As with most industrial grown timber, South African pine and eucalyptus are not durable and are subject to attack from fungus and termite. This is why it is necessary to 'treat' timber with wood preserving chemicals if you require confidence in its performance. Taking this a step further, SAWPA together with the SABS and representatives from the timber industry established the Hazard Classifications.

The purpose for which the timber is being purchased defines the treatment required. A piece of timber to be used in the roof need not be treated with the same amount of chemical as a piece of timber being used for a jetty. The treatment changes with different applications. The chemicals need not penetrate to the same depth, nor need the solution be the same. These two factors are called penetration and retention levels respectively.

The main chemicals used in this country are CCA (Copper Chrome Arsenate) and Creosote. CCA gives the timber a greenish look whilst Creosote leaves the timber pole black. Other chemicals used are Boron and TBTOL (Tributyltinoxide Lindane). PCP has been removed from the market place because of its damaging environmental properties.

Chemicals should not be brushed on. The timber should be put into a treatment vessel and through various processes, the chemicals are deeply impregnated into the timber, thus obtaining the correct penetration depth. Boron may, under specific conditions, also be applied by means of a dip-diffusion process.

In South Africa we have 6 hazard class levels of treatment.

H0-i INTERIOR:
This is for interior uses only. Protection is only offered for prevention of certain commonly occuring insects and is a mild treatment process. All other hazard classes offer protection against insect and fungi attack. The products in this category are specifically for mouldings, ceilings, flooring boards and joinery.

H1
International trends set a H1 level. Because South Africa followed the international example when setting up its own Hazard classification, it was felt that H1 in the South African context would not be required, as this caters only for countries in which there are no termites.

H2 INTERNAL (Low Hazard)
This is also for interior use only and timber treated under this classification should be roof trusses, laminated beams, internally used structural timber, ceiling boards, flooring, panelling, doors, cupboards, skirting, window frames and plywood. Chemicals used here would be CCA, Creosote, TBTOL and Boron.

H3 EXTERIOR ABOVE GROUND (Moderate Hazard)
Only CCA and Creosote are recommended for this and higher H class treatments. H3 covers balustrades, fencing bearers and slats, outdoor decking and beams, garden furniture, laminated beams, weather board, steps, cladding, stairs, log homes, gates, fascia boards and plywood. Spacers and cross arms used with electrical, distribution, telephone and light poles are treated to H3.

H4 GROUND CONTACT (High Hazard)
This level of treatment helps prevent agricultural posts and landscaping structures from rotting and termite attack. Also recommended for treatment in this hazard class are playground structures, fencing, pergolas, carports, flower boxes, decking, bridges and stakes, as well as electrical, distribution, telephone and lighting poles.

H5 FRESHWATER (High Hazard)
Timber which falls into this category, is timber exposed to continual wetting or where the timber is planted in wet soil. Timber which will fall into this category could be jetties, drains, walkways, retaining walls and slipways.

H6 MARINE (High Hazard)
Only the use of the CCA chemical with Creosote is recommended for this application. Only timber treated with both these chemicals will offer complete protection against marine borers. Jetties, slipways, retaining walls and walkways will fall under this section.

The SABS monitors all treatment plants producing treated timber with their standards mark. All treated timber is required to show not only the SABS mark, but also to which H class that piece of timber has been treated.

Your treated timber will be marked with one of the symbols listed below:-

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