Creosote dipped Railway Sleepers for use in Landscaping.

From June 30th 2007 EEC & British Dept Trade & Industry ruling: All creosoted railway sleepers can continue to be sold and used safely with some exceptions and guidelines;

They MUST NOT be used for children's play areas, toys, garden furniture, picnic tables or inside buildings.

Creosoted railway sleepers should not be used where there is a risk of frequent skin contact, or where they may come into contact with foodstuffs. There is no problem with new untreated, or untreated railway sleepers.

We sometimes design using second hand railway sleepers, oak or tanalised softwood sleepers for retaining work in gardens and landscaping projects especially for our own clients specific projects.

Safety Notes for Creosoted Timbers:-

As per the EU Directive 2001/90/EC, Creosote treated timber must not be used where there is a risk of frequent (I.E. often occurring, habitual or constant) skin contact. It should not be used inside buildings, to make any kind of toys, furniture or containers used for growing foodstuffs to be intended for human or animal consumption.

Always use gloves when handling creosote treated products. Creosote causes burns to skin and eyes. Ensure that all skin surfaces are protected and that safety eye goggles are used when cutting tar sleepers with hand saws or mechanical cutting equipment. Follow health and safety precautions and wash any contaminated hands or skin thoroughly after completing the task and especially before eating.