FAQ
1
What is Treated Timber?
Treated timber is highly versatile. It is used extensively both inside and outside houses and commercial buildings, in landscaping and rural applications.
Treatment is carried out by impregnation of the timber, under pressure with CCA (Copper, Chromium and Arsenic) preservative in accordance with Australian Standards 1604.1 - 2000.
3
Working with CCA Treated Timber
CCA treated timber can be planed, chiselled, nailed or drilled just as easily as untreated timber. Carbide tipped saw blades are suggested when big projects are planned. Nails, plates and bolts should be hot-dip galvanized and/or stainless steel.
All end cuts, rebates, drill holes and notches should be resealed with an approved “in can” timber protective such as Protim Re-seal.
You will never regret the small additional cost of taking these steps when you appreciate the long term benefits of durable outdoor structures using Tanalised treated timber.
Good building practices should always be utilised in the application of treated pine to ensure maximum stability and endurance.
5
How should I dispose of treated timber?
Treated timber waste and off-cuts must not be burned in barbeques, fireplaces, woodburning stoves or in any confined spaces. Toxic fumes may be produced and preservative residues may be left in the ash. These could pose health or environmental concerns.
For disposal of treated timber please contact your local waste services authority or council.
Treated timber should not be burnt as a means of disposal or left where other people may collect it for firewood.
7
How does treated timber weather
CCA treated timber will weather naturally when exposed to the elements, eventually from its pale green colour to a pleasing driftwood grey. All timber exposed to the outdoors will have a natural tendency to warp, twist, cup and split due to the properties of the timber itself and the action of mechanical weathering cased by rain, wind and sun.
We recommend you apply a clear water-repellent stain such as Protim Raincoat or paint to timber used in an external application. These products will extend the life of all external timber products.
2
Why Treat Timber?
Tanalised treated wood products are protected against decay and termites by impregnation with APVMA (Aust. Pesticides and Vetinary Medicines Assoc.) approved wood preservatives. Preservative treatment of pine provides long-term protection from decay fungi and termites that can attack and destroy untreated non-durable timbers. Treated wood is safe to use providing that common sense precautions and handling guidelines are followed.
4
Safety Precautions
Wear gloves to help avoid splinters.
Cuts and abrasions should be protected from sawdust whilst sawing or machining timber.
Wash hands and face free of sawdust before meals or smoking. Food and drink should not be left exposed to any wood dust.
Follow the same normal standard safety practices associated with working with any sort of timber.
When sawing and machining, wear a dust mask.
Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of sawdust.
When power sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles.
Sanding operations should be performed in well-ventilated areas. If this is not feasible, use dust protection equipment. A dust mask and goggles will generally suffice. Gloves and overalls in high dust situations are also recommended.
Avoid handling or machining freshly treated wet timber.
6
Painting, Staining, Weathering
CCA treated can be left in it's original form or painted or stained to suit individual preferences. Always ensure that treated pine is dry and dust free prior to applying all stains, paints or coatings.
8
Hazard Levels
The preservative treated timber produced by Riverland Treated Pine is treated to specific preservative loading in accordance with Australian Standard 1604.1 - 2000.
H3 for above ground such as pergolas
H4 for ground contact such as landscaping and fence posts
H5 for structural applications in ground contact such as house poles, engineered retaining walls, or for timber that will be in permanent fresh water contact.
H6 for marine piling, jetty cross bracing and landing steps or any application subject to prolonged immersion or exposure to sea water.