This research report will take an in depth look at the use of hardwoods, and softwoods in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. This brief target audience is technology studies students, teachers, and will specifically investigate safety aspects, structure types and availability, adhesive properties, environment issues, and durability. The hardwoods considered in this report include Jarrah, Spotted Gum, and Tasmanian Oak. The softwoods considered are Radiata, Calantis and Hoop Pine.HARDWOODHardwood is timber that has a particular type of interlocking cellular structure. The trees have broad leaves and are made up of thousands of different species. Generally Australian hardwoods used for the manufacture of outdoor furniture consist of various eucalyptus species but mainly include timbers such as Jarah (South Western Australia), Spotted Gum, and to a lesser degree Tasmanian Oak. All of these timbers are relatively harmless although the dust if swallowed, may cause abnormal conditions. The usual first aid is to drink water, and if there is abnormal discomfort, seek medical attention. Eye contact with dust may be irritant, and cause redness and watering. To be safe wear glasses to protect eys. If eye contact occurs, it is recommended to flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and if irritation persists seek medical attention. Inhaling the dust of Tasmanian Oak can cause some reparatory problem. Inhalation of dust of hardwood may be irritating to nose, throat and lungs. If this occurs leave the dusty area, or apply a mask. Hardwood dust can also be a fire/explosion hazard, so avoid sparks, the build up of static electricity, and sources of ignition in all electrical equipment and dust extraction equipment. In a fire, use water jets to extinguish flames.SOFTWOOD Swallowing of softwood dust may cause abnormal discomfort but usually presents less problems than the three hardwoods mentioned above. Again the treat...
