ROA/Surfacing/TBT-ROA-020
Hand Laying Asphalt Safety
Road Construction & Surfacing › Surfacing › Hand Laying Asphalt Safety
Toolbox Talk
Hand Laying Asphalt Safety
Hand laying asphalt involves raking, levelling, and compacting hot asphalt material delivered at temperatures between 130°C and 180°C. The work causes burns, fume inhalation, and musculoskeletal strain from prolonged physical effort in hot conditions. This talk covers the specific hazards of hand laying asphalt and the controls that protect operatives during surfacing operations.
Key Hazards
Severe burns from contact with hot asphalt material at temperatures above 130°C
Inhalation of bitumen fumes causing headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation
Musculoskeletal injuries from prolonged raking and shovelling of heavy asphalt
Being struck by delivery vehicles or rollers on the active surfacing area
Control Measures
- Wear heat-resistant gloves, full-length trousers, and safety boots when handling hot asphalt material.
- Position yourself upwind of the laying face to minimise inhalation of bitumen fumes.
- Apply barrier cream to exposed skin before starting work to protect against bitumen contact.
- Rotate operatives on the rake and shovel to reduce individual fatigue and heat exposure.
- Maintain safe distances from the paver and roller during laying and compaction operations.
- Use mechanical aids and paver extensions to reduce the need for manual raking where possible.
- Ensure traffic management is in place to protect operatives from passing vehicles on live roads.
- Provide regular rest breaks with access to cool drinking water during hot weather surfacing.
- Report any burns immediately and treat by cooling the affected area with clean cold water.
Remember
- Wear heat-resistant gloves, full-length trousers, and boots when handling hot asphalt material
- Position yourself upwind of the laying face to reduce inhalation of bitumen fumes
- Rotate operatives on raking and shovelling tasks to manage fatigue and heat exposure
- Maintain safe distances from the paver and roller throughout the laying and compaction process
- Report any burns immediately and cool the affected area with clean cold water without delay
- Traffic management must be in place to protect operatives from passing vehicles on live roads
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · COSHH Regulations 2002 · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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