APVMA Review Findings

CCA Chemical Labels
CCA-Treated Timber Labels
CCA Chemical Restrictions
Worker Exposure
Existing Treated Timber
Responses to Draft APVMA Review
References

• Product labels be varied to require that timber treatment facilities be designed and operated to meet appropriate Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2843.1:2000 and AS/NZS 2843.2:2000).
• Product labels be varied such that uses of CCA timber treatment products are not permitted for timber intended for use as garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking, and handrails.
• Product labels be varied to specify the circumstances in which CCA products can be used.
• Product labels be varied to require that each piece of timber be clearly identified as having been treated with CCA (except specific circumstances where supplied and therefore marked as a pack).
• Product labels be varied to include more detailed instructions for application, mixing and vacuum/pressure operations, management of freshly treated timber, management of liquids, sludge or waste material containing CCA residues, protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and the environment, and storage and disposal.

CCA-Treated Timber Labels

• each timber piece treated with CCA (except specific circumstances where supplied and therefore marked as a pack) to be legibly and durably marked (at least to the point of the first person who uses the treated timber) with a treating plant identification number, hazard class and chemical number, as well as the statement:
  “TREATED WITH COPPER CHROME ARSENATE”

  

CCA Chemical Restrictions

• CCA timber treatment products be declared restricted chemical products (RCP) 1 in the public interest. Supply and use will be restricted to authorised persons with special skills and knowledge achieved through authorised training. It will also be a requirement that supply be restricted to treatment plants that comply with the specified Australia / New Zealand Standards.

The States have responsibility for determining the basis of who can be an authorised person, which is generally based on specified training...Timber treatment plants that meet the Australian Standards AS/NZS 2843.1:2000 and AS/NZS 2843.2:2000) would have the appropriate equipment and processes in place to meet the requirements of RCP envisaged by the APVMA.

Worker Exposure

To ensure the ongoing safety of workers exposed to CCA and CCA treated products the Registrants be required to submit specific worker exposure data to address concerns associated with arsenic and chromium (VI).

Existing Treated Timber Structures

The APVMA has no regulatory authority over existing structures constructed of CCA treated timber and so has made no recommendation with respect to future action for existing structures.

However, the APVMA will be consulting with agencies that have responsibility for existing structures and will make all scientific information available from the review available to them. This will assist them in making their own risk management decisions. The APVMA continues to keep abreast of overseas developments and, if any new information emerges relevant to the safety of existing structures, the APVMA would inform relevant authorities to enable required actions to be taken.

...the APVMA cannot provide any definitive advice at this time on whether there are benefits from painting.

Standards Australia
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
Other