27 Sep Asphalt and Pitch Roofing

Asphalt and Pitch Roofing Safety

Asphalt and pitch roofing combines the hazards of roof work and fall exposure with hot materials, open flames, chemical exposure, heavy equipment, and fire hazards. Employees performing this work should be trained in roofing safety, fall protection, hot-material handling, and the specific equipment and products they use.

Before Starting Work

Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and manufacturer’s instructions for asphalt, coal-tar pitch, and other roofing products before use. Understand the hazards, safe handling procedures, required PPE, and emergency measures.

Before beginning work:

• Inspect the roof and identify fall hazards, openings, skylights, and other hazards.
• Install or use required fall-protection systems.
• Wear appropriate work boots, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and head protection.
• Use additional skin protection when handling materials that can cause irritation or burns.
• Provide appropriate washing and emergency facilities for potential exposures.
• Keep access routes and work areas clear of debris.

Handling Hot Asphalt and Pitch

Hot asphalt and pitch can cause severe thermal burns. Carry and transfer these materials carefully and use containers designed for hot roofing materials.

• Do not overfill buckets or containers.
• Never carry containers of hot asphalt or pitch while climbing ladders.
• Use hoists, hand lines, or other appropriate equipment to move hot materials to the roof.
• Keep containers upright and use secure handles.
• Keep workers clear of areas below where hot materials are being raised or lowered.
• Avoid positioning yourself where a spill could trap or seriously burn you.

Kettles and Tankers

Only trained employees should operate roofing kettles and related equipment. Position kettles on stable surfaces and away from combustible materials, building openings, and other hazards as required.

When using a kettle:

• Inspect burners, fuel lines, valves, hoses, pumps, and controls before use.
• Maintain required ventilation and keep kettle lids and controls accessible.
• Monitor asphalt temperatures to prevent overheating.
• Keep piping and pumping systems properly supported and secured.
• Maintain clear access around the kettle.
• Never place fuel containers, ignition sources, or unnecessary combustible materials near the kettle.
• Provide an attendant when required by applicable regulations and operating procedures.

Never leave equipment operating unattended when supervision is required.

Fire Prevention

Hot roofing operations can ignite asphalt, fuel, roofing materials, and nearby combustibles.

Keep the proper type and size of fire extinguisher readily accessible near kettles and other hot-work areas. Employees expected to use extinguishers should understand their proper operation.

Control ignition sources, inspect fuel systems for leaks, and immediately address spilled fuel or roofing material. Follow applicable fire-prevention and hot-work requirements.

Fumes and Chemical Exposure

Heating asphalt and coal-tar pitch can generate fumes and vapors. Avoid positioning yourself directly in fumes and use ventilation or other exposure controls when necessary.

Wear the PPE specified by the SDS and hazard assessment. Respiratory protection may be required when other controls cannot adequately control exposure and must be used under an appropriate respiratory protection program.

Wash exposed skin promptly and thoroughly, and never use solvents or gasoline to remove asphalt or pitch from the skin.

Fall Protection

Roofing work presents significant fall hazards in addition to the hazards of hot materials. Use the fall-protection system required for the work and maintain safe access to and from the roof.

Do not allow buckets, hoses, equipment, or roofing materials to interfere with guardrails, lifelines, warning lines, access points, or other fall-protection systems.

Remember

Asphalt and pitch roofing requires control of falls, burns, fires, fumes, and material-handling hazards. Use required fall protection and PPE, handle hot materials carefully, maintain kettles and fuel systems, and keep fire protection readily available.