BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

20-2:1993

Wood preservatives —
Determination of the
protective effectiveness
against Lyctus
brunneus (Stephens) —
Part 2: Application by impregnation
(laboratory method)

The European Standard EN 20-2:1993 has the status of a

British Standard
BS EN 20-2:1993

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 June 1993
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 01-2000

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/515
Draft for comment 90/55125 DC

ISBN 0 580 21417 6

 BS EN 20-2:1993

Contents

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

© BSI 01-2000 i
BS EN 20-2:1993

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 20-2 Wood preservatives — Determination of the protective
effectiveness against Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) — Part 2: Application by
impregnation (laboratory method), published by the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN). EN 20-2 was produced as a result of international
discussion in which the United Kingdom took an active part.
BS EN 20 consists of the following Parts:
— Part 1: Application by surface treatment (laboratory method);
— Part 2: Application by impregnation (laboratory method).
Part 1 is identical with EN 20-1:1992 and superseded BS 5217:1975 which has
been withdrawn.
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 01-2000
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 20-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 1993
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

UDC 674.048.4:620.193.8

Descriptors: Wood, wood preservatives, pesticides, insecticides, pest control, lyctus, prevention, determination, effectiveness,
laboratory tests

English version

Wood preservatives — Determination of the protective

effectiveness against Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) —
Part 2: Application by impregnation (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 2: Application par traitement en Teil 2: Anwendung durch Volltränkung
profondeur (Méthode de laboratoire) (Laboratoriumsverfahren)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1993-04-02. 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

© 1993 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 20-2:1993 E
EN 20-2:1993

Foreword Contents
This Part of this European Standard has been Page
drawn up by the “Lyctus” Expert Group of Foreword 2
CEN/TC 38 “Durability of wood and wood-based
Introduction 3
products”, with AFNOR as secretariat.
1 Scope 3
This Part of EN 20 together with EN 20-1 replaces
EN 20:1974. 2 Normative reference 3
This Part of EN 20 is required to enable 3 Definitions 3
effectiveness assessments of preservatives which 4 Principle 3
are intended to be applied by impregnation. 5 Test materials and apparatus 4
This Part of this European Standard shall be given 6 Sampling 4
the status of a national standard, either by
7 Test specimens 5
publication of an identical text or by endorsement,
at the latest by October 1993, and conflicting 8 Procedure 5
national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest 9 Validity of test 7
by October 1993. 10 Expression of results 7
This Part of this European Standard was adopted by 11 Test report 7
CEN and in accordance with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations the following countries are Annex A (informative) Example of a test report 9
bound to implement this Part of EN 20: Austria, Annex B (informative) Technique for
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, culturing Lyctus brunneus 11
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Annex C (informative) Principal parasites
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and predators of Lyctus 14
Switzerland and United Kingdom. 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 12
Figure B.2 — Checking for the presence of
sufficient starch content in European oak
using Lugol reagent — insufficient
starch content 13
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 01-2000

Introduction
This Part of EN 20 describes a laboratory method of
test which gives a basis for assessment of the
effectiveness of a wood preservative, against Lyctus
brunneus. It allows the determination of the
concentration at which the preservative completely
prevents the development of infestation from
egg-laying in fully impregnated wood of susceptible
species.
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) in wood
which has been treated previously by full
impregnation.
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.
This method is not applicable to water-based
perservatives.
NOTE This method may be used in conjuction with ageing
procedures, which do not remove the added nutrient.
© BSI 01-2000
EN 20-2:1993
2 Normative reference
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 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 impregnated 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 impregnated 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 20-2:1993
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 treated with solutions.
NOTE Paraffin wax with a setting point of 52 °C to 54 °C has
been found to be suitable.
5.2.2 Filter paper, ordinary quality medium-fast
grade.
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 carboxymethyl cellulose, 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 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).
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.
1)
100 Pa = 1 mbar.
4 © BSI 01-2000
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 Treatment vessels, of material that does not
react with the preservative under test; for example
of glass for organic products.
5.3.7 Vacuum vessel(s), fitted with stopcocks.
5.3.8 Vacuum pump, fitted with a pressure gauge
and capable of maintaining a pressure of 700 Pa1).
5.3.9 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.
5.3.10 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 Drying vessels(s), capable of holding sets of
five test specimens (7.4), provided with
a close-fitting cover and containing supports that
will give minimum contact with treated test
specimens to be placed on them. The vessels and
supports shall be of a material that does not react
with the preservative under test, for example glass.
5.3.13 Ordinary laboratory equipment, including a
balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0,01 g.
5.3.14 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/or 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 freshly 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).
NOTE Moisture contents may be assessed in accordance with
ISO 3130. In addition moisture meters of the two-pronged
electrical conductivity type are also suitable.
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
For the purpose of calculating the mass of
preservative retained per unit volume of
wood (8.3.2) the nominal volume of each test
specimen shall be taken as 18,75 cm3.
Mark each specimen so that it can be identified
throughout the test.
© BSI 01-2000
EN 20-2:1993
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 is used: five control
specimens (7.4) treated with that solvent or
diluent (5.2.4 or 5.2.5).
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 (5.3.9) to prevent
them floating. Place the beaker in the vacuum
vessel (5.3.7), and reduce the pressure using the
vacuum pump (5.3.8) 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
treatment
Transfer the dried test specimens to the
conditioning chamber (5.3.2) and condition them for
one week.
8.3 Treatment of the test specimens
8.3.1 Preparation of treatment solutions
8.3.1.1 Solid 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.
5
EN 20-2:1993
All treatment solutions shall be freshly prepared.
8.3.1.2 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 supplier.
All treatment solutions shall be freshly prepared.
8.3.1.3 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 goemetric 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 Impregnation
Carry out impregnation in ascending order of
concentration, starting with the solvent control
(concentration = 0).
The following procedure ensures the required
complete impregnation of test specimens by the test
solutions.
For each concentration weigh each specimen, to the
nearest 0,05 g, and then stack the specimens in one
of the treatment vessels (5.3.6) so that as much of
their surface as possible is exposed (e.g. by piling
them crosswise). Ballast the stack of specimens with
the weights (5.3.9) to prevent them floating later
when the liquid is admitted.
Place each treatment vessel in one of the vaccum
vessels (5.3.7), attach the vacuum pump (5.3.8) and
reduce the pressure to 700 Pa. Maintain this
vacuum for 15 min. Observe the proper safety
measures for vacuum vessels. After this period,
close the stopcock to the vacuum pump (5.3.8) and
open the other stopcock to allow the solution of
preservative to be drawn into the treatment vessel.
Keep the specimens covered completely by the
solution throughout the remainder of the
impregnation process.
Next, admit air to bring the vacuum vessel back to
atmospheric pressure, remove the treatment vessel
when its submerged specimens from the vacuum
vessel, cover it and leave it for 2 h, adding further
solution as necessary to keep the specimens fully
covered by liquid.
2) When dealing with preservative formulations whose constituents may be selectively absorbed by wood, it is necessary to carry
out chemical analysis of the solution before and after impregnation. Similarly, analysis is recommended if very dilute solutions
are used.
6 © BSI 01-2000
After this impregnation treatment, remove the test
specimens one by one, remove the excess liquid from
their surfaces by lightly blotting with filter
paper (5.2.2) and immediately weigh each to the
nearest 0,05 g.
In the case of preservatives, which are being studied
as active substances, calculate the mass of active
matter retained by each specimen from the mass of
solution absorbed and its concentration2).
In the case of organic formulations the retention is
expressed for each test specimen in terms of the
corresponding mass of the formulation retained;
but, if a concentrate is supplied, the retention is
expressed in terms of the solution prepared ready
for use as specified by the supplier.
Calculate the mass of preservative retained per unit
volume of wood in kilograms per cubic metre, for
each specimen.
Calculation the mean mass of preservative retained
per unit volume of wood for each set of five test
specimens.
8.4 Drying and conditioning of the test
specimens after treatment
Arrange the impregnated specimens treated with
each preservative concentration on their narrow
faces, resting on two glass rods, not touching each
other in the drying vessel (5.3.12). Place the cover
on the drying vessel. Place the drying vessel in the
conditioning chamber (5.3.2). Invert the specimens
twice each week during the subsequent drying
period, temporarily removing the cover to perform
these operations.
During the first week retain the cover on the drying
vessel.
During the second week uncover the drying vessel
progressively each day to allow the specimens to dry
steadily.
From the beginning of the third week leave the
drying vessel fully open. Except for slow drying
products, drying shall be complete at the end of the
fourth week.
NOTE The drying and conditioning of the specimens depends
on the nature of the product under test and on the solvent or
diluent used. For slow drying products it may be necessary to
extend the conditioning process.
If, in the case of slow drying products, the
conditioning period is extended, the extended
conditioning period shall be stated in the test report.
If the test specimens are to be subject to an ageing
procedure, this shall be carried out after this drying
procedure.

Before exposing them 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
Coat the transverse surfaces of each test specimen
with the paraffin wax (5.2.1) applied as a single
brush coat at 70 °C to 90 °C. Condition the sealed
specimens in the testing chamber (5.3.5) for at
least 1 day.
Then subject the test specimens to insect attack as
follows.
For each test specimen:
— fix with the paste (5.2.3) a disc of filter
paper (5.2.2) 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 the container securely with a disc of filter
paper (5.2.2) and adhesive tape or with the fine
cloth (5.2.8).
8.6 Conditions and duration of test
Place the containers containing the test specimens
and the insects in the testing chamber (5.3.5).
NOTE After 1, 2, 7 and 14 days, the number of beetles that
have been knocked down may be counted and recorded.
After 6 to 8 weeks remove dead adult insects. Reseal
the containers and return the containers to the
testing chamber.
Retain the test containers in the testing chamber
for 14 weeks from the time the adult insects were
placed with the test specimens.
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 insertion 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 (5.2.2) 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.
© BSI 01-2000
EN 20-2:1993
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 than 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 given in 8.7.
10.2 Toxic values
If a range of concentrations of product are tested the
results shall be expressed as toxic values.
The toxic values of a preservative product are
expressed as the following two loadings:
— the mean mass or volume of preservative
retained per unit volume 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 volume 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 the toxic values in kilograms of
preservative per cubic metre of treated wood
(see 8.3.2), and also state the corresponding
concentrations of the preservative in the solvent.
11 Test report
The test report shall include at least the following
information (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 used;
7
EN 20-2:1993

f) the species of wood used; o) the results of the examination of the treated
g) the date of impregnation of the test specimens specimens and control test specimens:
with the nutrient solution; — number of adult beetles emerged from the
h) the date of the impregnation with the wood;
preservative; — number of exit holes;
i) where relevant, the concentration(s) of the — number of beetles found, dividing them into:
preservative expressed as a percentage by mass; living (i) adult beetles, (ii) larvae and (iii)
j) the minimum, maximum and mean masses, in pupae;
grams of solution absorbed for each concentration dead (i) adult beetles, (ii) larvae and (iii)
and the corresponding mean mass per unit of pupae;
volume in kilograms per cubic metre, of the
p) if determined, the toxic values;
preservative under test;
q) the name of the organization responsible for
k) the method of drying the test specimens;
the test report and the date of issue;
l) any ageing procedures carried out, specifying
r) the name and signature of the officer(s) in
the type, conditions and duration, with possible
charge of testing;
reference to a standard;
s) the following note:
m) the date when the test specimens were
exposed to beetles; “The interpretation and the practical conclusions
that can be drawn from this test report demand a
n) the date(s) of examination of the test
specialized knowledge of the subject of wood
specimens;
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 observations made, for
example X-ray examination (8.7).

8 © BSI 01-2000
 EN 20-2:1993

Annex A (informative)
Example of a test report

— Number and date of this Part of this European : EN 20-2:1993

Standard
— Name of supplier : company S
— Name and type of preservative : X-preservative in the form of an organic solvent,
ready for use, composition not declared
— Name and concentration of active insecticide : W 0,25 % (m/m)
— Solvent used : toluene
— Species of wood used : European oak (Quercus robur L.)
— Date of impregnation with nutrient solution : 1990.01.02
— Date of impregnation of the preservative : 1990.01.16
— Concentration of the preservative tested : 0,40 % – 0,25 % – 0,16 % – 0,10 % 0,063 % (m/m)
— Mass of solution absorbed and retention of : See Table A.1
preservative
— 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 : 1990.05.15
— Date of examination of the test specimens : 1990.08.21
— Results : see Table A.1
— Toxic values : 0,69 kg/m3 and 1,13 kg/m3
This report has been prepared by the institute : FPL
Location and date : Y 1990.08.28
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 01-2000 9
 Table A.1 — Results
10

EN 20-2:1993
Concentrations Absorption Mean Number (x) of beetles Emergence Number and state of insects after splitting of
of preservative retention of dead or knock-down specimens
preservative after (in days)
tested
Mass of solution absorbed per test First Number Number Living Dead
specimen insects of exit of beetles
emerged holes emerged
Mean of after Adult Pupae Larvae Adult Pupae Larvae
five exposure
Minimum Maximum 1 2 7 14 (in weeks) beetles beetles
specimens
tested

(% m/m) (g) (g) (g) (kg/m3)

0 5,4 6,0 6,3 0 0 0 2 5 12 26 28 1 2 79 1 0 0

Solvent
0,063 5,7 5,9 6,1 0,20 0 5 20 40 12 19 19 5 0 50 0 0 0
0,10 5,1 5,5 5,8 0,31 0 10 28 40 13 20 20 3 1 42 1 0 2
0,16 5,0 5,2 5,5 0,47 8 20 36 40 14 10 12 0 3 15 0 1 0
0,25 5,1 5,3 5,6 0,69 10 25 40 40 14 1 1 0 1 5 0 0 0
0,4 5,5 6,0 6,3 1,13 15 40 40 40 — 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Untreated — — — — 0 0 0 0 12 42 41 3 9 110 1 0 0
(control test
specimens)
The toxic values of product X as tested by insect survival of Lyctus brunneus are 0,69 kg/m3 to 1,13 kg/m3 corresponding to concentrations of 0,25 % and 0,4 % respectively for impregnation
solutions.
(x) optional.
© BSI 01-2000
 EN 20-2:1993

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 two 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.
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 under 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 (5.2.8).
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 complete, destroy the old culture wood.

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 01-2000 11
EN 20-2:1993

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.

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

12 © BSI 01-2000
 EN 20-2:1993

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

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).

© BSI 01-2000 13
EN 20-2:1993

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)
ï Braconidae, Spathius exarator (Linnaeus)
í
ï Chalcididae, Theocolax formiciformis (Westwood)
î

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 01-2000
 BS EN 20-2:1993

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 represented:

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 3696:1987 BS 3978:1987 Specification for water for laboratory use

© BSI 01-2000
BS EN
20-2:1993
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions

British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of

British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.

It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: 020 8996 9000. Fax: 020 8996 7400.

BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards

Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the

BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards

BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and

international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: 020 8996 7111. Fax: 020 8996 7048.

Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments

and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: 020 8996 7002. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

Copyright

Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.

This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.

If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing

agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
BSI Tel: 020 8996 7070.
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL