In line with concerns raised by the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food, Loscam has undertaken significant measures to prevent the spread of the European House Borer (EHB) and eradicate it from affected pallets if required.

The department has stepped up its efforts to publicise the extent of this pest and has actively called for industry cooperation. Over many months, Loscam has developed a set of procedures to deal with the issue and put to rest any concerns customers may have about using pallets.

The proposed process has satisfied the department, whose officials signed off the plan in June and will be working in conjunction with Loscam representatives to conduct regular audits to ensure its success. Loscam was the first pallet company to receive the department’s approval.

 

“Naturally, we want our customers to retain their confidence in using Loscam pallets,” said Paul Hallett, Loscam’s national quality, safety & environment manager. “It has taken a fair amount of time to work with the department and get the right procedures in place. This is obviously an issue that affects a number of industries and we’re sure we’ve got the balance right to minimise the impact upon our customers. We’ll work with them to keep up the flow of information about the EHB and assist them in removing exposed pallets if need be.”

The announcement is timely, given the flying season of the EHB commences in September (and extends through to March). The pest attacks seasoned timber and has been found in pine furniture and untreated timber. Loscam will quarantine and fumigate pallets if the need arises, although according to Paul, customers need only take simple steps to comply with the department’s decree.

 

Paul suggests it is very much in the interests of Loscam and its customers to ensure the process is being carried out. “We need to be compliant with the EHB regulations and work in with our customer base to make sure everyone knows how to respond before and after potential exposure,” he said. “We don’t believe it’s going to have a dramatic effect but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Customers need to know that with these steps in place they can have one hundred percent confidence in using Loscam pallets.”