Poles treated with conventional high temperature creosote (HTC) are banned for use in Australia by the major union handling them. Pigment emulsified creosote (PEC) is an acceptable alternative because it provides much dryer and cleaner commodities than does HTC. More than 5000 poles have so far been treated with PEC and many are being installed into service. The brown pigmented PEC 30 B has given variable results, with some pole species still exuding preservative after treatment. White pigmented PEC 30 W therefore has been introduced to replace PEC 30 B and the surface quality of poles has been further improved. The weather conditions following treatment and during service have been found to influence the drying of surfaces even on poles treated with PEC 30 B. A survey of 157 standing PEC-treated poles and 67 HTC-treated 'controls' has highlighted a marked difference between cleanliness of the two treatments. A questionnaire survey of union members handling the poles has produced inconclusive results, although there appears to be a marked bias shown by some workers against creosote in any form. Our survey of poles in service clearly indicates that PEC represents a new preservative with considerable future potential.

Download document (1.4 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document