Asphalt Checklist

These tailgate/toolbox talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org) The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org).

Date Prepared:_________________________	By:________________________
Project Name/No.______________________	Location:___________________

• Check the box if the statement is true.
• Fill in the blanks where the appears.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

• The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazards from asphalt products on the site, regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509]
• Air monitoring has been done in work areas where exposure to asphalt vapors and fumes may exceed the Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m³. [5155(e)]
• Workers have been informed of the results of air monitoring performed on themselves, in their work area, and/or for their trade. [3204(e)(2)(A)]
• If air monitoring found any exposure exceeding the PEL, engineering, administrative, and work practice changes are used to reduce exposure where possible. Personal protective equipment is used only if other measures are insufficient. [1528, 5141(a), and 5155(e)(2)]

HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING

• The company has a written Hazard Communication Program. [5194]
• All workers have received basic Hazard Communication training. [5194]
• Everyone potentially exposed to asphalt or asphalt fumes has received specific training in health effects, safe use, minimizing exposure, personal protective equipment, proper disposal, and emergency procedures. [1510 and 5194]
• All product containers are properly labeled. [5194(b)(1) and 5417(a)]
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available on the site for all asphalt products used. [5194]
• Workers know where to find MSDSs and how to understand them. [5194]
• Personnel working in adjoining areas of the job site, including subcontractors, are aware of the work and the hazards. [1509]

WORK PRACTICES

• Safer asphalt products are used whenever possible. (“Rapid cure” products are usually more dangerous.)
• No sources of ignition are present where flammable chemical products are in use or drying. [1534(b) and 1935(a)]
• Ventilation is sufficient to prevent dangerous concentrations of flammable vapors and dangerous exposure to toxic fumes and vapors. [1531 and 5416(a)]
• Work practices are used which minimize exposure to asphalt fumes. (For example: workers stand upwind or away from the source; stirring and mixing operations are enclosed; and welding on coated surfaces is done only in well-ventilated areas). [5141(b)]
• Work practices are used which minimize skin contact with asphalt. (Some workers may experience photosensitization from skin contact. The skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light. With exposure to light, the skin may blister and develop sores.)
• For asphalts containing sulfur, workers use caution when working in areas with little ventilation or when entering poorly ventilated areas where hot asphalt has cooled. (High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas may be present. Inhalation may cause immediate
  unconsciousness and, if continued, permanent nervous system damage or death.)

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• If necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the company and worn by workers. The types used are appropriate for the work and give adequate protection. [1514]
• Ventilation is adequate to reduce worker exposure to asphalt vapors and fumes to a level below the Cal/OSHA PEL. If not, appropriate respiratory protection is worn. [1531(a)]

Are respirators required when working with adhesives or resins on this site? Yes____ No____ Type of respirator:_________________________ Available at:_____________________________

• Respirators are properly stored and maintained. [1531(d)]
• The proper types of respirators and cartridges for the work are used. [1531(b)]
• Respirators, cartridges, and replacement parts have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). [1531(b)]
• Workers who wear respirators have been medically evaluated, fit-tested, and trained. [1531(c) and (h)]
• If respirators are used on the site, the company has a written Respiratory Protection Program. [1531(f)]
• Thermally insulated, impermeable gloves of the correct type are worn to prevent skin contact with asphalt products, except where gloves might become caught in moving parts or machinery. [1520] (To determine the appropriate glove for the substance, consult the MSDS for the product, or contact the glove supplier or manufacturer.)
• Steel-toed safety shoes are worn for work with asphalt.
• Full protective clothing (coveralls, etc.) is used to minimize skin contact where necessary. [1522]
• If full protective clothing is not required, workers exposed to hot asphalt wear long sleeve shirts and long pants without cuffs. Sleeves are kept rolled down and collars closed.
• Workers use face shields when working with hot asphalt. Eye and face protection meets the requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z 87.1 1979, American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. [1516]

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

• Asphalt products are stored in approved containers and areas. [1930]
• Tanks where asphalt is heated, or where hot asphalt is stored during cooling, are well ventilated to prevent buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas. [1534(a) and 5141(a)]
• Smoking is prohibited in flammable liquid storage areas. [5543(c)]
• Flammable liquids are not stored near sources of ignition (sparks, electricity, flames, or hot objects). [1534(b) and 5543(c)]

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

• Fire extinguishers of the proper type are readily available wherever flammable liquids are stored, transported, or used. [1922(a) and 1933]

Types and locations of fire extinguishers on this site: _______________________________________________

• Emergency showers and eye wash stations are available on the site. [1512(f)]

GENERAL INSPECTION
Other Hazards Noted	Action
Near Miss Reports:
Other: