Timber treatment works and timber products manufacturing works

Timber treatment works

Background:

This profile covers the formulation of timber preservative solutions and the treatment of timber with preservatives before use. This includes the formulation of preservatives used in remedial treatments, but not the application of remedial treatments. It does not deal with flame retardant treatments for timber. The production of the active ingredients used in wood preservative formulations is covered by the profile Chemical works - pesticides manufacturing works.

Potential Processes and Operations:

Wood preservation involves the formulation and impregnation of wood with chemicals toxic to wood-destroying organisms. The active ingredients and other materials required for the formulation and preparation of timber treating solutions are received from chemical works in liquid or solid state. The formulation of most wood preservative chemicals is typically undertaken by mixing the raw materials in a mixing vessel, often to form a concentrate. The prepared formulations used for timber treatment are typically transported as liquids or pastes. The main types of treatment solution are:

  • Copper-organic (water-based)
  • Water-based copper-chromium-arsenic (CCA) solutions (historic use)
  • Microemulsion (primarily organic based)
  • Organic solvent (commonly known as Light Organic Solvent based Preservatives)
  • Creosote and creosote solutions
  • Copper-organic (oil-based)

The main industrial methods of applying wood preservatives utilise pressure and/or vacuum techniques, or immersion; the latter is decreasing in use.

Potential Contaminants of Concern:
Contaminant type Main group of contaminants Location
Raw materials delivery/storage/ transfer Process buildings Products storage/ transfer Waste storage/disposal Process pipework/ pumps Drainage systems and soakaways Effluent/water treatment areas
Organic Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) • • • • • • •
Halogenated hydrocarbons • • • • • • •
Non-halogenated hydrocarbons • • • • • • •
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs • • • • • • •
Dioxins and furans              
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)              
Pesticides and herbicides • • • • • • •
Organometallic compounds • • • • • • •
Explosives              
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)              
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) •  • • • • • •
Inorganic Metals •  • • • • • •
Non-metals and common inorganic substances •  • • • • • •
Asbestos
 
      •  •    
Cyanides
 
            
Radionuclides              
Other potential contaminants of concern
 Biocides (e.g. triazole), creosote, coal and associated ash, pyrethroids. See original Industry Profile for additional potential contaminants.
 
Original Industry Profile: 
Further Information Sources: Related Industry Profiles:
 

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Timber products manufacturing works

Background:

This profile deals with the manufacture of solid wood and wood-based panel products. It also includes the finishing of wood products with surface coatings such as varnishes and paints at their place of manufacture. It does not include the offsite preservative treatment of timber, which is dealt with in Timber treatment works

Potential Processes and Operations:

The solid timber products manufacturing industry can be broadly divided into three categories:

  • construction timber (trussed rafters and beams)
  • joinery (window frames, doors and staircases)
  • furniture
Wood-based panel products increase the use of raw wood by using a higher proportion of the felled tree. They also have advantages over solid wood; large sheets can be produced and the major defects and differences in properties along and across the grain, characteristic of solid timber, can be avoided. Wood-based panel products fall into three main groups:
  • fibre building boards
  • particleboard (mainly chipboard)
  • plywood
The chemicals required for the manufacture and subsequent on-site treatment of timber and timber products are generally received as powdered solids or liquids and may comprise adhesives, resins, surface coatings, sizing agents, wood preservatives and fire retardants. Most sites operate, service and repair a fleet of vehicles and have large on-site engineering and electrical departments. In addition, some sites may have their own electrical sub-stations.
Potential Contaminants of Concern:
Contaminant type Main group of contaminants Location
Raw materials delivery/storage/ transfer Process plant Drainage systems and soakaways Waste disposal/incineration Water treatment areas
Organic Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) • •   •  
Halogenated hydrocarbons • •   •  
Non-halogenated hydrocarbons • • • •  
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs • • • •  
Dioxins and furans       •  
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)          
Pesticides and herbicides • • • •  
Organometallic compounds • •   •  
Explosives          
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) • • • •  
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) • • • •  
Inorganic Metals • • • •  
Non-metals and common inorganic substances • • • • •
Asbestos
 
 •   •  
Cyanides
 
        
Radionuclides          
Other potential contaminants of concern
 Biocides, glycols, ketones, esters, bitumens. See original Industry Profile for additional potential contaminants.
 
Original Industry Profile: 
Further Information Sources: Related Industry Profiles:
 

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