- 1). Lay out a drop cloth before you begin working with treated lumber. Ideally, you should lay the drop cloth outside or in a well-ventilated area. Sawdust created from cutting treated lumber is hazardous because it can be inhaled or get into the eyes. The sawdust can even be ingested by pets or small children, so it is important to gather the dust in one place and throw it into the trash when you are done.
- 2). Wear safety goggles, a mask and work gloves whenever you handle treated lumber. Arsenic is one of the chemicals used to treat the lumber and, if the lumber is mishandled, can cause stomach pain, nerve damage, blood vessel problems and even cancer. The right protection will lower your risk for having a reaction to the wood because it limits the wood's opportunity to enter your body.
- 3). Coat the wood with two or three layers of sealant when you are done. The sealant will not only protect the wood from splintering, it also keeps the chemicals in the wood. The sealant will reduce chemical exposure to others who will come into contact with the wood later.
- 4). Wash your hands immediately after you are done with your project -- even if you were wearing gloves. Make sure you have cleaned your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or touching your face.
Instructions
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