Timber iQ June - July 2017 // Issue: 32 | Page 9

South African Wood Preservers Association Promoting timber treatment and treated timber products Tel: 011 974 1061 or E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sawpa.co.za IN SOUTH AFRICA TREATED TIMBER IS BY LAW REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH NATIONAL AND COMPULSORY SPECIFICATIONS AND MUST BEAR MARKING CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BUYING AND USING PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER ? HOW TO PLANT A POLE POLES (Metal marker) ABCTT SAWN TIMBER (Ink stamp) 457 H5 10 ABC TIMBER H3 ABCTT ABC TIMBER H2 457 H4 10 CHOOSE THE CORRECT HAZARD (H) CLASS H6 - High Hazard: Prolonged immersion in sea water (Marine piling, jetty cross-bracing, landing steps, retaining walls etc.) H5 - High Hazard: Outside in contact with heavy wet soil or in fresh water (piling, substructure for walkways & jetties, vineyards etc.) The detail in these diagrams assists proper drainage of moisture that may be absorbed by a wooden pole. A structural engineer must be consulted for detailed structural requirements. Poles intended for planting in the ground must be purchased at required lengths. Never plant a cross-cut end of a treated pole or post into the ground as this will expose the untreated heartwood to fungal and termite attack resulting in premature failure. CROSS CUT ENDS H4 - High Hazard: Outside in ground, subject to periodic wetting and leaching (fencing and structural posts, landscaping, stakes, pergolas, etc). H3 - Moderate Hazard: Outside above ground, subject to periodic wetting and leaching (cladding, decking, stairs, balustrades, log homes, etc). H2 - Low Hazard: Inside above ground, protected from wetting and leaching (roof trusses, framing, panelling, laminated . All machining, cutting or drilling of preservative treated timber should be done prior to preser- vative impregnation. Areas exposed after impregnation due to cross cutting etc., must be treated by liberally applying a suitable paint-on or brush-on remedial or supplemental preservative (excluding ground contact).