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Safety of Preservative Treated Timber Product FAQs

• How are Treated Timber Products Approved?

  In Australia timber treatments must be approved by the Federal Government regulator the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) for Safety and Efficacy (effectiveness) before they can be used in Australian treatment plants and sold to the end user. In addition, to facilitate use in construction, the timber treatments are included in the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1604 series which specify the timber treatments suitable for the various Hazard Classes.

• What are Hazard Classes?

  Hazard Classes can be different based on the wood preservative system used to pressure treat the wood product and its intended end use (ground contact, above ground contact, etc.). It is important to purchase treated timber products for the intended exposure condition. Typically, wood products are treated for “above ground use” and “ground contact/fresh water immersion use”. More information on Hazard Classes can be viewed here.

• How do I handle treated timber?

  The following general precautions should be taken when handling the treated wood:

  • Do not burn preserved timber.
  • Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding timber.
  • Wear gloves when working with timber.
  • Some preservative may migrate from the treated timber into soil/ water or may dislodge from the treated timber surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
  • All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
  • Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before re-use.
  • Preserved timber should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh water docks and bridges.
  • Do not use preserved timber under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
  • Do not use preserved timber as mulch.
  • Only preserved timber that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
  • If the timber is to be used in an interior application and becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before being covered or enclosed.
  • If you desire to apply a paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated timber, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before finishing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
  • Mould growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated timber, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mould from the treated timber surface, timber should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mould.
  • Projects should be designed, approved and installed in accordance with federal, state and local regulations governing construction in your area.

• How do I dispose of treated wood?

  Preserved wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Is it safe to use treated wood in a picnic table or on countertops?

  Timber treatments such as MicroPro and ACQ may be used for outdoor picnic tables, however CCA must not be used in this application see here.
  
  We recommend that treated wood products should not be used as a countertop. Do not put food directly in contact with treated wood.

• Can I use treated wood in feed troughs for livestock?

  Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.

• Do your pressure treated wood products contain formaldehyde?

  Koppers wood preservative products do not contain formaldehyde. However, glues used to produce plywood, glue laminates, and other engineered wood products may contain formaldehyde. Contact the engineered wood producer for information regarding the use of formaldehyde in their products.