Pantherace and Suntrellis products have been pressure treated with a Canadian registered preservative to protect them from termite attach and decay. The chemicals penetrate deeply into and remain in the treated wood. However, the following recommendations should be adhered to when using and handling treated or untreated wood.
- Pantherace and Suntrellis products are suitable for exterior, weather exposed applications where resistance to termites and decay is desired. They are also suitable for interior applications such as beams, framing, flooring, trusses, foundations and sills where there is a threat of termites and decay damage.
- When painting or staining, follow the paint and stain manufacturer’s recommendations. As with untreated lumber, the wood should be clean and dry, both on the surface and internally.
- When nailing close to the end of the board, whether using treated or untreated lumber, predrill the nail holes; this helps to avoid splitting. Use galvanized or stainless steel hardware only. Do not use in contact with aluminum.
- Screws take longer to drive than nails, but hold boards more securely and will allow for easier removal if necessary.
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples are mulch from recycled treated wood, cutting boards, counter tops, animal bedding, and structures or containers for storing animal feed or human food.
- Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives which may come into contact with honey.
- 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 docks or bridges.
- Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection. TREATED WOOD SHOULD NOT BE BURNED in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces or residential boilers because toxic substances may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes.
- Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from wood, treated or untreated. When sawing, sanding, and machining wood, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations or airborne sawdust.
- When power-sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles.
- Wear gloves when working with wood. Use proper techniques when lifting. After working with wood, and before eating, drinking, toileting, and use of tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly.
- Because preservatives or sawdust may accumulate on clothes, they should be laundered before reuse. Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing.
- Liberally coat all cut ends, holes, or other intrusions into the wood with a suitable wood preservative end cut product.
