How To

How to Work With Pressure Treated Wood

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By ssincarolina2
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Pressure treated wood contains chemicals to protect the wood and help it last longer in normal conditions. Because one of the well-known chemicals in pressure treated wood is arsenic, you must be careful whenever you work with this type of wood. Even though the chemicals are in the wood, they can still move around with contact.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Gloves
  • Dust mask
  • Safety glasses
  • Appropriate clothing
  1. Step 1

    Wear safety gear for your protection. Any time you handle or cut pressure treated wood you need to wear gloves, a dust mask, safety glasses or goggles and clothing to cover exposed skin.

  2. Step 2

    Cut outside. Whenever you cut pressure treated wood, it is safer to always do this outside and not in an enclosed area. In an enclosed area, the sawdust with chemicals can go anywhere (even in the air) and be harmful to your health.

  3. Step 3

    Keep pressure treated wood away from food and food preparation vicinities. This means no direct or indirect contact with these areas. Also keep it away from drinks and faucets where water is used.

  4. Step 4

    Clean up carefully. The proper way to clean up sawdust is to sweep it up with a broom like ordinary, while still wearing your safety gear. Try to keep your sawdust in one main location when cutting. This makes it easier to locate clean up every last speck. To dispose of the dust, you can simply throw it away with your usual trash, but never burn pressure treated wood for disposal.

  5. Step 5

    Wash skin immediately after contact. If for any reason you are directly exposed to pressure treated wood, wash it off immediately with soap and water. It is a good idea to separate your working clothes from other clothing when cleaning items work while working with pressure treated wood. Take a good shower after you are done cutting even if you did not directly touch the wood. Shower before you use the restroom and consume any food or drink.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use all precautions necessary to protect yourself.
  • It is also best to refrain from tobacco use when working with pressure treated wood.

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