Policy Number: PN 038
(Occupational Health and Safety Manual - Policy)
RTA Corporate Policy
2.5 Bituminous works
Purpose and intended outcomes
To ensure the safety of RTA employees, contractors and the public at RTA sites where bitumen
products are used.
All bitumen products for use at RTA sites and depots will be used safely by the RTA during their
transportation, storage, preparation, use and disposal.
All personnel involved in hot bituminous works must undertake, and successfully complete, the
RTA’s training course before commencing such duties, and thereafter at 3 yearly intervals.
Employees involved in cold bitumen works will be required to undertake hazard identification, risk
controls and SWMS development.
The fire, explosion and burns risks associated with hot bitumen works will be safely managed, with
proper emergency response, first aid and medical treatment measures planned beforehand and
implemented.
All road maintenance and construction projects involving hot bitumen products including hot premixed asphaltic concrete, spray seal and crack sealing will be conducted in compliance with RTA
QA Specification G22.
Road maintenance work such as patching and pothole repair using products such as hot pre-mixed
asphaltic concrete or cold emulsions will be conducted in compliance with RTA QA Specification
G21.
Policy statement
The RTA requires that all bituminous works be undertaken safely to eliminate or reduce health and
safety risks to personnel, visitors, contractors and the public and to prevent damage to and loss of
plant, equipment and resources.
1.
All RTA employees and contractors responsible for managing and/or carrying out
hot bituminous works will undertake the relevant RTA training course or an
industry equivalent.
All persons undertaking the relevant RTA training course will be issued with a personal copy of the
‘AUSTROADS Bitumen Sealing Safety Guide’ for guidance whilst undertaking bitumen work.
Refresher training must be undertaken every 3 years.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
This training requirement does not apply to the hauling and use of heated pre-mixed asphaltic
concrete products at point of application. Training for bituminous work not involving hot bitumen
products may be delivered through work activity induction training including toolbox meetings and
should include, as a minimum, the review of the safe work method statement for the specific
bitumen works.
2.
Control of hazards associated with bituminous works must be documented in
OHS project plans, site-specific plans and safe work method statements.
As a minimum, bituminous work must be conducted in compliance with the ‘Code of Practice for
Safe Handling of Bitumen Products’ (Australian Institute of Petroleum publication, AIP CP20) and
the ‘AUSTROADS Bitumen Sealing Safety Guide’.
Appendix A provides guidance on controlling hazards specific to hot bitumen work.
3.
Plant and vehicles used for bituminous work must be supplied and operated in
accordance with the manufacturers/suppliers instructions.
Plant and vehicles for bitumen work are to be supplied and used in compliance with the
requirements of OHS Regulation 2001 (see Appendix B).
All road vehicles and plant used on the road at bitumen work sites are to be registered. All plant
and equipment is only to be operated by trained competent persons with current licences and any
other qualifications required for specific equipment.
4.
Traffic control plans and vehicle (and plant) movement plans.
Traffic Control Plans are to be developed and implemented at bitumen work sites in accordance
with the RTA Traffic Control at Work Sites Manual. Vehicle Movement Plans are required for the
control of mobile plant and all vehicles entering the work site.
5.
Emergency response, first aid and medical treatment arrangements and
amenities.
Emergency response planning is to be finalised and implemented before the commencement of hot
bitumen work. (See Appendix C)
6.
Bitumen products and associated substances.
All substances including bitumen, modifiers, solvents and additives used for bituminous works must
be selected, procured, maintained, used and disposed of in compliance with Hazardous Substances
and Dangerous Goods legislation and the Industry Codes of Practice and Guidelines referenced in
this policy. (Refer to Annex A)
7.
Water contamination of hot liquid bitumen must be prevented.
Stock control and storage practices of hot liquid bitumen are to ensure that water contamination
does not occur. Effective segregation of new stocks, contaminated products and incompatible
materials is to be ensured.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Required sampling, testing of materials and procedures for transfer of hot liquid bitumen and
formulation changes, by the addition of modifiers, solvents or additives, is to be undertaken in strict
compliance with the referenced Industry Codes of Practice and Guidelines. (Code of Practice for
Safe Handling of Bitumen Products – Australian Institute of Petroleum publication CP20 and
AUSTROADS Bitumen Sealing Safety Guide and manufacturers requirements.
8.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when undertaking bitumen
work.
Bitumen work demands the use of personal protective and safety equipment. All personnel
involved in bitumen work are to receive proper information, training, instruction and supervision in
the selection, use, maintenance and disposal of this essential equipment.
Appendix C provides guidance on the appropriate PPE for use with different bituminous operations.
Scope and coverage
Bituminous work involves bitumen-based products and services including spray seal, pre-mixed
asphaltic concrete, cold mixes, crack sealants and bitumen emulsions.
Bitumen properties in all these products may be changed with modifiers, solvents and additives.
Modified products can then be described as cutback bitumen, fluxed bitumen, polymer modified
bitumen or bitumen emulsions.
The table below sets out the normal temperature range required for various types of bituminous
works. Those activities involving the use bitumen products above ambient temperature are
classified as hot bituminous work for the purposes of this policy.
Bituminous Process
Temperature
Range
Blending and/or heating of bitumen binders with or without modifiers, solvents or
additives
150-200°C
Production - asphalt batch plant
140-200°C
Laying of asphalt - patching and paving
140-200°C
Spray sealing - hot bitumen, cutback bitumen, modified bitumen
140-200°C
Road maintenance operations – asphalt
140-200°C
Crack sealing and jointing - hot sealants
130-190°C
Spray sealing - emulsions
ambient - 80°C
Crack sealing and jointing - emulsions
ambient
Road maintenance operations – cold mix
ambient
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Responsibilities
Managers & Supervisors
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Undertake the RTA’s relevant
training before management or
supervision of bitumen works
including project inductions
Undertake such refresher
training at least every 3 years,
Implement this policy and its
guidelines.
Ensure that all personnel
employed on bitumen works
undertake the RTA’s relevant
training before being permitted
to carry out any bitumen works.
Ensure that all bitumen work is
conducted under the required
and approved OHS
Management System and plans
as required by this policy.
Ensure that hot bitumen works
are only undertaken in
compliance with the
AUSTROADS Bitumen Sealing
Safety Guide and an approved
Safe Work Method Statement.
Ensure that emergency
response plans are fully
addressed.
Ensure that all plant equipment
and materials comply with the
residing legislation and are used
in compliance with referenced
codes of practice and safety
guidelines.
Ensure that all staff required to
operate plant or equipment are
properly trained and are
competent
Ensure that traffic control
arrangements and vehicle and
plant movements are effectively
planned and implemented.
Ensure that only suitable plant
and equipment for bitumen
works is selected and safely
employed.
Ensure the safety of site
personnel and the public.
Staff
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OHS Staff
Undertake the RTA’s relevant
training course before
commencement of duties in
bitumen works
Undertake such refresher
training at least every 3 years,
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Ensure their personal safety
and that of others, including
the safety of the public in
undertaking bitumen works.
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At all times, for spray and
crack sealing, work in
compliance with the
Austroads Bitumen Sealing
Safety Guide.
Fleet Services
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Undertake such refresher
training at least every 3 years,
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Provide specialist advice,
guidance and training to
management and staff involved
in bitumen work.
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Monitor bitumen work and
advise management of noncompliance with legislative and
policy requirements.
Learning and Development
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Supply plant and equipment
maintained in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications
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Certify bitumen spray
metering standards of bitumen
sprayers.
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Supply bitumen sprayers and
associated equipment with
serviceable fire safety
equipment.
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Ensure operating instructions
and safety labelling are
provided for all vehicles ,plant
and equipment supplied for
bitumen works.
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Provide documented fault
reporting, rectification and
maintenance support system.
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Supply required safety &
emergency appliances, devices
and signage to plant and
vehicles supplied for bitumen
works.
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Arrange and maintain trainer
accreditation RTA #50026474
– OHS Bitumen Works –
Trainer Familiarisation
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Provide accredited training
course RTA #50026475 OHS for Bitumen Works by
accredited trainers, and ensure
periodic review to maintain
currency with equivalent
industry standard training
courses.
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Maintain training records and
issue certification for
personnel accredited for
duties within bitumen works.
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Provide such other training in
bitumen works to permit RTA
staff so engaged, to maintain
currency and competency with
industry training and
performance standards.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Additional information
Contact details:
Effective date:
Review date:
OHS Project Officer, Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Phone: 9218 6037
or extension 86037.
Enter the date (17/06/2005) that this policy is effective.
Enter the date (01/07/2007) that this policy is to be reviewed.
Appendices
Appendix A
indicates the hazards of hot bitumen works and details control
measures to manage the risks associated with these hazards.
Appendix B
indicates the hazards of plant and vehicles used in bituminous
work processes and details control measures to manage the risks
associated with these hazards
Appendix C
PPE Requirements for activities associated with bituminous
products
Appendix D
indicates the general hazards commonly found at bitumen works sites
and measures for their control and management.
Appendix E
indicates the emergency response, first aid and medical
treatment requirements and amenities to be provided at bitumen
work sites.
References
Australian Institute of Petroleum (1994) Code of Practice for the Safe Handling of
Bitumen Products
AUSTROADS (1997) Bitumen Sealing Safety Guide
NSW Government (2000) Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
NSW Government (2001) Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix A - Hazards of hot bitumen works
The following hazards can result in serious burns and injury should be considered in planning hot
bitumen work. Work with hot bitumen products must always be subject to a risk assessment prior
to work commencing and carried out in accordance with an approved Safe Work Method
Statement.
Hot plant & equipment
The following control measures must be in place to avoid contact burns from plant and equipment:
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All bitumen handling plant and equipment that operates at elevated temperatures is to be fitted
with thermal shielding.
All hoses valves and similar bitumen handling plant and equipment is to be clear of cold bitumen
blockages before being used for hot bitumen transfer.
Bitumen transfer equipment (hoses etc) is to be tested regularly.
Appropriate signage is required to indicate the presence of hot surfaces.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn to prevent contact with hot surfaces.
Use correct procedures when igniting LPG burners to heat the bitumen, equipment or screed
boards.
Hot liquids
Hot bitumen work may involve liquids being pumped or handled at high temperatures of up to 200
degrees Celsius. The following control measures must be in place to avoid contact burns from plant
and equipment:
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Control over-spray from bitumen works operations to prevent damage to vehicles and public
property and damage to the environment.
Avoid contact with bitumen and associated substances at elevated temperatures
Appropriate clothing and personal protection equipment must be worn to avoid exposure of the
skin to bitumen.
PPE requirements are listed in Appendix C.
Control of reactive bitumen foaming
Hot bitumen reacts violently with water causing reactive bitumen foaming. Large volumes of flammable
vapours are evolved within the reaction process and displaced even before foam discharge, with
substantial risk of ignition of fire and explosion. Reactive bitumen foaming can be controlled by:
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Excluding water from bitumen heated to elevated temperatures
Ensuring that pipes, valves, hoses and tanks are free from water or contaminants before passing
bitumen products and associated substances through or into them.
Testing and ensuring cutter oils, solvents and other bitumen additives are not contaminated with
water.
Ensuring that bitumen emulsions and their residues are not introduced into hot bitumen processes.
Ensuring that water does not enter into tanks or vessels containing bitumen at elevated
temperatures, particularly during fire fighting or emergency tank cooling procedures.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix A - Hazards of hot bitumen works – cont’d
Control of hazardous bitumen fumes
Bituminous works involves exposure to hazardous substances.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific bituminous products in use and any additives
used in bituminous works must be available to all personnel undertaking such works.
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A risk assessment must be conducted prior to the commencement of work using the MSDS to
determine safe work methods including the provision of personal protective equipment.
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Respiratory protection must be provided to any personnel working in areas where bituminous
fume is likely to be in their breathing zone.
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Personnel should work up-wind of any product heating or transfer procedures.
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Product heating or transfer should be conducted down-wind of nearby premises to prevent
environmental nuisance from vapours.
All bituminous works must be
carried out in compliance with
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
requirements relating to the
selection, supply, storage, use,
transportation, handling and
disposal of hazardous substances
and the Dangerous Goods
requirements where these apply.
In general this means:
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Ensuring that Hazardous
Substances Registers, MSDS
and labelling of hazardous substances are correctly managed and maintained.
Ensuring personnel are trained, informed, instructed and supervised in hazardous substances at
bitumen works sites.
Applying risk management processes to the use of hazardous substances, including:
Eliminating the use of high-risk substances by using lower-risk materials,
Reducing the concentration, volume, or frequency of use of high-risk substances.
Using engineering means to isolate or reduce exposures to hazardous substances.
Minimising exposure to fumes associated with bitumen products
Applying administrative measures to the management of hazardous substances to limit the
exposure of individuals.
Using barriers, PPE and similar mechanisms to prevent exposure of individuals to hazardous
substances.
Providing antidotes, first aid and medical treatment and health monitoring support to
individuals exposed to hazardous substances.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix A - Hazards of hot bitumen works – cont’d
Control of flammable and/or explosive atmospheres.
Flammable and explosive situations can exist within bitumen work. This occurs when vapours of
bitumen and associated substances mix with air to create flammable atmospheres, in the presence of an
ignition source. Flammable and explosive atmospheres at bitumen work can be controlled by:
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Safely venting vapours from bitumen and associated substances, particularly when these products
are heated, to prevent the development of explosive atmospheres.
Confining or dispersing vapours to ensure that they remain beyond the range between the upper
and lower explosive limits (UEL and LEL) of the substances.
Controlling vapours, particularly when the substances are used under conditions exceeding their
flash point.
Preventing reactive liquid bitumen foaming by contamination with water.
Ensuring bitumen and associated substances are not heated beyond their maximum recommended
temperature.
Selecting only solvents and additives for use that have flash points that exceed the ambient climatic
temperature, at time of use.
Ensuring adequate ullage space within storage and heating vessels.
Preventing auto ignition of bitumen products by self-heating, by maintaining these products below a
temperature of 250c and excluding air if this temperature is exceeded.
Maintaining temperatures of bitumen products below the prescribed maximum for that product.
Ensure that a properly trained operator is present continuously during loading operations.
Restricting all unnecessary ignition sources to a minimum of 3 metres from loading and heating
operations.
Control of potential ignition sources
Because it may be difficult to ensure that bitumen work is always free of flammable and explosive
atmospheres, the control of potential ignition sources is imperative. Potential ignition sources can be
controlled by:
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Preventing sparks by using non-sparking and explosion-proof tools and equipment.
Eliminating naked flames where possible. Sources of naked flames and practices such as open-flame
heating of spray bars or screed as well as smoking are not permitted.
Controlling static electricity by ensuring the electrical earthing of containers, plant and equipment
during product transfer to prevent sparks from static electrical discharge.
Not operating unnecessary plant and equipment that might ignite potentially flammable
atmospheres eg active electrical and gas operated appliances and internal combustion engines.
Eliminating self-heating of hot deposits within bitumen tanks and vessels by keeping hatches closed
to exclude air flow and by preventing (pyrophoric and carbonaceous) deposit build-up by regular
inspection and maintenance of tanks and vessels
Eliminating ignition sources if low-flash point cutters are used under conditions exceeding their
flash point – a documented risk assessment is required under OHS Regulation 2001 for such
circumstances.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix A - Hazards of hot bitumen works – cont’d
Control of potential ignition sources - continued
Maintain loading temperatures of bitumen below the prescribed maximum for that product.
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Restrict all ignition sources to a minimum of 3 metres from loading and heating operations.
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Ensure that tank hatches are unlatched during transfer operations, but remain shut, to ensure
adequate tank ventilation.
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Restrict all ignition sources to a minimum of 15 metres of the receiving tank vents or hatches when
flushing pumps and/or hoses with flammable solvents at the completion of bitumen transfers.
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Ensure that a properly trained operator is present continuously during loading operations unless
fully automatic loading controls are installed and employed.
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Ensure blending of bitumen is only performed at properly prepared tanker sites designed for such
blending.
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Ensure that no ignition source is permitted within 15 metres of the operation when blending
bitumen with cutters or fluxes.
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Obtain any required permits from the Area Fire Controller or ensure that bitumen is not heated
on days of fire restrictions.
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Use only an approved LPG hand torch to ignite gas burners - matches or cigarette lighters are not
to be used.
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Ensure tanks in which bitumen is to be heated are level and that active heating tubes are covered
by at least 150mm of bitumen material.
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Do not heat bitumen materials while tankers/sprayers are in transit or when discharging.
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Adhere strictly to the maximum temperature-rise specifications for the bitumen material being
heated.
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Wait at least 20 minutes before discharging bitumen materials or introducing additives after
burners have been turned off.
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Circulate heated bitumen for at least 15 minutes after extinguishing burners.
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Do not clear blockages occurring in pipe work; nozzles or valves or on screeds using flame heating
unless this is performed by a trained person under a specific procedure and Permit to Work
authorisation, using an approved butane torch.
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NEVER use flame heating to clear blockages where:
Cutback bitumen is involved;
Cutback bitumen is present in the vicinity;
Fire and explosion-hazards exist at the location;
Pipe work is under pressure; or,
a section of pipe work is enclosed by valves or is otherwise blocked-in preventing flowthrough, possibly by bitumen solids.
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Restrict the clearing of disassembled pipe work by open flame methods, or burnout to trained,
competent, persons operating at a specially designated location.
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Ensure a minimum of 2 personnel is present to conduct hot bitumen discharge transfers between
tanks, tankers and sprayer units.
No unnecessary personnel are present in the immediate proximity of the activity described above.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix A - Hazards of hot bitumen works – cont’d
Fatigue
The nature of bitumen work and work scheduling to take advantage of weather conditions may,
contribute to the risk of fatigue as a hazard of this activity. Fatigue can be controlled by:
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Ensuring adequate mechanical and human resources are allocated to the activity to prevent
unreasonable demands being placed on individuals, including work effort, work duration and
inadequate rest and recuperation times.
Providing rest breaks and job-rotation during work stints.
Providing suitable amenities, ablutions and refreshments for workers to recuperate within the
workplace.
Allocating travel time within the work program schedule and not at the expense of personal rest
time.
Providing good quality, comfortable, accommodation that eliminates sleep disturbance and
promotes rest and recovery.
Solar radiation
Exposure to solar radiation must be controlled by:
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providing barrier protection from solar radiation by plant and vehicles with cabins to reflect,
attenuate or reduce ultra violet and infra red radiant energy.
scheduling work to avoid exposure during periods of peak solar radiation or by using positive
protection measures, as follow.
providing protective clothing and eye protection to counter solar radiation.
providing protective skin-treatments against solar radiation exposure.
encouraging regular personal skin monitoring and early treatment of abnormalities.
Heat stress
The risk of heat stress must be controlled by:
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providing air-conditioned plant, amenities and vehicles, where possible, for personnel during hot
conditions.
insulating hot processes to protect operators.
ensuring regular rest breaks for personnel and facilities in which to cool down.
supplying suitable clothing for working in hot conditions.
providing generous supplies of drinking water and encouraging personnel to consume sufficient
water to avert dehydration.
training personnel on the risks of heat exposure, and heat illnesses and protection measures,
including personal monitoring.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix B - Plant and vehicles for bitumen works
Plant, vehicles and equipment used for bitumen work include, but are not limited to:
Process
Plant
Spray
Bitumen sprayers; bitumen road tankers; fixed storage tanks, including bulk emulsion
tanks and bitumen heating pontoons; various bitumen trailers; aggregate pre-coaters;
loaders and spreaders; rollers; drag, rotary and vacuum brooms; slurry sealing plant;
and, blending machines
Asphalt
Asphalt pavers, rollers, emulsion sprayers, pavement profilers
Crack sealing
Sealant tank, sealant applicator, lime spreader ,gas torches
Patching
Emulsion storage, applicator equipment
All plant and equipment used in bituminous works must meet the design, manufacture, supply, and
use requirements set out in the OHS Regulation 2001.
Control of operational plant and work vehicles
The risks associated with the unsafe operation of plant and vehicles at bitumen works sites include:
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Collisions and impacts with/or by other plant, traffic, objects, utilities or personnel.
Slips, falls and body stressing by operators.
Being struck by plant or vehicles or, entangled, entrapped, dislodged from, or crushed by, operational
plant.
Burns from contact with hot surfaces and hot liquids.
Supply and maintenance of safe plant
All vehicles and plant operated on bitumen works sites are to be properly maintained and serviced,
particularly, safety-critical items, including labels detailing safety and operational information, which are
to be legible and complete.
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An operator’s manual is to be provided within the plant and defect -reporting and rectification
procedures established.
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All vehicles plant must display proper labelling with all required safety information and operating
instructions including Safe Working Limit details.
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All vehicles and plant must be fitted with required safeguards, warning devices, and guarding to
prevent persons being struck, entangled or otherwise impacted by the plant and its functions, including
by inadvertent operation.
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Safe fit-out of plant involved in manned operation including:
safe access and egress to all plant and vehicles at bitumen work sites.
serviceable and maintained access-ways, landings and steps with anti-slip surfaces.
plant and vehicle controls that are maintained to ensure operation without undue force being
required.
Plant and vehicles must be supplied and maintained with noise and vibration forces minimised by:
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absorbing or reflecting noise and vibration forces within energy pathways with barriers and
attenuators
limiting the frequency and duration of exposure by individuals and ensuring recovery times.
using Personal Protective Equipment such as hearing protectors.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix B - Plant and vehicles for bitumen works – cont’d
Operation of plant by competent operators
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Persons using plant, vehicles and equipment for bitumen work are provided with such
training, information, instruction, and supervision required to operate such plant safely.
Where required, vehicles, plant and equipment at bitumen work sites are only to be
operated by competent persons with current qualifications and licences.
Safe operation of plant
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Managers and supervisors (including contractors) are to ensure that plant is only used
for the purpose(s) that it has been designed for, with due regard to rated capacities and
safety guarding of the plant while in operation.
All vehicles, plant and equipment are to be operated in compliance with a properly
approved and deployed Traffic Control Plans.
Advanced warning signs, flashing lights and other hazard notification systems must be
correctly deployed as part of traffic control plans to prevent end-of-queue collisions.
All vehicles, plant and equipment are to be operated in compliance with a properly
approved and deployed site-specific Vehicle Movement Plans.
Vehicle Movement Plans must identify mounting and dismounting points for plant to be
established and maintained on level sites to provide stable surfaces and footing.
Manned plant/equipment should be used only for specific situations where the use of
automatic, unmanned devices is impractical.
Arrangements must be in place for effective communications between all parties
involved in these operations.
Compliance with published guidelines for occupancy of vehicles and plant is required.
All vehicles and plant must be secured and left it in a safe condition when unattended to
prevent unauthorised operation, interference or alteration.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
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Appendix C - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for working
with bitumen products
As bitumen products display different hazards there are different PPE requirements for each of the
product groups.
Product &
temperature
Spray Seal
140 - 200°C
Crack Sealing
130 - 190°C
Asphalt
140- 200°C
Cold Mix
Ambient
Emulsion Spraying
Ambient - 80°C
Emulsion patching
Ambient
Bitumen deliveries
<200°C
1
N/Y*
Y**
Y***
NB
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety
Boots1
Y
Heat Resistant
Gloves
Y***
Face Shield
Balaclava
Y
Eye
Protection
Y*
Y
Y
Y
Y*
N
Y
N
N
Y*
N
Y
N
N
Y*
N
Y
N*
Y**
Y*
N
Y
N
N
Y*
N
Y
Y
Y
Y*
Y
Y
Safety shoes are not suitable for work with hot bituminous products.
Eye protection should be worn as required where there is any potential for foreign objects or
substances to enter and/or lodge in the eye. It is not required with a face shield but
recommended.
As emulsion is sprayed under pressure it is required to wear a face shield.
Heat resistant gloves must be worn by the sprayer operator, the tanker driver and others during
tasks involving potential contact with hot plant or materials.
Standard clothing issue must include long sleeves and long trousers for all hot work. Long sleeve
shirts are a requirement for all RTA outdoor work.
Other PPE such as hearing protection and solar protection is required in addition to the above.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Product
Temperature
Spray Seal
140-200°C
Crack Sealing
130-190°C
Asphalt
140-200°C
Bitumen deliveries
<200°C
Y****
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Paver
Driver
Screed
Hand
Tipper
Tanker
Driver
Y****
Cockerel
Operator
Y****
Papering
Other
Operators
Y****
Y****
Y****
Y****
Y****
Y*****
Respiratory protection must be provided where bitumen fume is likely to enter the breathing
zone of operators. A risk assessment must be undertaken prior to commencement of work taking
account of environmental conditions such as breeze to disperse fume, temperature of bitumen
products and the likelihood of bitumen fume entering the breathing zone of operators.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Appendix D - Emergency response, first aid & medical treatment
Emergency Response, First Aid and Medical Treatment arrangements and the provision of amenities is
required at construction sites, including bitumen work sites, by the NSW OHS Legislation, as summarised
below.
Emergency planning
Risk control for bitumen works must include emergency preparedness and response strategies
consistent with the potentially serious fire, hot surfaces and explosion risks of the materials and
equipment used, including:
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Ensuring all personnel involved in bitumen works receive information, training, instruction and
supervision in the safe use, handling, and emergency response requirements of bitumen products
including MSDS requirements.
Performing emergency drills regularly
Ensuring Site-Specific Induction documentation includes current contact details for local emergency
and public medical facilities,.
Ensuring project documentation and site signage includes details of the site emergency contact
nominee and their 24-hour telephone contact details.
Ensuring that the Site Specific OHS Plan details procedures for dealing with the fire and explosion
risks applicable to the work including:
Raising alarm of an emergency occurrence;
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Summoning emergency service(s) assistance – Dial 000;
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Declaring an emergency occurrence; and
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Investigating and reporting the emergency.
Ensuring emergency and evacuation plans are posted at strategic points at sites detailing action to
be taken by personnel in response to any emergency. These plans are to detail 000 as the
emergency services telephone number and 24-hour emergency site-contact number.
Ensuring all personnel including designated Site Emergency Response Teams are trained in
emergency response fire-fighting procedures including the use of site fire appliances.
Identifying local medical treatment services and providing advice on the treatment of bitumen burns
prior to the commencement of works.
Ensuring arrangements are in place for dealing with emergencies where personnel are work in
remote or isolated areas.
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Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Appendix D - Emergency response, first aid & medical treatment – cont’d
First aid
Employers are responsible for providing prescribed first aid facilities including trained personnel and
equipment suitable to the activities conducted at the workplace and the provision of proper medical
treatment to injured persons.
Specific First Aid treatment are required for persons coming into contact with hot bitumen products:
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Bitumen burns First Aid procedures are detailed within the AUSTROADS Bitumen Sealing Safety
Guide. This Guide contains a Bitumen Burns Treatment Advice card that is to be attached to the
patient when forwarded for medical treatment.
Further information on First Aid is also provided within the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for
individual bitumen products and associated materials.
The First Aid requirements for persons affected by adherent bitumen are:
Immediately cool affected area by drenching in cool, preferably running water.
DO NOT try to remove adherent bitumen from persons affected by these products
Summon medical attention and advise medical treatment facility of full details of the adhesion.
Attach Bitumen Burns Treatment Guide to patients clothing and provide copy of MSDS Medical
Treatment advice to treating medical professionals.
Conduct expired-air resuscitation if a person affected by bitumen burns stops breathing,
Ensure that any encirclement of a limb by bitumen is regarded by First Aid personnel as a
Medical Treatment Emergency
Flush burns to the eyes immediately with water for 20 minutes continuously, while transporting
the patient to medical attention
Medical treatment
Medical treatment facilities capable of dealing with potential casualties from bitumen burns, fires and
explosions, need to be identified as part of the risk assessment process applied to hot bitumen works.
Such facilities require advanced warning of hot bitumen operations where possible and practical and
information of the treatment of bitumen burns.
Additionally, when an injured worker suffering bitumen burns is sent to a medical treatment facility:
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Material Safety Data Sheets for all materials to be used at bitumen works to be provided
Bitumen Burns Treatment Advice cards to be provided, for prior reference by medical treatment
professionals before treatment commences.
Other amenities
Amenities need to be provided at bitumen work sites in accordance with the WorkCover Code of
Practice for Amenities at Construction Sites. In particular, given the nature of hot bitumen works, the
provision of generous amounts of drinking water and water for preventing heat stress and first aid
purposes, is to be provided.
16 of 16
Policy: 2.5 Bituminous works
Effective date: 20/6/2006
Version: 1.5
Approved by: Chief Executive
Last updated: 20/06/2006
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED