By: Fasoro O. A.; Bolawale P. O.;
Abstract:
Operational standards are guidelines that aim to achieve effective and efficient sawmilling operations,
unfortunately, few sawmills strictly adhere to the guidelines which result in low conversion efficiency in sawmills.
Therefore, this study assessed operational standards which can guarantee sustainable utilization of timber in
selected sawmills in Oyo State, Nigeria. Based on the abundance of operational sawmills, Owode and Abaletu
sawmills were purposely selected. At 50% sampling intensity, 20 and 30 operational sawmills were randomly
selected respectively from Owode and Abaletu. Structured questionnaire was administered and data were analysed
using descriptive analysis.The study revealed that 83.3% and 85.0% of respondents were male and 93.3% and
82.3% had formal education in Owode and Abaletu sawmills, respectively. Most of the respondents (93.7%)
agreed that guidelines for log processing exist. Log storage (11.3%); equipment used (15.7%); environmental,
regulatory and electric power (53.7%); labour (5.0%); sales and marketing issues (6.0%) and maintenance and
operation (8.3%) were identified as factors that could influence sawmilling operations. Grade (43.0%), Species
(32.0%) and Scale (25.0%) are used to value logs for processing. Respondents opined that the main requirements
for sawmilling operations are sawmill certification and use of Hoppus Measurement Book (HMB, (30.7%), log
and sawmill certification (28.0%) and hammered log and use of HMB (22.0%). Most (57.3%) of the respondents
stated that they never use any safety or health measures. Operational standards do exist in Oyo State, however,
few sawmills strictly adhere to the guidelines for sawmilling operations. To ensure good log conversion efficiency,
appropriate policies and implementation strategies in the form of code of conduct and penalties should be
developed.
Keywords: Sawmilling operations; Wood processing; Operation guidelines; Sawmill workers;
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