HSE (Health, Safety, Environment)
At Eurobitume, we are dedicated to safety and reliability at every stage of the handling and use of bitumen, from refining, to transportation, to delivery, and finally to use/disposal. Safe handling procedures are a vital component of this approach, ensuring that any risk to workers and members of the public is minimised.
The most significant hazard to workers who deal with hot bitumen is the potential to cause burns in case of splashes or spills. Bitumen is usually applied hot. Hot bitumen gives off emissions that can cause respiratory tract or eye irritation after prolonged, close exposure. Apart from this temporary irritation, under normal conditions there is no evidence that working with bitumen is hazardous to workers’ health.
The risk of exposure to those hazards – and, therefore, the potential health impact on workers – is minimised through good temperature control, clearly defined working practices and appropriate protective equipment.
Risk vs hazard? Too many times the words “hazard” and “risk” are interchangeable, but they have very different meanings.
Bitumen is safe when handled correctly. Our “Safe Handling Card” summarises key issues to consider in general, while others such as our “Bitumen Burns Card” or H&S related guidance provide insight into specific situations. Overall, our “Guide to Safe Delivery of Bitumen” sets an industry benchmark for bitumen handling procedures in delivery operations.
The impact on air, water, and soil, that bitumen has is small. Under normal conditions of service, bitumen emissions are negligible at ambient temperatures. It is a very inert material, and insoluble in water. So bituminous materials are often used to waterproof drinking water reservoirs and in products to line pipes that supply potable drinking water. Furthermore, soil quality and vegetation are not influenced by bitumen, which is why many paths even in sensitive areas like those for water protection are built on asphalt.
We are committed to promoting industry-wide standards in health, safety and environmental practices. Our goal is to achieve continuous improvement in bitumen handling methods, transportation, and storage practices through a range of activities and initiatives, including:
- Producing and distributing good-practice solutions and industry standards
- Reviewing and interpreting new research that addresses the health and safety aspects of working with bituminous materials as well as incidents reported
- Providing training and educational materials .
Hazards & Prevention
To many the words “hazard” and “risk” are interchangeable, but they have very different meanings. It is important to understand this difference when considering occupational health and safety issues.
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A hazard is the existence of a source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects. A hazard can exist without doing any harm.
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Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard.
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In working environments, the key issue for employers is first: to identify any hazard and, second: to minimise risk of exposure to such a hazard. Minimising risk of exposure may be as straightforward as following simple guidelines:
- Materials that are known to present a hazard are safely stored to prevent accidental contact.
- Workers who may be exposed to hazard in the course of their daily activities are aware of the appropriate health and safety procedures such as wearing personal protective equipment.
Safe Handling
The physical properties of bitumen require that handling and application is generally carried out at temperatures above 100° C, so hazards exist for those who work with bitumen. The risk of being exposed to these hazards is minimised by following comprehensive and appropriate health and safety guidelines which include measures such as:
- Follow safety instructions
- Keep the temperature of the material as low as practically possible
- Work in well ventilated conditions
- Job rotation around a worksite
- Use appropriate PPE, especially in confined spaces and to avoid the risk of burns
Eurobitume places great importance on ensuring that occupational exposure of workers to emission from hot bitumen is minimized and safe working practices are shared.
To encourage the safe use of bitumen, Eurobitume offers a range of publications with information for anyone involved in the transport and handling of bituminous products.
