Wood preservation facilities, chromated copper arsenate: chapter B-12

12. Environmental Emergency Notification and Contingency Planning

Preparedness for emergencies is essential in any wood preservation facility. Hence, facilities using Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) Type C, should prepare detailed contingency plans and have them readily available to ensure that response to spills and fires is quick, safe and effective.

12.1 Environmental Emergency Notification

The Environmental Emergency Regulations and its requirements are applicable for CCA since it contains arsenic and chromium VI, listed in Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999.

Please refer to Section 12.1 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.

12.2 Spill Contingency Planning

Please refer to Section 12.2 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.

12.3 Fire Contingency Planning

Components of CCA and CCA solutions are not flammable. Tests comparing the toxicity of combustion products from CCA-treated wood versus untreated wood showed no differences in acute toxicity (23).

However, precautions should be taken in the event that a fire occurs in the vicinity of CCA solutions. One of the components, chromic acid, is a strong oxidizer and may increase the fire threat upon dispersal on wood floors, pallets, cotton packaging or cartons. Arsenic acid may be converted to more toxic reduced forms of arsenic upon exposure to high temperatures. It is, therefore, important that CCA wood preservation facilities devise an adequate contingency plan for fire protection, including storing a copy of all necessary documents in a fire proof box outside the entrance to the facility.

Please refer to the National Fire Code of Canada (always refer to last version available) (26) and to Section 12.2 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.