1.CCA

TANALISED® CCA (Copper Chromium Arsenate) is the longest serving and most recognised brand of timber treatment in many parts of the world. It was developed in the 1930’s and some 70 years later, is still a widely used and reliable timber preservative for hard working outdoor applications.

TANALISED® CCA has been relied upon for generations to provide dependable protection for timber against decay, termites and wood boring insects in the most demanding outdoor and ground contact applications. TANALISED® CCA is recommended particularly for high hazard situations where the treated structures must have the highest degree of durability and engineered safety.

1.1 Has CCA been banned?
1.2 Where is it safe to use CCA?
1.3 When did this restriction take effect?
1.4 Does CCA cause cancer?
1.5 Is arsenic in treated timber a health risk?
1.6 Do existing CCA treated wood structure need to be removed?
1.7 Are there wood treatment alternatives?
1.8 What are the recommended safety handling precautions?
1.9 How do I dispose of off-cuts and waste?

1.1 Has CCA been banned?

CCA (Copper Chromium Arsenate) use has only been restricted for certain end use applications where intimate human contact occurs, as ruled by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

These restrictions are placed on the following applications only:-

Decking
Playground equipment
Hand rails
Outdoor wood furniture

1.2 Where is it safe to use CCA?

The APVMA are satisfied that CCA is still an effective and safe option for all other applications. Koppers logs are safe to use in the following applications:-

Retaining walls
Garden beds / planter boxes
Pergola posts
Bollards & car park barriers
Domestic fence posts, railings & palings
Piling
Viticultural posts
House stumps
Farm fencing
Utility poles
Building poles
Decking support posts...and many more

1.3 When did this restriction take effect?

The use of CCA in decking, playground equipment, hand rails and outdoor wood furniture has been restricted as of March 2006.

1.4 Does CCA cause cancer?

The APVMA stated in its report that “... there was no compelling evidence from the available data to conclude that there was likely to be an unacceptable risk to public health from exposure to arsenic from CCA-treated timber”. However, certain end-uses such as playground equipment and decking are being restricted on a precautionary basis.

1.5 Is arsenic in treated timber a health risk?

The APVMA confirms in its report that exposure to arsenic from treated timber is lower than that from many sources found in water and food. Arsenic also occurs naturally in all soils. Arsenic is the twentieth most common element in the earth’s crust and is present in very small quantities in almost everything we eat and drink. The APVMA has calculated that our normal, daily dietary intake of arsenic is 4.5 times more than expected exposure through contact with CCA-treated timber surfaces. Even when these two possible sources of arsenic are added together, the total is three times less than the daily allowable amounts set by the World Health Organisation.

1.6 Do existing CCA treated wood structure need to be removed?

Regulatory government bodies are not requiring a removal or dismantling of existing structures. It is, however, recommended that householders apply a sealant or penetrating surface coating to existing CCA treated structures that have frequent human contact.

1.7 Are there wood treatment alternatives?

Yes. Koppers Wood Products offers a copper-based environmentally friendly alternative called Tanalised® E (Ecowood), ideal for Koppers roundwood products H4 in-ground applications.

Another alternative for decking and outdoor structures is Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP) treated pine. Typically available in structural grades and is ideal for H3 end-use applications.

For more information on treated wood alternatives and product guarantees, contact your local timber merchant.

1.8 What are the recommended safety handling precautions?

The following health and safety practices are recommended for both treated and untreated timber:-

Do not allow wood dust to accumulate and keep work area clean.
Wear a filter mask and eye protection to avoid inhalation of sawdust.
Wear gloves when handling the material.

- DO NOT BURN TREATED TIMBER -

1.9 How do I dispose of off-cuts and waste?

CCA treated timber is not a hazardous waste. Trade and domestic users should dispose of off-cuts and redundant pieces through normal waste collection services.

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2. ECOWOOD (TANALITH® E)

Koppers Ecowood is a range of unique, alternative treated wood products designed to meet today’s consumer demands while providing traditional durability against wood’s natural enemies and the elements.

Koppers Ecowood incorporates a new generation Tanalised® preservative system accepted in over 20 countries world-wide that provides long term protection while maintaining the natural appeal and versatility of wood.

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3. PAINTING GUIDELINES

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