Ground-based operations guidance from Eurobitume helps enhance safety levels within bitumen supply chain

Fulfilling its mission to promote the safe use of bitumen, Eurobitume developed the Guidance on Ground-Based Operations document to share the important safety benefits of ground-based operations, including

• reduced likelihood of operatives falling from height
• reduced risks associated with exposure to bitumen fumes, including Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S)

In addition, the use of ground-based pumpsreduces the risk of an uncontrolled release of hot bitumen; reduces the risk of hose, flange connection, joint and other failures; and avoids the creation of a bow wave on the surface of the bitumen in the storage tank – which is particularly important in small horizontal storage tanks.

Examples of the guidance within the document are:

• When bitumen is unloaded using pumps, the truck tank needs to be vented. Eurobitume strongly recommends that venting is done from the ground (ground venting), in order to avoid risks related to climbing on the truck or proximity to tank openings.
• Bitumen delivery should not take place if it is already known that the on-site pump, including mobile mix plant, is not operational.
• The system control equipment must be safely operable by the driver at any time.
• An Emergency Shut Down Device (E-stop) must be fitted, readily accessible and clearly identified at the delivery point.
• The company receiving bitumen must ensure there is a safe and effective means of communication between the delivery driver and the plant staff supervising the delivery close to the discharge point.

Available in multiple languages, Eurobitume’s Guidance on Ground-Based Operations document can be downloaded from the Publications page of the Eurobitume website and is part of a comprehensive programme of guidance, publications and initiatives which Eurobitume undertakes to help optimise the safe handling of bitumen.

As part of this safe handling of bitumen programme, Eurobitume recently ran an educational webinar on ground-based operations which attracted over 100 participants from across the sector. A recording of this webinar is now available on Eurobitume’s website here and on Eurobitume’s YouTube channel here.