Handling asphalt and the machinery involved with it can always lead to safety concerns. Asphalt can burn your skin, the machinery can injure you, and the fumes can be toxic when inhaled. Do you want to protect yourself around asphalt? Here are some ways to stay safe while using or being around asphalt at a worksite:
GETTING ON AND OFF EQUIPMENT
Getting on and off asphalt machinery can be a significant cause of injury. Make sure you are wearing the proper footwear so that you lessen your chance of slipping, use gloves that have a good grip, and use a three-point stance while climbing on and off. If there is no area to put your feet on and get yourself up and down, opt for using a step ladder if needed.
LOADING AND UNLOADING THE EQUIPMENT
When you are unloading or moving the asphalt from trucks and machinery, you have to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Have someone around to spot you in case you slip and fall. Before you put asphalt in the machine, check to see if there is condensation on the hatch. That could mean water is in there. You don’t want to cross-contaminate.
SECURING THE AREA YOU’RE PAVING
If you are working near the road, you should be warning drivers and pedestrians of any hazard. Make sure there are proper signs and barricades in place to make sure no one gets hurt. If there are any traffic changes needed, you have to make the right people aware beforehand.
MIXING THE ASPHALT
Asphalt can be a very hot material to work with. Handle it with care! If it gets on your skin, it can quickly burn you. If the connection line is bad, it can spray you with the mix. If you are pumping the asphalt into any tanks that have water, boil-overs and fires can happen. Be aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to what you are doing when handling asphalt.
BREATHING IN FUMES
Any chemical fumes are not safe to inhale. When working around hot asphalt, make sure you are wearing a proper mask that will protect you from hazardous fumes. If the tank is open, The open tank will release hydrogen sulfide, which is highly dangerous. This gas may not have a smell or color.
CONTACT ATLANTIC EQUIPMENT
The experts at Atlantic Equipment are proud to provide customers with asphalt materials at our locations. We have locations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. Contact us to learn more about our products and offerings. Call us today for more information!