Seal and be safe

Do you have wooden floors? DIY expert, Janice Anderssen recommends that you seal it... for your health!

Article: Janice Anderssen

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Chromated copper arsenate or CCA is a wood preservation process which involves saturating timber with chemicals that protect the wood from deterioration and delays combustion due to fire.

While many outdoor projects require the use of CCA treated timber - identified by its slightly green tint - it is highly toxic.

CCA treated timber is commonly used outdoors as split poles, decking and fencing, but it is also commonly used in kiddies schools for play equipment.

The chemicals by themselves are extremely harmful and requires sealing to ‘fix' the chemicals. Remember that safety measures need to be employed when cutting and sanding CCA treated timber because the effects can be harmful.

Here are some guidelines when handling CCA treated timber:

1.   Always wear a dust mask, safety goggles and gloves when handling, cutting or sanding CCA treated timber, especially for prolonged periods of time on large projects. This applies to CCA treated planks or split poles.

2.   Always properly sand timber projects such as a Wendy house, climbing frame or jungle gym to prevent splinters. Particular attention should be given to edges as these tend to splinter more frequently, and it is preferable to round these off slightly with a sander.

3.   Use any one of the wide range of exterior sealers on CCA treated timber. This serves not only as a wood protector, but also as a seal against the toxic chemicals within the actual timber.

4.   Exterior timber should be given at least three coats of a suitable exterior sealer for proper protection from UV rays and weathering.

5.   Regular maintenance and re-application of exterior sealers is required to maintain the level of protection, as most sealers degrade over time. The application of penetrating stains and coatings to decks or other residential CCA-treated structures at least once a year can reduce potential exposure to arsenic.

Janice Anderssen is Women24's Decor & DIY expert. Click here to ask her a question.