Handling Guide
Treated wood best practice handling guide
When pine is treated, it is impregnated with a chemical solution which prevents deterioration by insect or fungal attack and provides a long term resistance to decay. his process provides affective and long lasting protection to the timber and makes it ideal for internal and external uses. Precautions must be taken by anyone working with treated timber including those who carry out the treatment and those who work with treated timber as the chemicals used can be harmful to people.
To ensure the safe handling and installation of treated timber, the following steps should be taken:
Storage
- Always store treated timber in well ventilated areas.
- Wraps and other delivery materials should be removed as soon as convenient to assist in dissipation of solvent fumes.
Preparation and use:
- Filter masks, gloves and eye protection should be worn when working with treated timber products.
- Avoid frequent and/or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated timber.
- Whenever possible, cutting and sanding should be taken place outside to avoid accumulation of airborne sawdust.
After use and disposal:
- Do not burn timber or sawdust in open fires, fireplaces or residential boilers as toxic chemicals may be produced in smoke and ash.
- Wash exposed areas of skin thoroughly after use.
- Sawdust and the preservatives may accumulate on cloths. All clothing should be washed, separate from other household cloths, before reuse.
- Do not compost or mulch sawdust from treated timber.
