Creosote treated power pole
Pigment emulsified creosote (PEC) is a modern derivative, with water and pigments added to
- stabilise the creosote by locking it into the timber
- make it less pungent
- reduce leaching
Hazard level of timber treated with creosote: H6.
Pests repelled by creosote: Severe to very severe decay, borers and termites, and marine wood borers.
Typical uses of creosote: Creosote is not available for domestic use in Australia. It is only used for commercial outdoor applications in the ground or in fresh water and seawater such as
- power poles
- vineyard poles
- farm fencing
In NSW it is mainly used in conjunction with copper chrome arsenate treated timber to treat marine piles.
Safe handling
- Avoid skin contact with creosote either in its liquid form or as sawdust because when exposed to sunlight it can cause a sunburn-like skin irritation.
- See working with and handling treated timber safely.