Safety
Bitumen, a naturally occurring substance, is relatively inert, has a low volatility, a very low water solubility and, as such, enjoys a safe record of use as a construction product. The RBA is committed to the consolidation of the industry's existing safety record in relation to the handling of liquid bitumen and to the further promotion of best practice handling procedures.
Most bitumen safety hazards arise from the handling of bitumen in an elevated temperature. To prevent burns it is advised that those handling bitumen wear full-body protection. Guidance on suitable protective clothing can be obtained from your local bitumen supplier. Bitumen suppliers can also assist with on-site safety training and can provide specialist literature on safe handling procedures.
For general information on implementing a safe handling policy contact the RBA's Technical Office. chris.southwell@ukrba.com
Code of Practice for the Safe Delivery of Bitumen
The RBA Code of Practice for the Delivery of Bitumen Products (revised 2006) sets the industry benchmark for the delivery, receipt and storage of bitumen products through the definition of best practices and minimum standards.
The initiative, coordinated by the RBA's HS&E Committee, is designed to consolidate existing safety records and further promote the importance of safety standards within the UK bitumen industry.
Code of Practice packs provide guidance and best practice advice in the following areas:
- Basic delivery site conditions
- Personal protective equipment
- The operation and maintenance of storage tanks and associated pipework
- Procedures for customer-attended and supplier-controlled deliveries
- Training in handling and transportation
- Advice on the treatment of bitumen burns
- Site and delivery audits
- Risk assessment
A copy of the Code of Practice can be obtained from bitumen suppliers or by contacting the RBA Technical Director's Office at chris.southwell@ukrba.com
Please click here to view the Code of Practice pdf (Link)
For a preview of the Site Audit & Risk Assessment (May 2006) click here (Link)
Guidance for Safe Bitumen Tank Management
There are around 325 asphalt plants in the UK involving approximately 1300 bitumen storage tanks. Spillages from these bitumen storage tanks as a result of over filling have a high potential for serious injury as bitumen is stored at high temperatures and has a large thermal capacity.
This document explains the fundamental principles that need to be adopted at all asphalt plants, for the safe operation of bitumen storage tanks, to reduce the risk of occurrence of a potentially serious incident.
This guide has been produced by the Refined Bitumen Association and the Quarry Products Association.
To view the guide for safe bitumen tank management as a PDF download please click here. [Link]
To view the RBA guidance on returning bitumen tanks to service please click here. [Link]
To view the RBA Position Paper on the use of Ground-Based Pumps for Bitumen Discharge at Customer Sites please click here. [Link]
To view the RBA guidance on Safety Footwear for Bitumen Delivery Drivers please click here. [Link]
To view the RBA guidance on the Installation of New Bitumen Storage Tanks please click here. [Link]
RBA Burns Card
All persons working with hot bitumen should be familiar with the first aid procedures recommended for the treatment of burns.
To view the RBA burns card as a PDF download please click here [Link]
Mineral Products Association – Annual Health & Safety Best Practice Awards
The Refined Bitumen Association (RBA) and the Mineral Products Association (MPA) share a common objective, which is to promote the best safe working practices within the industries they represent. To view the MPA website, please click here: www.mineralproducts.org
The RBA Trophy
Since 2002 the Refined Bitumen Association has presented a trophy at the annual Mineral Products Association Health and Safety Best Practice Awards. See http://www.safequarry.com The MPA Safety Award Scheme encourages the submission of entries demonstrating ‘best practice’ in all aspects of the quarrying industry’s activities. The receipt and storage of bulk bitumen products is one of these activities.
The RBA trophy is awarded to the entry (normally from an asphalt plant) judged to demonstrate ‘best practice’ in some aspects of the safe receipt and storage of bulk bitumen, which are defined annually in a briefing by the RBA Health Safety & Environmental Committee. Entries should, as a minimum, reflect adherence to procedures as recommended in RBA publications, including the Code of Practice for the Safe Delivery of Bitumen Products
RBA Trophy Winners
2002 Winner – Midland Quarry Products (Cliff Hill Quarry).
As well as meeting all the requirement of the RBA Code of Practice and having excellent procedures in place they had gone a step further. Having moved their deliveries predominantly to night deliveries, which reduced vehicle movements during the day, they had taken the initiative to employ an extra member of staff, creating the position of Bitumen Supervisor. This allowed them to provisionally order bitumen during the day and retain the ability, when the Bitumen Supervisor came on duty, to reduce/increase the bitumen load size with safety.
2002 Runners-up – Johnston Roadstone (Leaton Quarry)
RMC Aggregates Easter (Grimsby Coated Stone)
2003 Winner – Bardon Aggegates (Back Lane Quarry).
An excellent bitumen facility, achieved by involvement of their own staff plus supplier staff during the site redevelopment. Considering the human element, training is always the start of best practice. At this site there was an almost infectious approach to training, which showed in staff behaviour throughout the site.
2003 Runner-up – Aggregate Industries (Colemans Quarry)
Tarmac Central Ltd (Caldon-Low Quarry)
2004 – No trophy was awarded as entries did not adequately address the subject brief provided.
2005 Winner – Hulands Aphalt Plant (Co Durham).
Adherence to the RBA Code of Practice was impressive with almost all requirements fully complied with. The idea to alarm the emergency shower goes beyond the Code of Practice and could be considered as best practice in future. The alarm not only sounded in the area but was also repeated in two other areas where a first-aider is stationed. This ensured that not only was the site management made aware of the problem, but also the casualty received treatment in the shortest possible time.
2005 Runners-up – Foster Yeoman (Crawley Depot)
Ennstone Thistle (Daviot Asphalt Plant, Inverness)
2006 Winner – Arum Resources Ltd (Carnsew Quarry).
Comprehensive procedures had the delivery process under their control. The procedure ensured that prior to the start of delivery the plant staff became involved. The safety shroud around the delivery point is permanently locked down. To commence delivery this has to be unlocked by the plant staff who allow the delivery driver to connect the delivery hose and they then re-lock the shroud back in position. Only then is the driver allowed to start delivery. After delivery the plant staff must return to the delivery area, unlock the shroud to allow the driver to remove the hose. The operation is monitored throughout by CCTV, all of this being a documented procedure. This system ensures that the delivery is fully controlled by the customer and stops the practice of just giving the padlock key to the driver.
2006 Runner-up – Lafarge Aggregates Ltd (Elstow Coating Plant)
2007 Winner - Aggregate Industries UK Ltd.
Topley Pike was relocating its asphalt plant and bitumen storage facility when redesigning the site layout. It was decided by AI management to install a ground base pump system with the relocated storage tanks. This improved safety by removing the pressurised discharge from the delivery tanker, and at the same time improving the environment with the decrease in bitumen fumes to atmosphere. The new site layout also incorporated a new improved traffic management system for vehicle and plant movements. Regarding the bitumen discharge, plant operators unlock the security system and clarify the correct connection before starting the pump system for discharge. The driver presses the pump stop button once delivery is completed. Plant operators replace the security system.
2007 Runner-up - Aggregate Industries UK Ltd (Halton East Works)
2008 Winner - Hanson Aggregates, Bradford Asphalt Plant West Yorkshire.
Bradford had carried out a significant amount of work with regards to HSE on their plant. Housekeeping was of a very high standard. A one way traffic management system, endorsed with signs, has been adopted. This covers all vehicle movements with ease considering such a small site, especially reversing for bitumen delivery. With regards to bitumen delivery the site has an excellent driver induction process and RBA approved "traffic light" system for high and ultimate high tank level control. There is also a space saving three in line storage tank connection with spray hood.
2008 Runner -up - Hanson Aggregates, Northampton Coating Plant
2009 Winner - MQP Wednesbury Asphalt Plant.
Wednesbury is a new "state of the art" asphalt plant. There is a very good driver induction and traffic management system. Bitumen discharge is by ground base pump. This system has input from the bitumen delivery driver but is totally controlled and monitored by a sire operative from the site weighbridge. This allows the discharge operation to be monitored from start to finish. The RBA recommended traffic light system is in operation.
2009 Runner -up - Hanson Aggregates, Leeds, West Yorkshire
The RBA Trophy is for entries demonstrating best practice related to safe performance in bitumen delivery.