Asphalt Burn: First Aid and Safety Tips for Your Roofing Crews

An asphalt burn is one of the risks roofers face when using hot liquid asphalt on a roof installation. Most asphalt burns are the result of slipping while carrying a bucket of hot liquid, spreading it on the roof, falling into a fresh layer of hot asphalt or spilling as you climb up or down a ladder. Burns from asphalt can be very severe or even life-threatening.

If any of your roofers suffers an asphalt burn, immediately call 911 for emergency medical treatment. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, you can administer first aid to help limit tissue damage and prevent the asphalt from spreading.

First Aid Steps at the Jobsite

The first step in any first aid procedure is to remain calm. Don't panic, but don't delay treatment, either. First, remove clothing or anything around the burn if it's possible to do so without tearing the skin. Never peel or wipe hot asphalt from the skin because it can remove the skin itself. If moving clothing or debris looks like it will aggravate the burn, wait for professional help.

Next, start cooling the asphalt immediately with cool water; hot asphalt will continue to burn the skin if it's not cooled as soon as possible. Minor burns can be treated under cool water, but never use ice water or apply ice directly to the burn itself. More serious burns can be immersed in cold water for up to 20 minutes. Do not cover or bandage the burned area.

It's best to seek medical help no matter how minor a burn is to make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned and treated to prevent infection. Encourage workers to visit a doctor or a walk-in clinic if a hospital visit isn't necessary.

Reduce the Risks of an Asphalt Burn

The high heat required for application is an unavoidable hazard of working with asphalt, but safe work processes and procedures can help to protect workers.

Training is the first step toward protection. All roofers should be trained on the risks and best practices for asphalt work, and they should have access to safety data sheets at all times. These sheets should include information such as a product's flashpoint, boiling point, recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency clean-up information.

Engineering controls are another effective way to mitigate risks. Controls might include mechanizing risky processes, such as stirring asphalt in a tar kettle. A mechanical device can perform this task, reducing a worker's exposure to a potentially serious asphalt burn.

When administrative and engineering controls are not possible, PPE is required. Appropriate PPE generally includes:

• Hard hat.
• Goggles or safety glasses with a face shield.
• Respirators if necessary.
• Long-sleeve shirt with collars and cuffs buttoned.
• Leather or heat-resistant gloves that fit tightly around the wrists.
• Pants without cuffs that extend over the tops of boots.
• Non-skid safety shoes or boots with 6-inch leather upper.

Working Safely With Asphalt Roofing Products

All roofing workers should be trained on the proper handling and storage of asphalt materials, along with safe heating temperatures. All crew members and people in close proximity need to wear PPE to protect against spatters and more serious burns. Follow these three key tips to help prevent injuries:

• Set up and follow safe work practices. For instance, the kettle or bucket should be set level on the ground so as not to spill or tip over. You can also set up traffic cones to keep others at a safe distance.
• Know how to safely apply hot asphalt to the roof. When using mops, twist the mops to unstick them from buckets. Do not pull. Twist buckets to unstick them from the roof as well.
• Use the proper equipment for the job. For instance, select an insulated kettle that is the right size, has temperature controls and has the right pumping capacity. Ensure all equipment is in good operating condition.

Make sure your employees are well trained on what to do in emergency scenarios. With the right procedures in place and a little first-aid know-how, you can help your crew stay safe and reduce the risk of serious injury from asphalt burns.