UK Creosote Regulation Update (2026)

What Utilities Need to Know and What Comes Next

The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed the renewal of approval for creosote under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation for use on transmission poles.

The 7-year renewal to March 2033 is a sunset extension, not a long-term endorsement. Regulatory pressure, environmental concerns, and the availability of alternatives are all indicating that creosote dependency must be reduced and alternative options must be considered.

Risk Mitigation Measures

While creosote remains permitted for transmission poles, its continued use is subject to risk mitigation measures, including:

• Restrictions on use near watercourses
• Requirements for storage of poles on impermeable hard standing or under shelter
• Public access - requirement for location specific risk assessment
• Worker safety requirements, including:
  • Use of aerial access platforms wherever possible
  • Mandatory PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves and impermeable coveralls
  • Access to cleaning in case of skin contact

The Strategic Opportunity for Utilities

One of the key considerations for utilities will be the evaluation of alternative pole materials. Preservative treated wood, however, remains one of the most cost-effective and sustainable options available. With the correct treatment and adequate protection, utilities can continue to rely on timber with confidence across their networks.

Rather than relying on legacy treatments that are becoming increasingly restricted, utilities now have a clear opportunity to adopt solutions that are both performance-driven and future-ready. By combining modern preservative systems with proven barrier protection technologies, it is possible to extend pole life, reduce maintenance cycles, and minimise both environmental impact and regulatory risk, without compromising on performance.

Polesaver Rot-Guards™ have been independently field tested and proven at scale in real-world applications. When used in combination with water-based copper treatments, they provide a durable, cost-competitive and clean solution which extends the service life of wooden poles by decades while offering a safer alternative to traditional approaches.

Those who act early will be better positioned to manage the transition, avoid future disruption, and build more resilient, sustainable networks. The shift away from creosote is not just a compliance challenge, it is an opportunity to modernise infrastructure strategies and deliver long-term value across the entire network lifecycle.

Read the full HSE document here.