Safe Handling of Treated Timber

Consumer & Safety Information

Koppers treated wood products are protected against decay and termites by impregnation with Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority approved wood preservatives. Treated wood is safe to use providing that common sense precautions and handling guidelines are followed. This information is provided in the interest of consumer safety and for appropriate use of the product.

• Only use Koppers treated wood that is clean, dry and free of surface residues.
• Avoid inhaling wood dust and wear a filter mask while power sawing, machining, sanding or any operation where wood dust is generated.
• Protect the eyes while using power tools or any work where small particles may be ejected.
• Wear gloves when handling the material, and wash hands after work and before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Brush or wash sawdust off skin or clothes.
• Keep the work area clean. Do not allow wood dust to accumulate. Where ever possible, recover sawdust, shavings and off-cuts for proper disposal.
• Wash wood dust contaminated work clothing and safety equipment before reuse.
• DO NOT BURN off-cuts or waste pieces. Burning may produce toxic fumes and residues.

Disposal: Domestic users should dispose of off-cuts and redundant pieces through normal waste collection services. Trade or industrial manufacturers generating larger volumes of treated wood waste may require approval from their local waste services authority or council. Do not use for composting or mulching. Do not burn as a means of disposal.

Get the best results from outdoor treated wood projects

Koppers treated wood products are durable and versatile building materials. The following tips will help you get the best results with your treated wood project.

• Make sure that the timber is treated to the correct hazard level for your application. The most common situations are:
  H3 for above ground such as decking and pergolas
  H4 for ground contact such as landscaping and fence posts
  H5 for structural application in ground contact such as house poles, engineered retaining walls, or for timber that will be in permanent fresh water contact.
• All end cuts, rebates, drill holes and notches should be resealed with an approved timber protective.
• It is strongly recommended that all dimensioned (sawn) timber products in outdoor situations are painted, stained or sealed for best performance and prevention of discolouration, mould and dimensional distortion.
• Use hot dipped galvanised steel, stainless steel or other metal fasteners of high corrosion resistance for all exterior timber applications.

You will never regret the small additional cost of taking these steps when you appreciate the long term benefits of durable outdoor structures using Koppers Tanalised® treated timber.

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