General working with ThermoWood® products
ThermoWood® cuts like untreated pine. However due to the dry nature of ThermoWood®, the saw dust is lighter and finer.
Because of the more brittle nature of ThermoWood®, care should be taken not to apply unnecessary impact stresses as these can result in splitting and damage.
Health & safety
There is no major difference in health and safety aspects of ThermoWood® compared to normal softwood species.There are still two detectable differences: the smell of the material and the dust produced when processing ThermoWood®.
ThermoWood® has a smoke-like smell, which arises from chemical compounds called furfurals.The volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from ThermoWood® are only a fraction of those from normal pine.
There are no toxic or harmful components in ThermoWood® but if wood splinters penetrate the skin they should be removed as soon as possible.
ThermoWood® dust has smaller particle size than normal softwoods. It is comparable to MDF (although lower density) or hardwood dust. Dust can cause problems for people suffering from asthma. Because of the reasons mentioned above one has to pay special attention to the dust removal system. If dust extraction systems are not available, dust masks should be used.
Handling & storage
When in storage ThermoWood® should be laid flat with sufficient support to eliminate bowing (recommended distance of 600mm between supports).
To minimise the potential for degradation store ThermoWood® out of ground contact and in dry conditions.
Where gluing and/or surface treatment is taking place, material should be acclimatised to the moisture content and temperature as required by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Waste handling
ThermoWood® is a natural wood product and has no chemical additives. When not glued or painted ThermoWood® waste can be handled as any other untreated wood waste.
Hazard classifications
European Standard for the assessment of Hazard classes: Application to solid wood (source EN 335–1, EN 335–2)
Hazard class 1
Where wood is under cover, fully protected from weather and not exposed to wetting.
In this environment the moisture content of solid wood is such that the risk of attack by surface moulds or by staining or wood destroying fungi is insignificant, that is the wood shall have a moisture content of maximum 20% in any part for practically the whole of its service life. However, attack by wood boring insects, including termites, is possible although the frequency and importance of the insect risk depends on the geographic region.
Hazard class 2
Where wood is under cover and fully protected from the weather but where high environmental humidity can lead to occasional but not persistent wetting.
In this environment the moisture content of solid wood occasionally exceeds 20% either in the whole or only in part of the component and thus allows attack by wood destroying fungi. For timber whose use includes a decorative function, discolouration can also occur as a result of the growth of surface moulds and staining fungi.
Hazard class 3
Where wood is not covered and is not in contact with the ground. It is either continually exposed to the weather or is protected from the weather but subject to frequent wetting.
In this environment solid wood can be expected to have a moisture content above 20% frequently, and thus it will often be liable to attack by wood destroying fungi. For timber whose use includes a decorative function, discolouration can occur as a result of the growth of surface moulds and staining fungi.
Hazard class 4
Where wood or wood-based product is in contact with the ground or fresh water and is permanently exposed to wetting.
In this environment solid wood can have a moisture content above 20% permanently and is liable to attack by wood destroying fungi.Termite can be a problem in certain geographic regions. Additionally, the above ground (or above water)
portion of certain components, for example fence posts, may be attacked by wood-boring beetles.
Hazard class 5
Where wood is permanently exposed to salt water.
In normal conditions external cladding is exposed to hazard class 2 or 3.
