‘When surfaces are to be painted with paint, vamish or stain it is recommended that a surface coating specialist be consulted. Timber, which is exposed to sunlight, ultra violet radiation, rain and extremes of temperature, can suffer from splits, checks, discolouration and damage on the glue line, It is most important that the protection be applied as soon as possible after erection, to prevent discolouration and damage. $ _Handling and storage Care must be taken during erection to minimise physical damage to the members. Under no circumstances must chains or steel rope be used in direct contact with the surface of the timber. These ean cause indentations which will weaken the member. Protective wooden blocks may be used in eases where chains or steel cables have to be used. Members should be lifted using webbed strapping so that damage does not occur. ‘The method used to lft members must not overstress the member. Iti thus important to lift members so that bending occurs about the stronger axis. Where long members are to be lifted a spacer bar should be employed. Timber which is unprotected will suffer degradation as a result of exposure to sunlight. rain, ultra violet radiation, temperature extremes and large changes in moisture content. This degradation may lead to a reduction in the strength of the member. Iti thus very important to store members in the correct way. Members should be stored on a level surface. These supports should be placed to provide a uniform ‘support so that the members will not be overstressed. A minimum clearance of 300 mm above the ‘ground should be provided and support points should not act as transfer points for ground moisture. ‘Spacers should be used between the members so that all-round air circulation can take place. Ideally ‘members should be stored under cover. However, if this is not possible they should be provided on all sides with a weather proof covering. 6 Limit states design of timber members 6.1 Ultimate limit states partial safety factors, 7, ‘The ultimate limit states partial load factors have been covered elsewhere 2 where the effects of the ‘nominal loads multiplied by partial load factors given in SANS 10160-1989 are applied. The following combinations of self-weight D,, imposed floor lads I, and wind loads W,, are generally ‘considered at the ultimate limit state: 15D. 12D, + 1.6L. 1,2D, + 0,5L, + 1.3We 0,9D, + 1.3Wa