Skip to content
All safety questions
Asked by a personGeneral — US and Canadaen-CA

ASPHALT PAVING IN AND AROUND LIVE TRAFFIC

A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.

Rosie's answer

Published by SALUS

Asphalt paving in and around live traffic presents several hazards that require careful risk assessment and control measures. These hazards can be broadly categorized into traffic-related risks, material handling risks, environmental risks, and health risks.

Traffic-Related Risks:

  • Struck-by incidents: Workers are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. This risk is heightened by reduced visibility, speeding vehicles, and distracted drivers. Control measures include setting up barriers, using traffic cones and signage, employing flaggers, and implementing speed limits in the work zone.
  • Equipment collisions: Paving equipment such as rollers, pavers, and dump trucks can collide with other vehicles or workers if not operated carefully. Control measures include ensuring equipment operators are properly trained and certified, using spotters, and maintaining clear communication channels.

Material Handling Risks:

  • Burns: Hot asphalt can cause severe burns upon contact. Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including heat-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and pants, and avoid direct skin contact with hot asphalt [1].
  • Slips, trips, and falls: Asphalt surfaces can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet or oily. Good housekeeping practices, proper footwear, and slip-resistant surfaces can help prevent these incidents.
  • Musculoskeletal injuries: Manual handling of heavy materials and repetitive tasks can lead to strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Use mechanical aids such as forklifts and backhoes, and implement proper lifting techniques.

Environmental Risks:

  • Dust inhalation: Cutting, grinding, or mixing asphalt can generate dust containing crystalline silica and other hazardous substances. Prolonged inhalation of silica dust can cause silicosis and other respiratory diseases [2]. Control measures include using water sprays to suppress dust, providing workers with appropriate respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved dust masks or respirators), and ensuring adequate ventilation [3].
  • Fumes: When heated, asphalt can release fumes containing hydrogen sulfide and other volatile organic compounds. Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, toxic gas that can cause respiratory irritation and other health effects [1]. Control measures include monitoring air quality, providing workers with respiratory protection, and ensuring adequate ventilation.
  • Environmental contamination: Spills and leaks of asphalt and other materials can contaminate soil and water. Implement spill prevention and control measures, such as using drip pans, storing materials in designated areas, and having spill cleanup kits readily available.

Health Risks:

  • Skin irritation and dermatitis: Prolonged skin contact with asphalt can cause irritation, dryness, and dermatitis [2]. Workers should wear gloves and protective clothing, and wash exposed skin with soap and water after handling asphalt [4].
  • Eye irritation: Dust and fumes from asphalt can cause eye irritation. Workers should wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles [3].
  • Cancer: Some components of asphalt, such as crystalline silica and asphalt fumes, are classified as potential carcinogens 4, 5. Minimize exposure through engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls):

  1. Elimination: If feasible, eliminate the hazard altogether. For example, use pre-mixed asphalt to avoid on-site mixing and reduce dust exposure.
  2. Substitution: Substitute hazardous materials with less hazardous alternatives. For example, use asphalt emulsions instead of cutback asphalt to reduce VOC emissions.
  3. Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls to isolate workers from the hazard. Examples include using local exhaust ventilation to capture asphalt fumes, using water sprays to suppress dust, and installing physical barriers to separate workers from traffic.
  4. Administrative Controls: Implement administrative controls to reduce worker exposure. Examples include developing safe work procedures, providing training on hazard recognition and control, implementing a traffic management plan, and scheduling work during off-peak hours.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate PPE, such as respirators, gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Ensure that PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and used.

Monitoring and Review:

  • Regularly inspect work areas and equipment to identify and correct hazards.
  • Conduct air monitoring to assess worker exposure to dust and fumes.
  • Review incident reports and near-miss reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
  • Periodically review and update the risk assessment and control measures to ensure they remain effective.

Specific, Actionable Recommendations:

  • Develop a comprehensive traffic management plan that addresses all traffic-related hazards.
  • Provide workers with training on the hazards of asphalt paving and the control measures to be used.
  • Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and inspected.
  • Implement a respiratory protection program that includes fit testing, training, and medical evaluations.
  • Provide workers with access to washing facilities and encourage them to wash their hands and face frequently.
  • Establish a system for reporting and investigating incidents and near misses.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss hazards and control measures.
  • Consult with a qualified safety professional to ensure that all applicable regulations and standards are being followed.
4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Henry 175 Driveway Asphalt Filler & Sealer

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# HE175 - DRIVEWAY ASPHALT FILLER & SEALER Revision Date 05-Dec-2015 - Skin contact - Inhalation symptoms persist, call a physician. Ingestion Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water while removing all contaminated clothes and shoes. If symptoms persist, call a physician. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Remove to fresh air. If breathing is irregular or stopped, administer artificial respiration. Avoid direct contact with skin. Use barrier to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If symptoms persist, call a physician. Call a physician or poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting without medical advice. Rinse mouth. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Self-protection of the first aider Use personal protective equipment as required. ## Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed Symptoms May cause redness and tearing of the eyes. Coughing and/ or wheezing. May cause skin irritation. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed - Note to physicians Treat symptomatically. ## 5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES Suitable extinguishing media Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate to local circumstances and the surrounding environment. Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam. Unsuitable extinguishing media Do not use a solid water stream as it may scatter and spread fire. Specific hazards arising from the chemical Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating and toxic gases and vapors. Explosion data Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact None. Sensitivity to Static Discharge None. Protective equipment and precautions for firefighters As in any fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent) and full protective gear. ## 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures - Personal precautions ## Environmental precautions - Environme…

[2] GAF - GAF Roof Deck Seam Tape SDS - 4217

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

## FIRST AID PROCEDURES (cont.) GAF SDS # 4217 NOTES TO PHYSICIANS OR FIRST AID PROVIDERS: Dust from the product may cause mechanical irritation of the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract. Treat symptomatically. ## SECTION 5: FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES <table><tr><th>SUITABLE EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:</th><th>Water spray, alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical.</th></tr><tr><td>HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS:</td><td>Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.</td></tr><tr><td>RECOMMENDED FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:</td><td>NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus is recommended for smoke protection.</td></tr><tr><td>UNUSUAL FIRE &amp; EXPLOSION HAZARDS:</td><td>None.</td></tr></table> ## SECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Pick up large pieces. Avoid creating dusts during clean up. Use a dust suppressant if sweeping is necessary. ## SECTION 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE HANDLING AND STORAGE: OTHER PRECAUTIONS: Hot asphalt is used to apply many of these products; appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn handling this material. When heated, small amounts of hydrogen sulfide may be given off. Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, toxic gas. Avoid breathing fumes. ## SECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION <table><tr><th>ENGINEERING CONTROLS / VENTILATION:</th><th>Not applicable.</th></tr><tr><td>RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:</td><td>Not applicable under normal use conditions. In circumstances where dust or fumes are generated and may exceed recognized allowable exposure levels, appropriate NIOSH approved respiratory protection is recommended.</td></tr><tr><td>EYE PROTECTION:</td><td>Safety glasses with side shields</td></tr></table> Page 3 of 6

[3] Sakrete - Blacktop Patch

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Sakrete Blacktop Patch Safety Data Sheet according to the Hazard Communication Standard (CFR29 1910.1200) HazCom 2012. ## SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection ## 8.1. Control parameters <table><tr><th colspan="2">Sakrete Blacktop Patch</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2">No additional information available</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Asphalt (8052-42-4)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">USA - ACGIH - Occupational Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td>ACGIH OEL TWA</td><td>0.5 mg/m3 (fume, inhalable particulate matter)</td></tr><tr><td>ACGIH chemical category</td><td>Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen fume, coal tar-free</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">USA - ACGIH - Biological Exposure Indices</td></tr><tr><td>BEI (BLV)</td><td>2.5 µg/l Parameter: 1-Hydroxypyrene with hydrolysis - Medium: urine - Sampling time: end of shift at end of workweek (background) Parameter: 3-Hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene with hydrolysis - Medium: urine - Sampling time: end of shift at end of workweek (nonquantitative)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Quartz ([redacted postal code]-60-7)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">USA - ACGIH - Occupational Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td>ACGIH OEL TWA</td><td>0.025 mg/m3 (respirable particulate matter)</td></tr><tr><td>ACGIH chemical category</td><td>Suspected Human Carcinogen</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">USA - OSHA - Occupational Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td>Local name</td><td>Quartz (Total Dust) (Silica: Crystalline)</td></tr><tr><td>OSHA PEL (TWA) [1]</td><td>50 µg/m³ (Respirable crystalline silica)</td></tr><tr><td>Remark (OSHA)</td><td>Table Z-3. For OSHA PEL (TWA) use formula: (30 mg/m3 / (%SiO2+2)) for mg/m3. CAS No. source: eCFR Table Z-1.</td></tr><tr><td>Regulatory reference (US-OSHA)</td><td>OSHA Annotated Table Z-3 Mineral Dusts</td></tr><tr><td>8.2. Appropriate engineering controls</td><td></td></tr></table> Appropriate engineering controls : Use ventilation adequate to keep exposures (airborne levels of dust, fume, vapor, etc.) below recommend…

[4] Sakrete - Blacktop Patch

Page 6

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Sakrete Blacktop Patch Safety Data Sheet according to the Hazard Communication Standard (CFR29 1910.1200) HazCom 2012. ## 10.6. Hazardous decomposition products Oxides of nitrogen. Oxides of sulfur. May include, and are not limited to: oxides of carbon. Vapors may contain hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) which can be harmful or fatal if inhaled. ## SECTION 11: Toxicological information ## 11.1. Information on toxicological effects <table><tr><th>Acute toxicity (oral)</th><th>Not classified</th></tr><tr><td>Acute toxicity (dermal)</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>Acute toxicity (inhalation)</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Asphalt (8052-42-4)</td></tr><tr><td>LD50 oral rat</td><td>&gt; 5000 mg/kg</td></tr><tr><td>LD50 dermal rabbit</td><td>&gt; 2000 mg/kg</td></tr><tr><td>LC50 inhalation rat</td><td>&gt; 94.4 mg/m3 (Exposure time: 4.5 h)</td></tr><tr><td>Skin corrosion/irritation</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>Serious eye damage/irritation</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>Respiratory or skin sensitization</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>Germ cell mutagenicity</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>Carcinogenicity</td><td>May cause cancer.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Asphalt (8052-42-4)</td></tr><tr><td>IARC group</td><td>2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans</td></tr><tr><td>In OSHA Hazard Communication Carcinogen list</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Quartz ([redacted postal code]-60-7)</td></tr><tr><td>IARC group</td><td>1 - Carcinogenic to humans</td></tr><tr><td>National Toxicology Program (NTP) Status</td><td>Known Human Carcinogens</td></tr><tr><td>In OSHA Hazard Communication Carcinogen list</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Reproductive toxicity</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>STOT-single exposure</td><td>Not classified</td></tr><tr><td>STOT-repeated exposure</td><td>Causes damage to organs (lungs) through prolonged or repeated exposure. Respirable crystalline silica in the form of quartz or cri…

Related Q&A

Keep exploring.

Human questionGeneral

Write a risk assessment for Moving office from 1 place to another

Office Relocation Risk Assessment and Safety Procedure ====================================================== *Assessment Date:** \[DATE] *Assessor:** \[ASSESSOR NAME] *Department/Area:** \[DEPARTMENT/AREA] *Review Date:** \[REVIEW DATE] 1\. Assessment Scope This risk assessment covers the planned relocation of an

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Ergonomics saftety toolbox talk

Ergonomic Safety ================ *Date:** 2025-09-11 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To provide guidelines and procedures for workplace ergonomics to prevent injuries and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Introduction This toolbox talk covers

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Why are people unsafe

Comprehensive Analysis of Workplace Hazards, Risks, and Preventative Measures ============================================================================= This document provides a comprehensive overview of common causes and contributing factors leading to unsafe conditions and potential harm in the workplace. It

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Safe Handling of Sharp Objects and Tools

Handling Sharp Objects and Tools Safely ======================================= *Date:** 2025-11-09 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To understand and implement safety procedures for handling sharp objects and tools, preventing injuries and ensuring

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Warehousing

Warehousing Safety ================== *Date:** 2025-10-01 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To understand warehousing safety regulations and best practices for hazard prevention and risk management. Introduction Warehousing operations involve various

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Write a risk assessment for Community Hub Activity Risk Assessment

A suitable community hub activity risk assessment template should identify the activity, location, date, assessor, persons at risk, task steps, hazards, existing controls, likelihood, severity, risk rating, further actions, responsible person, and review date. Risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards

Read the thread
Discussion thread

Add your experience.

Community answers can add practical context. They are moderated, but they are not SALUS-reviewed safety guidance.

New contributions are temporarily closed while the moderation queue is configured.

Community answers(0)

No community answers have been approved yet.

Comments on Rosie's answer(0)

No comments have been approved yet.

Ready to put operational safety to work?

Join 400K users across 150K sites already on SALUS.

Request a demo

No commitment · 30-minute personalized walkthrough