Eurobitume has published a new guidance document detailing how to safely handle bitumen throughout the supply chain through the use of ground-based pumps.
The Guidance on Ground-Based Operations document was developed to share the ‘important safety benefits' of having ground-based operations, including:
- Reduced likelihood of operatives falling from height
- Reduced risks associated with exposure to bitumen fumes, including Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
It also states that the use of these pumps reduces the risk of an ‘uncontrolled release' of hot bitumen, reduces the risk of hose, flange connection, joint and other failures and avoids the creation of a bow wave on the surface of the bitumen in the storage tank.
Additional guidance included in the documents includes:
- When bitumen is unloaded using pumps, the truck tank needs to be vented. Eurobitume strongly recommends that venting be done from the ground (ground venting) in order to avoid risks related to climbing on the truck or proximity to tank openings.
- Bitumen delivery should not take place if it is already known that the on-site pump, including the mobile mix plant, is not operational.
- The system control equipment must be safely operable by the driver at any time.
- An Emergency Shut Down Device (E-stop) must be fitted, readily accessible and clearly identified at the delivery point.
- The company receiving bitumen must ensure there is a safe and effective means of communication between the delivery driver and the plant staff supervising the delivery close to the discharge point.
Those wishing to download Eurobitume's Guidance on Ground-Based Operations document can do so on the company's publication page.
Forming part of Eurobitume's safe handling of bitumen programme, the document is joined by a recording webinar featuring over 100 participants, which can also be found here and on the company's YouTube page.
