Over a half-million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt, a petroleum product used extensively in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete work. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, sensitization, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, cough, and skin cancer.
Two of the most important safety measures for working with asphalt are maintaining the proper asphalt temperature and reducing the exposure to fumes.
While there is no current OSHA standard for exposure to asphalt fumes, the health risks of extended exposure have been well documented. In addition to using fume-suppressing asphalts, the National Institute for Occupational and Safety Health. NIOSH, recommends the following safety precautions.
- Find the equiviscous temperature (EVT) and flash point of the asphalt on the keg package or bill of lading and always keep the kettle temperature at least 25 degrees F below the flashpoint to avoid fires and explosions. A hand-held or infrared thermometer can get an accurate reading of the temperature of the hot asphalt.
- Communicate with the rooftop crew as they periodically measure the asphalt temperature in the mop bucket at the application point.
- Read the temperature after skimming, stirring, loading, or transferring the asphalt
- Set the kettle on firm, level ground to avoid spilling or tipping.
- Place warning tape, traffic cones, or signs around the kettle to keep the public at a safe distance.
- Keep a fully charged ABC-type fire extinguisher near the kettle.
- Reduce the number of times the lid is opened. Fill the kettle to capacity when reloading and check the temperature, stir, and skim at the same time.
- Pre-chop the asphalt into pieces that can be easily handled and melted.
- Consider using a fan to reduce exposures in certain work areas.
- If buckets are used, use buckets with half lids and fill buckets only three-fourths full.
- Minimize time spent on your knees working with hot asphalt, since exposures may be higher when you are closer to the fumes. Use long-handled tools whenever possible.
For more construction safety information, contact Diversified Safety Services.
