Hot Asphalt Roofing Safety

Asphalt and pitch roofing involves the use of hot chemicals that add an additional layer of complexity and hazard to a roofing job.

Hot asphalt roofing safety. Health hazards fumes from asphalt can cause irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes can include headache skin rash sensitization fatigue reduced appetite throat and eye irritation and cough. Hot asphalt is the most dangerous material roofing mechanics have to work with. It accounts for more serious injuries than any other risk except for falls in the roofing profession.

Nrca safety manual. Will this project require the use of a kettle or tanker to supply hot asphalt to the roof. Can hot asphalt be pumped to the roof. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes include headache skin rash sensitization fatigue reduced appetite throat and eye irritation cough and skin cancer.

Make sure to get training on general roofing hazards and working at heights. It is made from petroleum products and is usually heated between 150 200 degrees f. This document represents a collaborative effort of the national institute for occupational safety and health niosh the national roofing contractors association nrca the asphalt roofing manufacturers association arma the asphalt institute ai and the united union of roofers waterproofers and allied workers uurwaw to reduce worker exposures to asphalt fumes during the application of hot asphalt to roofs. Over a half million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt a petroleum product used extensively in road paving roofing siding and concrete work 1.

Kettles and tankers checklist. Will it be necessary to place the kettle on the roof. Millions of tons of asphalt are produced and used every year in the paving and roofing industries. Asphalt worker safety asphalt is used for paving and surfacing roads roofing concrete work and paints.

Preparation and application of hot asphalt is one of the most dangerous aspects of commercial roofing. Skin contact with hot asphalt which may be heated in excess of 400 f can lead to very serious burns. California roofing codes establish a list of rules that all builders and contractors must adhere to in order to ensure safe building practices within the state. Over a half million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt.

Asphalt fume exposures during the application of hot asphalt to roofs does a good job describing the process of installing an asphalt built up roof and discusses the potential effects and mitigation of exposure to the fumes. Safety hazards among the most serious hazards facing a roofing crew is the risk of getting burned by hot asphalt.