Tool Box Talk: Asphalt Fumes: Roofing Operations

Asphalt fumes cause health effects such as headaches, nausea, and drowsiness. They are also linked to lung cancer. Asphalt kettles cause both continuous exposure to fumes that escape and occasional exposures when the lid is opened for filling or loading. In general, the higher the asphalt temperature, the more fumes are produced.

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Bill’s Story

Bill is an asphalt kettle operator for a roofing company. He is careful to use personal protective equipment, including a hardhat, face shield, long-sleeved shirt, gloves, goggles, and leather work boots. He keeps the work area cleaned up and has a fully charged ABC fire extinguisher nearby. Bill started having headaches, drowsiness, and nausea on the job, so he took a week’s vacation. When he returned, his co-workers showed him the new kettle bought because the old one had a damaged lid and was leaking fumes.

What do you think caused Bill to feel ill?
Have you ever had any of the symptoms Bill had? If so, what happened?

Remeber This

Place the kettle downwind, where the operator and others will be least exposed.
Select an insulated kettle that is the right size forthe job.
Make sure the kettle has working temperaturecontrols and the proper pumping capacity for itssize.
Make sure the kettle is in good operatingcondition. Report any defects to the foreman orsuperintendent. Remove all potential fire hazardsfrom the area. Maintain proper ventilation.
Set the kettle on firm, level ground to avoidtipping or spilling.
Keep the kettle lid closed as much as possible. Fill thekettle to capacity when reloading; at the same time,check the temperature, stir, and skim.
Pre-chop the asphalt into easily handled, meltedpieces. Use a safety loading door instead of thelid to fill the kettle.
The supervisor must block off the kettle area withwarning tape, traffic cones, and signs.
Consider using fume-suppressing asphalts.
Keep a fully charged ABC-type fire extinguishernear the kettle.
Maintain kettle temperatures at least 25 degreesbelow the flash point of the asphalt to preventfires.