Tonnes of asphalt are used in construction every year, primarily for road paving and roofing purposes. But these useful substances we drive our cars on every day hold many dangers for those working with them. What exactly is asphalt and why is it so dangerous? We’ll tell you in this blog post.
Asphalt is a black, adhesive substance that is derived from crude oil and often contains other binders or hardeners to create a solid surface. It could contain kerosene, crushed rock and even recycled rubber and comes in three forms: solid, semi-solid or liquid. Asphalt construction requires high temperatures as the substance is heated to 93°C to liquefy it and spread it out.
Asphalt is connected to two main dangers: the extreme heat can cause the asphalt to combust and the toxic fumes can cause severe health issues.
Because of the extreme temperatures and the crude oil that asphalt contains, it has a high risk of combustion. That implies a high risk of explosions or other fire hazards – especially when there’s a spark, or worse, an open flame nearby.
Because of the heat, workers risk burns, irritation, rashes and dermatitis. That’s why fire safety should be taken very seriously in this type of construction. No electricity, cigarettes or other ignition sources should ever come near asphalt if not absolutely necessary.
When asphalt is heated, it can emit H2S, which can cause severe damage to your lungs, making you cough or wheeze. In extreme cases, it could even lead to suffocation or be fatal.
In addition to that, the toxic fumes can permanently damage vital organs such as your liver and kidneys, causing severe nausea and vomiting. And if that wasn’t bad enough already, asphalt has also been linked to certain cancers.
You want to make sure that your entire body is covered and protected at all times. Pick a pair of thermally insulated gloves so the asphalt cannot sink into the fabric, ultimately leading to contact with your skin. If you cannot get your hands on some coveralls, make sure that you cover every inch of your body: long sleeves, long trousers, etc. As for respiratory protection: go for a full-face mask respirator to protect both your lungs and skin. Two birds, one stone – right?
General safety on site is vital to a successful project and that couldn’t be more true for a construction project. Here are three tips to keep it safe when you’re working with asphalt: