This required course is designed for all personnel in the road surfacing industry who may be involved with bitumen or bituminous materials. The course aims to foster a clear understanding of the significant hazards presented by bitumen and the procedures necessary to ensure safety. It is delivered with practical examples and videos and is a prerequisite for more advanced courses involving the handling or operation of bituminous equipment. Topics include material introduction, health hazards, plant and field operation dangers, emergency response, and compliance responsibilities. This course assists companies and individuals in meeting health and safety obligations.

Course Content

• Introduction to bituminous materials including emulsions

• Health hazards and personal precautions

• Hazards at bitumen and hot-mix plants

• Hazards in field operations

• Importance of appropriate training

• Dangers of water

• First aid for bitumen, emulsion, and chemical burns

• Dangerous goods handling: flash point, auto-ignition, safe distances

• Explosion and empty tank hazards

• Maintenance hazards, spillage precautions and response

• Fire safety

• Miscellaneous hazards in road surfacing