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Wespine Blue: Technical Attributes
What is Wespine Blue?
Wespine Blue is a new generation treatment to protect framing timber against
termite attack that can be applied at a sawmill using an in-line or rapid batch
processing treatment plant. The active ingredient is permethrin which has a
long track record in wood protection for H1, H2 and H3 hazard classes. Wespine
Blue is applied as an envelope to timber in its final shape and form. Wespine
Blue is applied by rapid immersion of full block stacked strapped timber
packs in the preservative fluid immediately prior to plastic wrapping. As
such Wespine Blue can be integrated as a final process in the dry mill.
Does Wespine Blue Work?
Comprehensive testing and mill trials have confirmed that Wespine Blue is
effective in creating a 5mm deep envelope treatment zone around radiata and
slash pine framing timber in normal commercial pack sizes and lengths. Extensive
field trials carried out by the CSIRO and Department of Primary Industries
(DPI) in Queensland in accordance with established industry protocols have
confirmed Wespine Blue is highly effective in protecting timber against the
common economically important species of termites in Australia.
Where Can Wespine Blue Be Used?
The trials carried out by CSIRO and Queensland's DPI have confirmed that timber
treated with Wespine Blue is protected against all common pest species of
termites in Australia except Mastotermes darwiniensis. This means that Wespine
Blue treated timber will be deemed to be termite resistant south of the
Tropic of Capricorn.
Where is Wespine Blue Approved?
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority approval for Wespine
Blue was granted February 2003. AS 1604 Pending Timber Utilisation Marketing Act
(QLD) Pending Timber Marketing Act (NSW) Pending (APVMA - formerly NRA). Timber
that is approved for hazard level 2 or higher under AS1604 is deemed to be a
termite resistant building material according the Building Code of Australia
and AS3660.1 - Termite management - New building work.
Are There Occupational Health and Safety Issues?
Wespine Blue represents a Iow hazard potential for the operators and the timber
users. Two independent reports have been completed to review occupational health and safety issues.
"Overall Wespine Blue does not possess significant toxicological properties.
It is not considered to be sensitising, teratogenic, reproductive, mutagenic or
carcinogenic hazard to humans" - Toxicological Hazard Assessment of Wespine
Blue - Dr Roger Drew Toxikos Document TR021002-RF October 2002.
"Based on concentrations of detected compounds, the health risks associated
with the inhalation of evaporated Wespine Blue are Iow" - Simtars Document
CTD198178 January 2002.
Copies of these reports can be made available on request, contact Koppers Arch on (08) 97254511.
Are there any EnvironmentalIissues with Wespine Blue?
In general timber from managed plantation resources has a positive net
environmental profile compared to most other building materials. Wespine Blue
treatment has little if any negative effect on attributes of timber.
Low Chemical Use
The envelope treatment pattern and the formulation of Wespine Blue means
that the least possible amount of man made chemicals and energy are required
consistent with the desirable goal of providing long term protection to building
timber against termites.
Waste Handling
Wespine Blue does not result in hazardous or intractable wastes. Independent
reports are available that review waste handling and end of service disposal.
Combustion products are similar to that of untreated timber.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
The oils used in Wespine Blue have very Iow VOC concentration and Iow
potential to contribute to air pollution (Simtars report).
Quality Assurance Management With Wespine Blue?
Wespine Blue treatment quality assurance is relatively easy with simple
measurements performed on site backed up by laboratory analysis confirmation.
Penetration
Preservative penetration can be checked at the plant by cross cutting a few hours after treatment.
The envelope of preservative soaked timber can be readily confirmed by visual inspection. Trace or marker
additives can also be optionally added if required.
Retention
Pack retention or uptake of whole preservative can be confirmed by weight. Retention of permethrin
in the analytical zone of the treated wood can be confirmed by laboratory analysis. Koppers Arch will
provide technical service and support for quality assurance.
What Product Warranty is Offered?
Koppers Arch support Wespine Blue customers with a conditional guarantee on the treated timber against failure due to termites or European House Borers
for 25 years. This guarantee is supported with a comprehensive documentation program that helps to provide traceability throughout the supply chain.
Back to Wespine Blue
If you require technical assistance contact Wespine's Technical Desk on Free Call 1800 018 888
Wespine is a Wholesaler of pine products, contact one of our Distributors for product availability and pricing. Click here for Distributor locations.
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