Asphalt

[Soundguy]

Without the proper engineering controls, safe work practices, training, and respiratory protection, the asphalt worker becomes the red herring.

I agree that the guys at the plant have exposure risks... however.. the guys handling the finish product are not at much more risk than a jogger running down the street.... Big difference when talking about plant workers.. and the asphalt spreading crew..

If you want to get into a respitory debate.. lets talk sandblasting...

soundguy

 

[Egon]

What about the organic vapours from the hot mix??

 

[Soundguy]

What about the organic vapours from the hot mix??

Yes.. that is mentioned.. but that is a far cry from the silicosis issue.

Common sense ont he vapor issue will keep you safe.. If ya can smell it.. be carefull. Besides.. respirators are easilly available.. even fro the hydrogen sulfide that it can throw off. Seems if there was a free aprticle issue with the fines.. the correct niosh approved mask would handle that too.

Again.. the finished product.. hot or cold simply does not have a 'fines' issue.. the MSDS says as much. ( states that the componet products can cause the problems with silicosis.. etc... ).. and then as you point out.. some org. vapors.. and a small fire hazard with the mix at 450'.. especially around other solvents.. etc.. You are probably at that level of risk watching a southerner light a BBQ grill!!

Soundguy

 

[tglass]

This discusion has stirred up a hornets nest, but what about the original question? I hate to get in the middle, but he said "asphalt". Milled, old road chunks, hot or cold hot mix, cold mix, what size rock. Trying to build a paved drive, or something to drive on when wet or dry and not create dust or track? Possibly wouldn't need to rent a roller in some of the cases. I'de like to hear more and possibly be of some help. The health problem is definitly there when producing asphalt or concrete, and alot higher on most non paved roads without prevention measures. Best left to another discussion. Don't mean to start anything, but think we've lost the original post question.

 

[Soundguy]

I believe he mentioned cold mix.. In which case.. the flash point and fire hazard drops to nill.. the silicoses issue is in another universe.. unless he crushes, reclaime, or cuts the asphalt after cured. That leave a few organic vapors that will be thrown off when curing.. and that cold mix will be safer in that regard than the hot mix.

Soundguy

 

[wrangler6831]

I had a driveway done about 8 years ago and they raked it down with garden rakes and rolled it with a lawn roller by hand. It has been on for atleast 8 years and never sealed. It's still as solid as day one. You can do it the same way and don't worry about the fumes. These guys do it everyday and have been at it for over 40 years and are still going strong. Good luck

Rich

 

[Soundguy]

I had a driveway done about 8 years ago and they raked it down with garden rakes and rolled it with a lawn roller by hand. It has been on for atleast 8 years and never sealed. It's still as solid as day one. You can do it the same way and don't worry about the fumes. These guys do it everyday and have been at it for over 40 years and are still going strong. Good luck

Rich

Were they really garden rakes.. or asphalt loops? If rakes.. I'd guess the asphalt crew was on the economy side and saving a few bucks... whatever works.. I got nothing against that...

Looping hot asphalt is way easier than cold mix.. however it can be done. And i agree.. sod or powered lawn rolers are fine for small jobs.

I don't reccomend sealing new asphalt... heck.. not even old cracked asphalt. It causes it's own load of probelms, depending on the weather and the environment int he area..

Soundguy

 

[Gizmo36]

If it will last 8 years that would be good .

 

[FrogLick]

I'd like to know how one gets free asphalt? The estimate I got for paving my drive was $$$$$ last year and I'm sure the price has only gone up.

 

[Gizmo36]

A friend at Church has a Asphalt co. He said he would give me the asphalt but I would have to spread it. if I let him deer hunt.Good trade for me.