Abbreviations
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Disclaimer
Foreword
Glossary
Ordering Information

1. Introduction

2. Background

2.1 Composition and Uses of Asphalt
2.2 Manufacture of Asphalt Roofing Products
2.3 Manufacture of Roofing Asphalts
2.4 Asphalt Roofing Products and Systems

2.4.1 Asphalt Shingles and Roll Roofing
2.4.2 BUR Systems
2.4.3 Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems

3. Manufacture of Asphalt Roofing Products

3.1 Primary Manufacturing Processes

3.1.1 Air-Blowing
3.1.2 Supporting Operations

3.2 Manufacturing Line

3.2.1 Saturant Asphalt Felt
3.2.2 Asphalt Shingles and Roll Goods
3.2.3 Modified Bitumen Products

4. Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Fumes

4.1 Occupational Exposure Limits
4.2 Potential for Exposure
4.3 Operations and Jobs with Potential for Asphalt Fume Exposure

5. Guidelines for Protecting Workers

5.1 Delivery, Handling, and Storage

5.1.1 Engineering Controls
5.1.2 Work Practices

5.2 Saturators

5.2.1 Engineering Controls
5.2.2 Work Practices
5.2.3 Equipment Substitution

5.3 Modified Bitumen Impregnation Vats
5.4 Coaters

5.4.1 Full Enclosure
5.4.2 Canopy Hood

5.5 Surfacing and Subsequent Processes
5.6 Work Practices and PPE

6. Research Needs

References

APPENDIX—Respirators

Figures and tables

Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Figure 4-1
Figure 4-2
Figure 5-1

Table 2-1
Table 4-1
Table 4-2

This document represents a collaborative effort of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers' Association (ARMA), the Asphalt Institute (AI), and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers to reduce worker exposures to asphalt fumes during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products. The document describes the manufacturing process, identifies steps in the process with the potential for asphalt fume exposure, and identifies current engineering control methods and work practices used to reduce exposures. In addition, the document lists relevant research needed for further reducing asphalt fume exposures during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (Public Law 91–596) assures, insofar as possible, safe and healthful working conditions for every working man and woman in the Nation. The act charges the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with recommending occupational safety and health standards and describing exposure concentrations that are safe for various periods of employment—including but not limited to the concentrations at which no worker will suffer diminished health, functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result of his or her work experience.

This document represents the collaborative efforts of industry, labor, and government to protect the health of workers exposed to asphalt fumes during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products. Current engineering controls and work practices are presented for reducing worker exposures to asphalt fumes during the manufacturing process. These prevention methods are the cornerstone of public and occupational health.

This document is the result of a public meeting convened on July 22 and 23, 1996, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Participants discussed engineering controls and work practices for controlling exposures to asphalt fumes in the roofing industry. Although the health risks from asphalt exposure are not yet fully defined, all partners agreed that prudent action was needed to reduce worker exposures. They decided to produce a joint document that would describe engineering controls and work practices to reduce worker exposure to asphalt fumes during the manufacture of asphalt roofing products. The willingness of all partners to work together in this effort should serve as a model for others who are developing occupational safety and health recommendations. This document was truly a joint effort. I would like to thank the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers' Association (ARMA), the Asphalt Institute (AI), and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers for their cooperation and hard work.

Kathleen M. Rest, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Acting Director, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This document was prepared by the staff of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in collaboration with representatives of the Asphalt Institute (AI), the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers' Association (ARMA), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. Paul A. Schulte, Director, Education and Information Division (EID), had overall responsibility for the document. Joann Wess (NIOSH) was the project director.

The following contributors are gratefully acknowledged: Heinz Ahlers, J.D. (NIOSH); Tom Calzavara (ARMA); William Candy (ARMA); Bill Fayerweather, Ph.D. (ARMA); Jerome Flesch (NIOSH); Bill Good (NRCA); Jude LaPerouse (NRCA); David Marlow (NIOSH); Bernie McCarthy (AI); Leroy Mickelsen (NIOSH); Dennis Mueller (ARMA); Larry Olsen, Ph.D. (NIOSH); Klaus Rosinski, Ph.D. (ARMA); Arthur Sampson (ARMA); Tom Shanahan (NRCA); Richard Snyder (ARMA); Russ Snyder (ARMA); Marie Haring Sweeney, Ph.D. (NIOSH); Alex Teass, Ph.D. (NIOSH); and Ralph Zumwalde (NIOSH).

Vanessa Becks, Richard Carlson, Judy Curless, Susan Feldmann, Anne Hamilton, Susan Kaelin, and Jane Weber (NIOSH) provided editorial support and contributed to the design, graphics, and layout of this document.

This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.

To receive documents or more information about occupational
safety and health topics, contact the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at

NIOSH—Publications Dissemination
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226–1998

Telephone: 1–800–35–NIOSH (1–800–356–4674)
Fax: 1–513–533–8573
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or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001–127