Bitumen and Tar Products

Bitumen is used in road surfacing, roofing, waterproofing, and pipe coating on construction sites.
Hot bitumen is applied at temperatures between 130°C and 200°C, causing instant severe burns on contact.
Bitumen fume contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are harmful to lungs and skin.
Coal tar products contain higher levels of PAHs than petroleum bitumen and are more hazardous.
Skin exposure to bitumen and tar causes dermatitis, photosensitivity, and increased skin cancer risk.
Bitumen sticks to skin and clothing, prolonging the burn and making removal difficult without further injury.
COSHH 2002 requires risk assessment and controls for all work with bitumen and tar products.
Fume exposure is highest during hot application, mixing, and when working downwind of the operation.
Barrier cream and long-sleeved clothing reduce skin absorption of PAHs from bitumen contact.
Old tar-bound road surfaces and roofing materials may contain coal tar, which is more hazardous than bitumen.

Severe burns	Hot bitumen at 180°C causes instant third-degree burns that stick to skin, prolonging the burn damage.
Cancer risk	PAHs in bitumen and especially coal tar fume are linked to skin and lung cancer with long-term exposure.
Skin disease	Repeated bitumen skin contact causes occupational dermatitis and photosensitisation, worsened by UV exposure.

Do

Don't

Wear thermal gloves, long sleeves, and face shield when handling hot bitumen.
Stand upwind of bitumen heating and application to minimise fume inhalation.
Apply barrier cream to exposed skin before starting work with bitumen products.
Keep cold running water and burn treatment kits available at the work location.
Use LEV or forced ventilation when applying bitumen in enclosed or indoor areas.
Identify whether old surfaces contain coal tar before disturbing or removing them.
Wash skin thoroughly after bitumen contact; do not use solvents to remove it.
Wear sun protection alongside barrier cream as bitumen increases UV sensitivity.
Store bitumen products away from ignition sources and in ventilated areas.
Attend health surveillance including skin checks if you regularly work with bitumen.

DON'T touch hot bitumen equipment, kettles, or spray lances without thermal PPE.
DON'T work downwind of bitumen heating or application where fume concentration is highest.
DON'T use diesel, white spirit, or solvents to remove bitumen from your skin.
DON'T ignore bitumen burns, even small splashes; cool with water for 20 minutes.
DON'T heat bitumen above the temperature specified by the product manufacturer.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke while handling bitumen or tar products.
DON'T disturb old coal tar surfaces without a specific COSHH assessment in place.
DON'T leave hot bitumen unattended in kettles or storage tanks without supervision.
DON'T allow bitumen to contact unprotected skin; it causes dermatitis and photosensitivity.
DON'T ignore the difference between bitumen and coal tar; tar is significantly more hazardous.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Skin Protection and Dermatitis

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