SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Safety precautions for the distributor truck and asphalt kettle operations are as follows:

. Always have dry chemical type of extinguishers available and in good condition.

l Check all body mounting tie-downs and fasteners. On trailer units, check kingpin plate fasteners and all suspension and running gear components.

. Lighted cigarettes or other sources of combustion must be kept clear of open manholes or overflow vents to reduce fire hazards.

l Sparks from the engine exhaust can be for the ignition of volatile gases.

. Remain clear of rotating drives when the unit is in operation to prevent becoming entangled in the machine.

c Use goggles and gloves or insulated material when handling the spray bar, sections, or hoses to prevent burns.

. Monthly, check (and if necessary clean) the 3-inch overflow tube to ensure that the tube is not clogged.

l Open a manhole slowly to relieve any pressure that may exist in the tank.

. Check and ensure that all pipe and hose connections are secure before operating valves to eliminate leaks (that may spray hot bitumen on other personnel).

l Keep the unit clean for safety and operation.

. Keep the area clear of open flame or sparks to reduce fire hazard when you are spraying material with volatile cutbacks.

. Do not stand in a location in which the accidental opening of the spray bar valves will cause contact with the bitumen spray. This is important, because you could receive serious burns if you do not.

1 The fill line cap or connection must be securely attached before operating the intake valve lever to eliminate momentary discharge.

. The "TUC" bar must be off and remain off when the bar is rotated upward.

. When moisture is present in the tank, do not load the tank with material having a temperature over 200F. To prevent foaming when filling a unit in which moisture may be present in the spray bar or the circulating system, you should allow a small portion of hot material to circulate in the spray bar before filling the tank.

. When you are heating material, if at all possible, position the unit broadside to the wind.

. The use of gasoline instead of regular kerosene or fuel oil on low-pressure burners will result in an extreme fire hazard.

. Do not operate burners unattended (unless a safety control is provided) or while the vehicle is in transit or in a confined area.

l When heating, you must allow sufficient space in the tank for expansion of the material.

. To prevent a possible explosion, you must cover flues with at least 6 inches of bitumen before heating the material, This layer of bitumen reduces the vapors produced, thereby, reducing the chance of an explosion.

l For personal safety, use a torch (not a match or lighter) to ignite the burner.

. Ignite the inside burner first. Do not reach across a lighted burner to ignite the inside burner.

. When burners go out, allow time for ventilation before re-ignition.

. Do not heat material beyond the manufacturer's recommended temperature.

. When you are hand spraying, hold the sprayer in the proper position and be aware of other personnel in the area.

. Emulsified asphalts should never be left in the distributor truck for any great length of time. Emulsified asphalts will separate and set in much less time than will cutbacks.

. Avoid inhaling the vapors or mist from sprayed asphalt, or prolonged skin contact with asphalt products. Asphalt materials contain compounds known or suspected to causes cancer. Hot asphalt is a bum hazard and can cause serious eye damage.