Timber Treatment

 

CCA Treatment

 

CCA (Copper chromium arsenic) treatment is Australia’s most commonly used wood preservative. It has been used for over 50 years. Using CCA treatment means increasing the life of Radiata Pine Timber for up to 40 years.

 

Since 2006 some restrictions have been applied to CCA treatment. For example, timbers used to build playground products, outdoor furniture, and decking boards shouldn’t be treated with CCA because it contains arsenic. Please note that these are only precautionary restrictions.

 

CCA treatment comes in different hazard levels from H1 to H6. Here is what each treatment level is suitable for: H1 timber only to be used inside well-ventilated areas – protection against insects; H2 timber to be used inside or undercover away from the weather but subject to moisture – protection against insects and decay. H3 timber to be used outdoors above ground – protection against insects, termites and moderate decay; H4 timber to be used outdoors in or on the ground – protection against insects, termites and severe decay; H5 timber to be used outdoors in or on the ground with or in freshwater – protection against insects, termites and very severe decay, H6 timber to be used in contact with sea water – protection against marine borers and decay.

 

Handling treated pine timber should be done following all safety measures. Always wear gloves, a dust mask and goggles. When you have a break after working with treated pine timber, wash your hands and face.

 

If you need to cut the timber, you must reseal the ends. Painting will further protect your CCA-treated timber and minimize warping and coming in contact with arsenic from the timber surface. Don’t burn CCA-treated timber for any reason, as this will produce toxic fumes.

 

LOSP Treatment

 

Losp (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) is a white spirit-based solvent that protects from insects like termites and fungal decay.

 

This treatment is suitable for timber that is used outdoors above ground, and it’s not suitable for in-ground use.

 

LOSP treatment comes in two hazard levels, H2 and H3. H2 timber can be used inside or undercover away from the weather but is subject to moisture, protecting insects and decay; H3 timber can be used outdoors above ground, protecting insects, including termites and moderate decay.

 

If you need to cut the timber, you will need to reseal the ends, and if you plan to paint it, it is recommended that you sand it first.

 

One of the main differences between CCA and LOSP treatment is that the preservatives used in LOSP are safe for timbers that people are exposed including children, pets, animals and plants.

 

Handling treated pine timber should be done following all safety measures. Always wear gloves, a dust mask and goggles. When you have a break after working with treated pine timber, wash your hands and face.

 

Don’t burn LOSP-treated timber for any reason, as this will produce toxic fumes.

 

Ecowood Treatment

 

TanE (Tanalith E) timber treatment is an arsenic-free alternative to CCA treatment that protects the timber against decay and insect attack. TanE treatment contains copper and azole co-biocide.

 

Tanalith E treatment comes in three hazard levels H3, H4 and H5. H3 timber can be used outdoors above ground, protecting insects, including termites and moderate decay; H4 timber to be used outdoors in or on the ground protecting insects, termites and severe decay; H5 timber to be used outdoors on or on the ground with or in freshwater protecting insects, termites and very severe decay.

 

Ecowood-treated timber uses the Tanalith E treatment has been approved by the Australian Veterinary Medicines Authority. Ecowood timber is suitable for use in areas where people are exposed, like playgrounds, schools, recreational areas and parks.

 

Handling treated pine timber should be done following all safety measures. Always wear gloves, a dust mask and goggles. When you have a break after working with treated pine timber, wash your hands and face.

 

If you need to cut the timber, you must reseal the ends. The painting will protect your Ecowood-treated timber further. It will minimize warping and other common defects occurring naturally over time in timber. Don’t burn Ecowood-treated timber for any reason, as this will produce toxic fumes.