Risks & Hazards Using bitumen safely, requires an analysis of the hazards and exposures to determine the risk and then the reduction of the risk through reducing the hazard and exposure to reduce or eliminate the health impact. The two systems that provide direction on this in Europe are IARC and REACH which are explained in detail later. IARC is about identifying carcinogenic HAZARD, and REACH is about RISK. (05EE slides Carl Robertus) – The RISK based approach is best described in the table below where the measures that are required to minimise the risks from the hazards are identified and rated. In the table the key risk management measures are to control exposure through minimisation of temperature and fume generation. Risk at high exposure Risk Management Risk after Hazard Exposure Potential health impact Measures measures Heat / high Dermal Contact Skin damage death PPE, Equipment, Low … temperatures Procedures H2S in fumes Inhalation Acute toxicity death Procedures, Equipment Very Low … Cancer (due to Inhalation, Chronic toxicity Lower emissions, Very Low … PAH in Dermal Contact temperature, fume extraction equipment, etc (respiratory Inhalation Respiratory irritation emissions, Very Low tract irritation) Breathing difficulties temperature, fume extractions, etc Fume & emission Managing emission and exposure is mainly a function of temperature control which can be achieved through: Emission Exposure (Techniques) Exposure (Measures) Aerosols and vapours Systems Temperature control from hot bitumen Equipment Innovative technologies Fume condensates Work duration Engineering controls Organic vapour Hygiene Additives PAH (in fumes) Quantity Procedures These processes have been ongoing in the use of bitumen and there have been significant reductions since measurements started the 1940s. (05EE slides- Carl Robertus) Lowering temperature The emerging technologies of warm mix asphalt temperature reductions from 10 to 100°C and are increasing in usage. As part of the whole supply chain, additional reductions can be achieved through selection of raw materials and additives, modified production equipment and laying technologies and the use of improved work practices.
Risks & Hazards Using bitumen safely, requires an analysis of the hazards and exposures to determine the risk and then the reduction of the risk through reducing the hazard and exposure to reduce or eliminate the health impact. The two systems that provide direction on this in Europe are IARC and REACH which are explained in detail later. IARC is about identifying carcinogenic HAZARD, and REACH is about RISK. (05EE slides – Carl Robertus) The RISK based approach is best described in the table below where the measures that are required to minimise the risks from the hazards are identified and rated. In the table the key risk management measures are to control exposure through minimisation of temperature and fume generation. Hazard Exposure Risk at high exposure Potential health impact Risk Management Measures Risk after measures Heat / high temperatures Dermal Contact Skin damage … death PPE, Equipment, Procedures Low H2S in fumes Inhalation Acute toxicity … death Procedures, Equipment Very Low Cancer (due to PAH in Inhalation, Dermal Contact Chronic toxicity … Lower emissions, temperature, fume extraction equipment, etc Very Low (respiratory tract irritation) Inhalation Respiratory irritation Breathing difficulties emissions, temperature, fume extractions, etc Very Low Fume & emission Managing emission and exposure is mainly a function of temperature control which can be achieved through: Emission Aerosols and vapours from hot bitumen Fume condensates Organic vapour PAH (in fumes) Exposure (Techniques) Systems Equipment Work duration Hygiene Quantity Procedures Exposure (Measures) Temperature control Innovative technologies Engineering controls Additives These processes have been ongoing in the use of bitumen and there have been significant reductions since measurements started the 1940s. (05EE slides- Carl Robertus) Lowering temperature The emerging technologies of warm mix asphalt temperature reductions from 10 to 100°C and are increasing in usage. As part of the whole supply chain, additional reductions can be achieved through selection of raw materials and additives, modified production equipment and laying technologies and the use of improved work practices.
2012_AAPA_Study_Tour_Report_v3.docx