The WPA‘s action follows notification by the Health and Safety Executive that there will be no phase-out period for sales of preservatives containing chromium.
“Disappointing as this outcome is, it is overshadowed by the failure of the Commission to deal with this matter in a way that ensures a common position throughout the EU,” said WPA consultant director Dr Chris Coggins, who described discussions with the Commission as “intractable”.
He said Germany’s federal institution for industrial safety and industrial medicine had delayed a decision until June 30, 2007, while Belgian and Swedish authorities have said stocks of wood chromium wood preservatives can still be used for 18 months.
“This creates the prospect of wood coming into the UK from another EU member freshly treated with a preservative that is illegal to use here,” said Dr Coggins.
He said no phase-out period in the UK would mean stocks must be removed for disposal, despite acceptance that using up remaining stocks of preservative was the most environmentally-friendly option. Wood already treated with the preservative was not subject to restrictions.
WPA supplier members are advising timber treaters about procedures for managing copper-chrome preservatives and the options for changing to other treatments.
