 — Checking for the presence of sufficient starch content in European oak using
Lugol reagent — insufficient starch content

B.3 Obtaining adult beetles

To initiate cultures, collect adult beetles from naturally infested sapwood in outdoor insectaries, either
directly from the surface of the wood or by means of a light trap. A suitable trap consists of an electric light
bulb placed on a wide opaque shade suspended over a large glass funnel leading into a large jar. A disc of
paper in the bottom of this jar provides a foothold for the beetles. Outside the normal emergence season,
actively infested sapwood can be brought into warm humid conditions so as to accelerate larval growth and
obtain an early supply of beetles. Return this naturally infested wood to outdoor conditions as soon as
beetles have been obtained and never place it in the test environments (5.3.1 to 5.3.5).
B.4 Culturing procedure
Carry out the culturing procedure on pieces of wood prepared as described in B.2, in glass jars maintained
in the culturing chamber (5.3.1).
Place several pieces of wood, previously conditioned for one week in the atmosphere of the culturing
chamber (5.3.1), in each jar and add 10 male and 10 female beetles. Close the jar with the fine cloth (5.2.9).
Incubation of the eggs takes about 8 days and within 8 weeks the larvae are well developed. The new
beetles emerge between 12 weeks and 16 weeks after initiation of the culture.
Remove them from the jars within 24 h of emergence in order to prevent the females from laying their eggs
in the old culture wood.
When emergence is completed, destroy the old culture wood.
B.5 Identification of sex
Characteristics for sexing Lyctus brunneus beetles are shown in Figure B.3. Hairs on the last visible
ventral segment of the abdomen converge to form a point in the female, but form a broad fringe in the male.

12 © BSI 11-1999
 EN 20-1:1992

Figure B.3 — Last ventral segment of the abdomen of Lyctus brunneus

for the identification of sex

B.6 Precautions against infestation by parasites

When initiating and maintaining cultures, take the greatest care to avoid introducing insects or mites
(notably Pyemotes spp) that are parasitic or predatory on Lyctus brunneus (the main ones are given
in Annex C).
Only use adults from a culture not showing any signs of infestation (generally characterized by a reduction
in the emergence of adults).
If cultures become parasitized by mites, it is generally better to destroy them completely and start again
with a fresh source of Lyctus.

Annex C (informative)
Principal parasites and predators of Lyctus
C.1 Mites
Parasitic mites, Pyemotes spp and Acarophenax spp, can be very troublesome when testing with Lyctus
brunneus, especially in conditions of artificial incubation. These mites are often found in wood which is
naturally infested with Lyctus and it is essential not to introduce such wood into the test environments.
Mites may also be carried on the Lyctus beetles themselves.
C.2 Insects
Among the insects that may be accidentally introduced are the following:
COLEOPTERA
Carnivorous both to the adult and larval stages ì Corynetes coeruleus (de Geer)
Cleridae í Tarsostenus univittatus (Rossi)
î
HYMENOPTERA
Attack larvae causing paralysis ì Bethylidae, Scleroderma domesticum (Latreille)
í Braconidae, Spathius exarator (Linnaeus)
î Chalcididae, Theocolax formiciformis (Westwood)

© BSI 11-1999 13
EN 20-1:1992

Annex D (informative)
Bibliography
EN 73:1988, Wood preservatives — Accelerated ageing tests of treated wood prior to biological testing —
Evaporative ageing procedure.
EN 212:1986, Wood preservatives — Guide to sampling and preparation of wood preservatives and treated
timber for analysis.
ISO 3130:1975, Wood — Determination of moisture content for physical and mechanical tests.

14 © BSI 11-1999
 BS EN 20-1:1992

National annex NA (informative)

Committees responsible
The United Kingdom participation in the preparation of this European Standard was entrusted by the
Technical Sector Board for Building and Civil Engineering (B/-)to Technical Committee B/515, upon which
the following bodies were respresented:

British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association

Chemical Industries’ Association
Creosote Council
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Electricity Industry in United Kingdom
Institute of Wood Science
National House-building Council
Timber Research and Development Association
Timber Trade Federation

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, through subcommittees and
panels:

Association of Consulting Scientists

Imperial College of Science and Technology

National annex NB (informative)

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 73:1988 BS 5761 Wood preservatives. Accelerated ageing of treated wood prior to biological
testing
Part 1:1989 Evaporative ageing procedure
EN 212:1986 BS 5666 Methods of analysis of wood preservatives and treated timber
Part 1:1987 Guide to sampling and preparation of wood preservatives and treated
timber for analysis
ISO 835-1:1981 BS 700 Graduated pipettes
Part 1:1982 Specification for general requirements
ISO 3696:1987 BS 3978:1987 Specification for water for laboratory use

© BSI 11-1999
BS EN
20-1:1992
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