Decreasing Occupational Exposures to Bitumen Fumes during the Production of Asphalt Roofing Products

The quality and quantity of asphalt emissions during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products depends dramatically on process temperature. In competition with permissible occupational exposure limits (TLV-TWA 0.5 mg/m3, ACGIH-2001), the potential for exposure to these emissions is considerable according to PBZ evaluations. Thus, applying various controls to eliminate or decrease workers exposure is necessary. The primary purpose of this article is to increase awareness among plant managers, Safety and health professionals and engineers of the potential for occupational exposure to asphalt and asphalt fumes during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products. Also, the article represents the collaborative efforts of industry, labor, and government to protect the health of workers exposed to asphalt fumes during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products. Current engineering controls, work practices and personal protective Equipment (PPE) are presented for reducing worker exposures to asphalt fumes during the manufacturing process such as delivery, handling, and storage of hot asphalt, saturators, modified bitumen impregnation vats, coater, Surfacing and subsequent processes. Also, the good work practices, training and suitable PPE are the other effective control measures for all of these processes.

Decreasing Occupational Exposures to Bitumen Fumes during the Production of Asphalt Roofing Products Keywords:

Asphalt Fumes , occupational health , exposure , control , roofing