Are railway sleepers safe to burn?

1. Used railway sleepers can contain asbestos. Fibres from older train's asbestos brake linings can become trapped in cracks in the railway sleepers. As long as they are not disturbed they are safe, but they can be released when the railway sleepers are burnt.Aug 29, 2013 read more

1. Used railway sleepers can contain asbestos. Fibres from older train's asbestos brake linings can become trapped in cracks in the railway sleepers. As long as they are not disturbed they are safe, but they can be released when the railway sleepers are burnt. read more

The Firewood Association of Australia says locals looking for firewood in the lead-up to winter should avoid buying disused railway sleepers for burning. General Manager, Alan McGreevy, says burning wooden railway sleepers can release herbicides, oils and grease that have soaked into the outer layers. read more

Old railway sleepers treated with creosote prior to the 30 June 2003 can still be used for railway restoration purposes. They can also be placed on the market for second-hand re-use, but only for the purposes outlined in the Regulations. read more