Wood preservation facilities, creosote: chapter D-12

12. Environmental Emergency Notification and Contingency Planning

Preparedness for emergencies is essential in any wood preservation facility. Hence, facilities using creosote or creosote/oil solutions 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 Creosote since creosote-impregnated waste materials and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are 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

Creosote is a combustible liquid. An irritating heavy, black smoke forms with a creosote fire. Although water is ineffective as an extinguishing medium and should not be used directly on the fire, it should be used to cool fire-exposed containers. It is, therefore, important that creosote 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) (28) for proper fire extinguishing agents and other requirements for contingency planning, and refer to Section 12.3 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.