Microsoft word - treated timber infosheet.doc

Preservative Treated Timber
Preservative treatment of timber and wood based products is a process of modifying the natural material with chemicals with the objective of protecting the material in service from attack by fungi which causes decay, by borers and termites. TYPES OF PRESERVATIVES
There are three main types of preservatives
1. Oil-borne
preservatives
c. Tanalith T (Permethrin insecticide in a self drying oil carrier such as linseed oil) 2. Water-borne
preservatives
(Copper, Chromium, Arsenic) is a multi salt solution the active ingredients of which are compounds of the elements of copper, chromium and arsenic. (Ammoniacal, Copper, Quaternary) is a mixture of the compounds of the elements of copper and quaternary ammonium. c. Boron type such as that derived from Boric acid or Boric oxide 3. LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) consists of a solution of a light organic
solvent such as White Spirit mixed with a fungicide and/or insecticide a. Fungicides such as Tributyltin oxide, Pentachlorophenol, Copper naphthenate and b. Insecticides such as Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Permethrin and Bifenthrin Treatment Chemicals and Hazard Levels
HAZARD LEVEL
H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6
CREOSOTE
Hazard Levels and Applications
BIOLOGICAL
EXPOSURE
SERVICE CONDITIONS
The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The contents do not constitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal specific advice should be sought by members with respect to particular matters before taking action.
IDENTIFICATION
Australian Standard AS1604 –Specification for preservative treatment specifies requirements for
preservative treatment for sawn and round timber. Any timber claiming compliance with the
Standard is required to be permanently marked (branded) to indicate –
1. Preservative code number. A two digit number from 01 to 99 2. Treatment plant number. A three digit number from 001 to 999 3. Hazard class. The letter H followed by a number from 1 to 6. In some cases an additional
• F (associated with H2) to signify an “envelope” treatment suitable for areas south
• A (associated with H3) to signify a lower dose of chemical where the timber will be
further protected by an exterior grade paint system FIGURE 1 EXAMPLES OF BRAND LAYOUT
1. Various State Forest Departments maintain a register of treatment plants. 2. A list of preservative codes is provided in AS1604 Part 1 The Standard has an optional provision for colour coding to be used in addition to the brand to identify treatment. Timber treated with LOSP and/or envelope treated to H2, H2F or H3 may be colour coded in accordance with Figure 2. HAZARD BRAND
Figure 2 COLOUR CODING
CUTTING TREATED TIMBER
Specifications for preservative treatment generally require all “sapwood” to be penetrated with
chemical but not necessarily all of the “heartwood”. Therefore when a piece of treated timber is
docked, checked or drilled untreated timber could be exposed. It is important to preserve the
integrity of the treatment by applying an appropriate solution to protect the exposed material.
Brush-on treatments, compatible with the different treatment chemicals, are usually available at the
point of sale of the timber.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Working with treated timber is considered safe provided basic procedures are followed.
Recommended procedures for safe handling and storage are explained in material safety data
sheets (MSDS) which are available on request at the point of sale or from the producer. Different
chemicals have a specific MSDS and can require specific precautions for safe handling, storage
and disposal of waste. General procedures involve the use of gloves, eye and respiratory
protection and general hygiene such as washing hands after handling and cleaning up sawdust as
you work.
For further Information - Contact HIA Technical Services1300 650 620

Source: http://nsw.hia.com.au/documents/2006/151106/Treated%20Timber%20InfoSheet.pdf