R614-7-1. Roofing, Tar-Asphalt Operations

A. Hot roofing.

1. Protective clothing and equipment.

a. Roofers handling hot roofing materials shall be fully clothed including long sleeved shirts buttoned at the wrists. Other employees may wear no less than "T" shirts over their upper body.

b. Substantial shoes no less than six (6) inches in height, fully laced or secured shall be worn.

c. No gauntlet gloves shall be permitted. Wrist length gloves shall be worn.

d. Employees subjected to the possibility of splashing hot materials shall wear face shields or goggles.

2. Heating equipment.

a. All heating kettles shall be equipped with a temperature measring device in operating condition and the asphalt shall not be heated in excess of 50 degrees below the Flash Point.

b. Toxic and combustible vapors are given off during heating of asphalt and tar materials. Employees working with these materials shall be instructed in safety precautions and in the proper methods of handling.

c. Attendants shall be within 100 feet of the kettle at all times while the burner flame is on.

d. Kettle heating equipment shall be installed and maintained in conformity with the American National Standards Institute Requirements for the fuel being used.

e. A fire extinguisher no smaller than 10 B-C rating shall be installed in close proximity to heating kettles.

f. During melting and heating operations, care shall be taken to prevent moisture from getting into the hot mix.

3. Material handling.

a. Pump lines handling hot asphalt shall be positioned securely and equipped with a shut-off valve on each of a coupler which may be opened when lines are full.

b. Pump lines shall not be subjected to pressures in excess of the safe working pressure of the lines being used.

c. Hot asphalt shall not be carried up ladders but shall be pumped or hoisted.

d. Hoisting frames and equipment shall be installed in a safe manner, properly secured and positioned so that the operator has access to the bucket or container without subjecting himself to hazard.

e. Every tar bucket used by roofers or workers in similar trades shall be made of No. 24 gauge or heavier sheet steel and shall have a metal bail of no less than 1/4 inch diameter material. The bail shall be fastened to offset ears or the equivalent which have been riveted, welded or otherwise securely attached to the bucket. Soldered bail sockets are not permissible. Most paint buckets will not comply with these regulations.

f. Extreme caution shall be taken when working near sky lights or other roof holes.

g. Employees shall be positioned in such a manner that they cannot be struck by a bucket or other roofing material which may accidentally fall either while being hoisted, lowered or used in the roofing operation.

4. Flammable liquid with a flash point below 100 degrees F. (gasoline and similar products) shall not be used for cleaning purposes.

5. Workers shall not ride on top of loaded trucks or on running boards but shall be seated inside the cab of the vehicle.

6. Provisions of 29 CFR 1926.451 and 1926.1050 shall be complied with as applicable, covering scaffolds and ladders.

B. Asphalt mixing plants.

1. Toxic and combustible vapors are given off during heating of asphalt and tar materials. Employees working with these materials shall be instructed in necessary precautions and in the proper methods of handling.

2. Suitable clothing and protective devices shall be worn by employees handling or applying asphalt and tar materials.

3. Positive care shall be taken to prevent heating materials above the flashpoint. Mixing operations shall be performed at the lowest practicable temperature.

4. Drums or other containers in which liquid bituminous materials are stored shall be kept tightly closed when not in use and shall be protected from sources of excess heat, sparks, and open flames.

5. A 10 B.C. fire extinguisher shall be provided at locations where heating devices or melting kettles are in use.

6. Asphalt or tar heating kettles when in use shall not be left unattended and shall be securely fastened to prevent accidental tipping. They shall be provided with a lid and thermometer.

7. During melting and heating operations, care shall be taken to prevent moisture from getting into the hot mix. The use of gasoline or similar volatile materials as thinners is prohibited.

8. Where natural ventilation is insufficient at enclosed areas in which hot tar, asphalt, etc., are being heated or applied, an approved method of mechanical ventilation shall be provided. In addition, respirators shall be furnished to workers where required.

9. Heating, pumping, and application operations shall not be left unattended and an operator shall be stationed near the equipment to cut off flow or care for other emergencies.

10. Spraymen handling hot asphalt or tar shall not be allowed to work under hoses supplying hot materials to the sprays. Only flexible metallic hoses fitted with insulated handles shall be used in hand-spraying operations.

11. Form pins having mushroomed or split heads shall be discarded or effectively repaired.

12. Pipe lines which contain hot oil or asphalt shall be equipped with a shut-off valve on each side of a coupler which may be opened when lines are full.