Technical Update - Traditional Creosote

Background

Traditional Creosote has been used for decades as a wood preserver capable of meeting the criteria for Class 4 ground contact applications. For some time it has been banned for retail sale in the UK and limited to Professional and agricultural use. Last year the EU banned its use completely, apart from within the manufacturing of sleepers and telegraph poles.

The latest approval for the UK only takes us to February next year, at which point a ban similar to the EU one could well be announced. Indeed, the HSE have stated:

‘Creosote has previously been identified as a substance of concern (and probably still will be when we have completed our renewal assessment) and therefore does not meet the normal BPR requirements to be approved’

A ban will mean that only pressure-treated timbers will be Class 4 and no paint-on treatment will be available. We will be looking to exit the product in advance of the ban.

Advising your customers about options

Many retailers have already switched to alternatives which are less harmful for both the user and environment. They are also better colour controlled and lower odour.

CREOSOLVE

• A safer alternative to other ‘creosote substitutes’ which can carry a cancer warning
• Traditional light and dark brown colours with tight colour control
• Much lower odour than Creosote
• Entry level wood protection with a good price point

WOOD PRESERVER

• A deeply penetrating solvent-borne preserver providing Class 3 protection
• Wide colour choice with translucent pigments allowing the wood grain to show through
• Rich in waxes and resins to protect against the weather with excellent water beading

WOOD PROTECTIVE TREATMENT

• A deeply penetrating solvent-borne wood treatment
• Wide colour choice with translucent pigments allowing the wood grain to show through
• Rich in waxes and resins to protect against the weather with excellent water beading
• Beneficial insect friendly when dry

In order to facilitate the transition across from Creosote we would advise that you start to introduce the replacements to your customers this summer. Your Account Manager or the Sales Office team can help with this.