Treated Pine Safety

CCA treated timber has a history of over 50 years of safe use. Concern for the environment, especially in the areas of public safety, has recently focused attention on many materials and operations previously taken for granted. Since we use chemical substances in the process of preserving timber, it is very important for you, the consumer, to have all the facts regarding site, handling and disposal precautions. This web page sets out to provide the information and recommendations which will allow you to use treated timber with confidence and safety.

• Do not use pressure treated timber where it will come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water or food.
• When power sawing or machining treated timber, try to do it outdoors and always wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the sawdust as you would with any other kind of timber.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying particles.
• Remember to wash your hands after working with treated timber and before eating, drinking or smoking.
• DO NOT BURN TREATED TIMBER. Offcuts can be disposed of as any other building waste product at your local tip.
• Work clothes should be laundered before reuse and washed separately from the household wash.
• Do not use treated wood for countertops or for those portions of beehives which come into contact with the honey.
• Treated timber is widely used inside as well as outside residences. All sawdust and debris should be cleaned up after construction.
• Only timber that is visibly clean and free of surface residues should be used for patios, decks and walkways.