Safe handling
Pressure-treated wood has chemicals impregnated deep into the fibers. They should always be handled properly to ensure safety. Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure-treated wood. Specific work practices may vary depending on the environment and safety requirements of individual jobs.
Safe Handling Practices
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Wear gloves when handling wood.
- Wash hands thoroughly with mild soap and water after working with treated wood.
- Wash work clothes separately from other clothes.
- Pressure-treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh water docks and bridges.
- Do not use pressure-treated wood in circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed or beehives.
- Do not use pressure-treated wood for mulch.
- All sawdust and debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Do not burn pressure-treated wood.
- Pressure-treated wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.