1. What are the recommended areas of use for TANALISED E pressure treated timber?
TANALISED E pressure treated timber is suitable for use in, around and over ponds and lakes. However, where fish are present in garden ponds, we recommend that direct water contact is avoided. Whilst we are confident about the safety of TANALISED E pressure treated timber, fish are very sensitive creatures and may respond unfavorably to changes in their surroundings. Prior to use, you should ensure that the timber is in a dry condition; two weeks post treatment is usually sufficient time to allow for drying although this is weather and storage condition dependent. Please also ensure that the timber you use has been treated to the correct specification - Arch Specification Code TE/Gfa if the timber is to be used above ground (Use Class 3) and TE/GFb if it is to be used in ground (Use Class 4).
2. What are the recommended areas of use for VACSOL Aqua treated timber?
VACSOL Aqua treated timber is designed for use in internal and external building applications above damp proof course level. These are classified as Use Classes 1-3.1 as defined in BS EN 335-1. Typical applications are timber frame components, trussed rafter material, internal and external joinery, flooring and roofing timbers. VACSOL Aqua treatment from both Arch Preston and Wolverhampton, contains a pale yellow colourant to facilitate identification of the treatment. When a clear treatment option is required, contact Arch customer support service for further advice.
When VACSOL Aqua treated timbers are used in external situations, Use Class 3.1, they should be subsequently protected with a maintained and appropriate surface coating.
3. With regard to the specification of preservative treated timbers, what are 'Commodity Codes' and 'Z12'?
Commodity Codes are a series of typical end uses for preservative treated timber created by the Wood Protection Association, currently ranging from C1-C12. The suitability of both TANALISED E and VACSOL Aqua treated timbers in meeting these industry codes is detailed here. 'Z12' relates to specifications for different types of industrially applied wood preservative and fire retardant formulations from the National Building Specifications part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd. All Arch preservatives are Z12 compliant - further details can be accessed here.
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4. Can I use TANALISED E pressure treated timber around my fish pond?
TANALISED E pressure treated timber is suitable for use in, around and over garden ponds. However, where fish are present, we recommend that direct water contact is avoided. Whilst we are confident about the safety of TANALISED E pressure treated timber, fish are very sensitive creatures and may respond unfavourably to changes in their surroundings. Prior to use, you should ensure that the timber is in a dry condition; two weeks post treatment is usually sufficient time to allow for drying although this is weather and storage condition dependent. Please also ensure that the timber you use has been treated to the correct specification - Arch Specification Code TE/Gfa if the timber is to be used above ground (Use Class 3) and TE/GFb if it is to be used in ground (Use Class 4).
5. Can I use TANALISED E treated timber for making bat shelters?
Bat roosts and shelters are closely protected by conservation legislation. You must consult the Statutory Nature Conversation Organisation for your area (Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage) before doing anything. The Bat Workers' Manual, published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, provides initial guidance. Click here to download or order from:
• NHBS Ltd
2-3 Wills Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5XN
The Bat Workers Manual recommends the use of pre-treated timber; therefore, we can confirm that it is safe to use TANALISED E and VACSOL Aqua treated timber.
6. Can TANALISED or TANATONE pressure treated timber be used for the construction of bee hives?
TANALISED E or TANATONE pressure treated timber is suitable for use in a bee hive. However, you should not use it for internal elements of the hive that will come into direct contact with honey. Prior to use, you should ensure that the timber is in a dry condition; two weeks post treatment is usually sufficient time to allow for drying although this is weather and storage condition dependent. Please see our Code of Practice and Consumer Information Sheet for more information on the use of TANALISED E pressure treated timber.
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7. Is TANALISED E pressure treated timber safe to use in nature reserves and aviaries?
TANALISED E pressure treated timber is suitable for use on a nature reserve or for constructing aviaries. Prior to use, you should ensure that the timber is in a dry condition; two weeks post treatment is usually sufficient time to allow for drying although this is weather and storage condition dependent. Please see our Code of Practice and Consumer Information Sheet for more information on the use of TANALISED E pressure treated timber.
8. I am doing a COSHH assessment on the treated timber we stock. Can you send me a material safety
data sheet for your preservative products?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations refer to substances. Preservative treated timber is not a substance, but an article, and therefore COSHH regulations do not apply to the actual treated timber. The 'COSHH and treated timber' information sheet provides more details relating to this classification. The preservative treated timber should be delivered to you in a surface dry condition. This is safe to handle as recommended and can be handled in the same way as untreated timber. The Code of Practice and Consumer Information Sheet for the relevant products, which provide health and safety handling recommendations, may also assist in carrying out your COSHH risk assessment.
9. Is TANALISED E pressure treated timber safe to use in children's playgrounds?
TANALISED E pressure treated timber is safe to use for structures in and around children's play areas. With regard to any concerns that the children may 'chew' or 'eat' the treated timber, we have to conduct safety studies to demonstrate safe use of our products as part of their approval process. These studies have shown that the preservative within the timber would not cause harm to a child in the quantities that they are able to 'eat' or 'chew'. Please see our Code of Practice and Consumer Information Sheet for more information on the use of TANALISED E pressure treated timber.
10. Is TANALISED E pressure treated timber safe to use for compost bins and earth retaining structures
for organic vegetable beds?
TANALISED E pressure treated timber is suitable for the construction of compost bins and for use as earth retaining structures for organic vegetable beds. The Soil Association (www.soilassociation.org) states that if the timber used for organic vegetable beds is preservative pre-treated then there are no issues in terms of organic status. If, however, the wood is treated once the raised bed has been built (brush applied preservative) then this would affect the status of the land. Please see our Code of Practice and Consumer Information Sheet for more information on the use of TANALISED E pressure treated timber.
11. Where can I find details covering waste management issues?
Detailed information on the subject of Waste Management can be found here (PDF).
12. What makes a Quality Treatment?
Preservative pressure treatments will significantly extend the service life of agricultural and fencing timbers by providing an effective protection against all forms of wood decay and insect attack. Carried out in industrial treatment vessels by trained operators, treatments use a proven process of pressure and vacuum cycles to impregnate the wood preservative deep and permanently into the timber cells. Further information can be found here (PDF).