Are you one of the thousands of construction workers who are exposed daily to the fumes from asphalt?

Asphalt is a petroleum product used extensively in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete work. When hot asphalt is applied in a molten state, it generates toxic fumes. HAZARD DESCRIPTION The primary danger of hot mix asphalt is thermal burns. Asphalt fumes may also cause eye, skin, and/or respiratory tract irritation. Workers exposed to asphalt fumes have reported headaches, rashes, cough, breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, and skin irritation.

Asphalt Hazards

SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Your company should have an Emergency Action Plan for asphalt hazards first aid. The emergency action plan could included: Eyes: If any hot material is splashed in a workers eyes, flush eyes immediately with fresh water and then see a doctor. Skin: If any hot material gets on a workers skin, cool in cold water as soon as possible to stop further damage. If ice is available, pack ice on the asphalt adhering to the skin. Do not try to remove the solidified bitumen materials from the skin in any way. Inhalation: Move the worker to fresh air. Call a physician. Fumes: MIOSHA does not have a standard for asphalt fumes, although it proposed a 5 mg/m Threshold Limit Value in the early 1990s.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED: There are five basic safety tips that apply to the entire heavy construction industry. If you practice these five tips, you could make a difference. KNOW YOUR JOB BE ALERT EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED USE GOOD JUDGEMENT ALWAYS THINK SAFETY These Tool Box Talks have been designed to include all of the information your company should be able to include in a five minute session. MITA suggests that you document this activity with the sign-in sheet that has been provided and keep it on file for future reference.

Ensure you are equipped with the proper personal protective equipment such as: Respirators Heavy duty gloves Splash goggles or effective safety glasses Long pants and sleeves Boots

Your employer is an equal opportunity employer and as such welcomes applications from qualified female and minority applicants.