Machine Laying Asphalt Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ROA-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

Why?

Burn injuriesHot asphalt at 160°C causes instant severe burns. Contact with the material or screed plate is extremely dangerous.
Fume exposureLong-term exposure to bitumen fumes causes respiratory disease, skin irritation, and is linked to cancer risk.
Crush riskWorkers between reversing tippers, the paver, and rollers are struck and crushed every year in the UK.
Do Don't
  • Wear long sleeves, gloves, and boots to prevent skin contact with hot asphalt.
  • Use a banksman to guide all reversing vehicles onto the paver hopper.
  • Position yourself where the paver and roller operators can always see you.
  • Monitor wind direction and stand upwind of bitumen fumes where possible.
  • Apply barrier cream to exposed skin to reduce bitumen fume absorption.
  • Maintain adequate traffic management between the work area and live traffic.
  • Keep first aid burn treatment kits and cold water readily available on site.
  • Inspect the paver and rollers daily before starting laying operations.
  • Take regular breaks from raking and hand-laying to reduce heat and fatigue.
  • Ensure all operatives are briefed on the laying sequence and traffic plan.
  • DON'T touch the screed plate or hot asphalt surfaces without thermal protection.
  • DON'T stand between the tipper truck and paver hopper during material transfer.
  • DON'T work downwind of the paver where bitumen fume concentration is highest.
  • DON'T allow pedestrians or vehicles to enter the active laying zone.
  • DON'T remove gloves or long-sleeved clothing while handling hot asphalt material.
  • DON'T ride on the paver or roller in positions not designed for passengers.
  • DON'T walk behind rollers without making eye contact with the operator first.
  • DON'T ignore burns, even small ones; treat immediately with cold running water.
  • DON'T operate the paver without trained banksmen guiding reversing vehicles.
  • DON'T eat or drink in the immediate laying area due to fume contamination.

See also: Asphalt Laying Safety | Compaction and Rolling Procedures