ASPHALT PAVING IN AND AROUND LIVE TRAFFIC

Asphalt paving in and around live traffic presents several hazards that require careful risk assessment and control measures. These hazards can be broadly categorized into traffic-related risks, material handling risks, environmental risks, and health risks.

Traffic-Related Risks:

• Struck-by incidents: Workers are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. This risk is heightened by reduced visibility, speeding vehicles, and distracted drivers. Control measures include setting up barriers, using traffic cones and signage, employing flaggers, and implementing speed limits in the work zone.
• Equipment collisions: Paving equipment such as rollers, pavers, and dump trucks can collide with other vehicles or workers if not operated carefully. Control measures include ensuring equipment operators are properly trained and certified, using spotters, and maintaining clear communication channels.

Material Handling Risks:

• Burns: Hot asphalt can cause severe burns upon contact. Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including heat-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and pants, and avoid direct skin contact with hot asphalt [1].
• Slips, trips, and falls: Asphalt surfaces can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet or oily. Good housekeeping practices, proper footwear, and slip-resistant surfaces can help prevent these incidents.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: Manual handling of heavy materials and repetitive tasks can lead to strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Use mechanical aids such as forklifts and backhoes, and implement proper lifting techniques.

Environmental Risks:

• Dust inhalation: Cutting, grinding, or mixing asphalt can generate dust containing crystalline silica and other hazardous substances. Prolonged inhalation of silica dust can cause silicosis and other respiratory diseases [2]. Control measures include using water sprays to suppress dust, providing workers with appropriate respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved dust masks or respirators), and ensuring adequate ventilation [3].
• Fumes: When heated, asphalt can release fumes containing hydrogen sulfide and other volatile organic compounds. Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, toxic gas that can cause respiratory irritation and other health effects [1]. Control measures include monitoring air quality, providing workers with respiratory protection, and ensuring adequate ventilation.
• Environmental contamination: Spills and leaks of asphalt and other materials can contaminate soil and water. Implement spill prevention and control measures, such as using drip pans, storing materials in designated areas, and having spill cleanup kits readily available.

Health Risks:

• Skin irritation and dermatitis: Prolonged skin contact with asphalt can cause irritation, dryness, and dermatitis [2]. Workers should wear gloves and protective clothing, and wash exposed skin with soap and water after handling asphalt [4].
• Eye irritation: Dust and fumes from asphalt can cause eye irritation. Workers should wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles [3].
• Cancer: Some components of asphalt, such as crystalline silica and asphalt fumes, are classified as potential carcinogens 4, 5. Minimize exposure through engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls):

1. Elimination: If feasible, eliminate the hazard altogether. For example, use pre-mixed asphalt to avoid on-site mixing and reduce dust exposure.
2. Substitution: Substitute hazardous materials with less hazardous alternatives. For example, use asphalt emulsions instead of cutback asphalt to reduce VOC emissions.
3. Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls to isolate workers from the hazard. Examples include using local exhaust ventilation to capture asphalt fumes, using water sprays to suppress dust, and installing physical barriers to separate workers from traffic.
4. Administrative Controls: Implement administrative controls to reduce worker exposure. Examples include developing safe work procedures, providing training on hazard recognition and control, implementing a traffic management plan, and scheduling work during off-peak hours.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate PPE, such as respirators, gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Ensure that PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and used.

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect work areas and equipment to identify and correct hazards.
• Conduct air monitoring to assess worker exposure to dust and fumes.
• Review incident reports and near-miss reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Periodically review and update the risk assessment and control measures to ensure they remain effective.

Specific, Actionable Recommendations:

• Develop a comprehensive traffic management plan that addresses all traffic-related hazards.
• Provide workers with training on the hazards of asphalt paving and the control measures to be used.
• Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and inspected.
• Implement a respiratory protection program that includes fit testing, training, and medical evaluations.
• Provide workers with access to washing facilities and encourage them to wash their hands and face frequently.
• Establish a system for reporting and investigating incidents and near misses.
• Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss hazards and control measures.
• Consult with a qualified safety professional to ensure that all applicable regulations and standards are being followed.