CCA-Treated Timber in Playgrounds

Is CCA treated Timber Still Suitable for Playgrounds? Understanding the Risks and Safer Alternatives

In New Zealand, nearly all playground timber supplied by major NZ manufacturers is treated to H4 or H5 levels using Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). While this preservative treatment is common locally and effective in preventing timber decay, it does not align with international best practice — particularly regarding health and safety standards for playground environments.

Health and Safety Considerations

Globally, CCA-treated timber has been restricted or outright banned in many countries for playgrounds and other high-contact structures. This is largely due to concerns about arsenic leaching, which poses potential toxic and carcinogenic risks, especially to children who frequently touch or mouth surfaces in play environments.

International Standards and Restrictions

• EN 1176 (Europe): Prohibits the use of CCA-treated timber in playground equipment. Instead, it requires preservatives compliant with BS 5589 Section 6 and non-toxic surface finishes.

• AS 4685 (Australia): Explicitly bans the use of CCA or creosote-treated timber in playground construction.

• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (2012): Tightened restrictions, banning CCA-treated timber in high-contact structures such as playgrounds, exterior seating, and domestic decking due to health concerns.

  
  

New Zealand Context: Lagging Behind

Despite international movements towards safer materials, NZS 5828:2015 (the New Zealand standard) does not currently prohibit the use of CCA-treated timber in playgrounds. This has led to its continued widespread use across the country. However, growing expert advice and industry awareness are bringing this issue into sharper focus:

• Dr. Bruce Graham, a technical advisor to NZ government and UN agencies, has noted that "traces of arsenic are present on the surface of treated timber," particularly in the early stages post-treatment. This leaching continues for years, albeit at diminishing levels.

• The Ministry of Education considers CCA-treated timber a "potential health risk," recommending alternative materials for new playgrounds and suggesting sealing of any CCA timber in existing playgrounds that is less than six months old.

• The Environmental Protection Authority has acknowledged the issue but considers risks from aged timber to be minimal, as arsenic levels dissipate over time.

  
  

Playsafe’s Position: Supporting Safer Alternatives

While the use of CCA-treated timber remains prevalent in New Zealand playground construction, Playsafe supports aligning with global best practice to reduce toxic hazards where children play.

We advocate for the consideration of safer and arsenic-free alternatives, such as:

• ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) or MCQ (Micronized Copper Quaternary) — modern preservatives free from arsenic.

• Naturally durable timbers — classified as Durability Class 1 or 2 under EN 350:2016, which offer natural resistance without the need for chemical treatment.

  
  

These options not only support safer play environments but also future-proof playground designs in line with evolving global standards and community expectations.

In Summary

While still widely used, CCA-treated timber carries inherent low-risk health risks and is not considered best practice internationally. Playsafe recommends a precautionary and progressive approach by using safer alternative treatments and naturally durable materials to better protect the wellbeing of playground users.

If you'd like advice on safer timber selection or how to future-proof your playground, please get in touch.

Contact us at Playsafe – The Playground Safety Specialists.

Treated Pine pole H4