Built-up struts that buckle about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the connectors should be treated as a "built-up" member as opposed to a "simple" member. This mode of buckling causes shear and moments in the connectors which deform the connectors. These deformations increase the lateral deformation of the member and hence affect the load-carrying capacity. To account for this effect the easiest method is to use an equivalent slenderness ratio such as the one included in the Canadian Standard. This note outlines the derivation of the equivalent slenderness ratio equation, discusses when it should and should not be used, and includes a numerical example. A rewording of the applicable clause in the Canadian Standard is suggested. Key words: battens, built-up members, connectors, slenderness ratio.