Safe Work Method Statement for Hot Mix Asphalt Paving and Road Surface Repairs

Asphalt Concrete Road Application and Repairs SWMS

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Asphalt concrete road application and repairs involve the placement, compaction, and finishing of hot mix asphalt to create or restore road surfaces. This high-risk construction activity exposes workers to extreme temperatures from hot asphalt (typically 130-160°C), bituminous fumes, heavy machinery operation, and work adjacent to live traffic. This Safe Work Method Statement provides comprehensive procedures for managing the unique hazards of asphalt paving operations while ensuring compliance with Australian WHS legislation and maintaining production efficiency on road construction and maintenance projects.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Asphalt concrete road application involves the controlled placement and compaction of hot mix asphalt (HMA) to create durable road surfaces. This process includes priming the prepared road base with bitumen tack coat, receiving hot asphalt from delivery trucks at temperatures between 130-160°C, spreading the material using asphalt pavers to specified depths and profiles, and compacting the surface using steel-wheeled and pneumatic-tyred rollers to achieve required density specifications. Road repair operations range from small pothole patching using hand tools and cold mix materials, to full-depth pavement reconstruction involving milling existing surfaces, repairing base failures, and laying new asphalt courses. Major projects may involve multiple asphalt layers including stabilised base course, binder course, and wearing course, each requiring specific material specifications and compaction requirements. Asphalt work typically occurs on active roadways requiring comprehensive traffic management plans coordinated with local authorities. Night works are common to minimise traffic disruption, introducing additional hazards related to reduced visibility and worker fatigue. Environmental conditions significantly impact asphalt operations, with rain preventing work and cold temperatures affecting material workability and compaction effectiveness. Crews typically consist of paver operators, screed operators, roller operators, traffic controllers, labourers for handwork and material placement, and supervisors overseeing quality control and safety compliance. Coordination between crew members is critical, as the time-sensitive nature of asphalt placement requires continuous material flow and immediate compaction before cooling occurs. Understanding these operational complexities is essential for developing effective safety controls and work procedures.

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Why this SWMS matters

Asphalt paving operations present severe burn hazards from direct contact with hot mix asphalt at temperatures exceeding 130°C. These burns are often deep and extensive due to the material adhering to skin, causing continued thermal damage even after initial contact. Workers face constant exposure risk when hand-placing material around structures, raking surface irregularities, or clearing blockages from paver feed systems. Bituminous fumes released during heating and application contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hydrogen sulfide, and other compounds classified as potential carcinogens. Prolonged exposure contributes to respiratory conditions, eye irritation, and dermatological issues. Despite improved asphalt mix formulations reducing emission temperatures, fume exposure remains a significant occupational health concern requiring engineering controls and ongoing monitoring. Work adjacent to live traffic creates constant risk of vehicle impact, with inattentive drivers regularly encroaching into work zones despite traffic control measures. The presence of multiple items of heavy mobile plant including pavers, rollers, delivery trucks, and milling machines operating in confined work areas increases collision risks between equipment and pedestrian workers. Heat stress affects asphalt crews due to combination of hot material, direct sun exposure, physical exertion, and personal protective equipment worn for burn protection. During Australian summer conditions, surface temperatures on fresh asphalt can exceed 70°C, with radiant heat affecting workers standing on or near hot surfaces. This creates serious risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke requiring proactive management. Compliance with Work Health and Safety regulations is mandatory, with asphalt operations constituting high-risk construction work when performed on roads with traffic speeds exceeding 40 km/h. Failure to implement appropriate controls can result in prohibition notices, prosecution following incidents, and substantial penalties. More critically, inadequate safety measures can lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities that devastate families and destroy business reputations.

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Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Severe Burns from Hot Mix Asphalt

High

Direct contact with hot mix asphalt at temperatures between 130-160°C causes severe burns that penetrate deep tissue layers. Unlike water-based burns that can be quickly cooled, asphalt adheres to skin and clothing, continuing to cause thermal damage until completely removed. Workers face exposure when hand-placing material around utility covers, raking surface imperfections, shovelling material from paver hoppers, or clearing blockages from feeders and augers. Splashing can occur when material is dumped into paver hoppers or when working in wet conditions. Burns to hands, forearms, and lower legs are most common, but facial burns can occur from splashing. The viscous nature of hot asphalt makes it difficult to remove quickly, extending burn duration and severity.

Bituminous Fume Exposure

High

Hot asphalt releases complex mixtures of bituminous fumes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These fumes are visible as blue-grey vapour rising from hot material and are particularly concentrated during initial placement and compaction operations. Workers operating pavers, screed operators, and labourers working in close proximity to fresh asphalt experience highest exposures. Enclosed environments such as tunnels or covered areas amplify exposure levels. Short-term effects include respiratory irritation, eye discomfort, nausea, and headaches. Long-term exposure is associated with increased cancer risks, chronic respiratory conditions, and dermatological problems. Fume composition varies with asphalt temperature, mix design, and aggregate properties.

Mobile Plant Collisions and Interaction

High

Asphalt paving operations involve coordinated movement of multiple heavy vehicles including delivery trucks reversing to paver hoppers, pavers moving forward continuously, and multiple rollers working in sequence behind the paver. Workers must position themselves between mobile plant for material placement and raking operations, creating constant risk of being struck or crushed. Reversing trucks have limited visibility of workers behind vehicles. Paver operators focus on line and level, reducing awareness of workers near the machine. Rollers operate close to paver with limited stopping distance if workers step into the pathway. Communication challenges due to noise levels and diesel exhaust obscuring visibility compound these risks. Night works amplify collision risks due to reliance on artificial lighting and reduced contrast perception.

Vehicle Impact from Live Traffic

High

Asphalt operations frequently occur on operational roads with traffic management controlling but not eliminating vehicle movements near work areas. Despite advance warning signage and speed restrictions, vehicles regularly encroach into work zones due to driver inattention, excessive speed, impairment, or distraction. Workers are exposed when setting up work zones, during paving operations, and when performing edge work and tie-ins. Night works increase risk as motorists have reduced visibility and workers' silhouettes are harder to distinguish. The linear nature of road paving means workers progress along roadways for extended periods, maintaining constant traffic exposure. Weather conditions including rain, fog, or setting sun can reduce driver visibility of work zones.

Heat Stress and Thermal Strain

Medium

Workers experience significant thermal load from multiple sources: radiant heat from hot asphalt surfaces (often exceeding 60°C surface temperature), direct solar radiation during summer months, physical exertion from manual handling and continuous standing, and insulating effect of required PPE including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves. Paver and roller operators in enclosed or partially enclosed cabins face additional risks if air conditioning is inadequate or fails. High humidity reduces evaporative cooling effectiveness, amplifying heat stress risks. Symptoms progress from heat exhaustion including fatigue, nausea, and confusion, to heat stroke which is a medical emergency. Older workers and those with cardiovascular conditions face elevated risk. Production pressures to maintain paving continuity can discourage workers from taking breaks needed for cooling and rehydration.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Traffic Management Plan Implementation

Engineering

Comprehensive traffic management designed by qualified traffic management planner and implemented by accredited traffic controllers to separate work zone from moving traffic

Implementation

1. Engage qualified traffic management designer to develop site-specific traffic guidance scheme complying with AS 1742.3 2. Submit traffic management plan to relevant road authority for approval minimum 10 business days before commencement 3. Deploy accredited traffic controllers holding current certification at all required control points 4. Install advance warning signs at specified distances based on approach speed zone (minimum 200m for urban, 300m+ for higher speeds) 5. Position concrete or water-filled barriers to create physical separation between work zone and live traffic lanes 6. Establish defined entry and exit points for delivery vehicles with clear delineation using cones and delineators 7. Implement speed reductions to maximum 40 km/h through work zone using regulatory signage 8. Provide adequate lighting for night works including portable light towers positioned to avoid glare for motorists 9. Conduct pre-start briefings with all crew on traffic management arrangements and emergency procedures 10. Inspect traffic control devices hourly and replace damaged or displaced items immediately

Hot Work and Burn Prevention Procedures

Administrative

Systematic procedures to minimise worker contact with hot asphalt materials and provide immediate response capability for burn incidents

Implementation

1. Designate exclusion zones around paver hopper areas where material is being loaded to prevent workers from approaching dump trucks 2. Provide long-handled rakes and shovels to maintain distance from hot material during placement and levelling operations 3. Prohibit hand contact with hot asphalt under all circumstances - use tools for all material handling 4. Position cold water supply stations at maximum 50-metre intervals along paving operation for immediate burn treatment 5. Establish burn treatment protocol: immediately flood affected area with cold running water for minimum 20 minutes 6. Provide burn treatment kits including non-adherent dressings and burn gel at multiple locations on work site 7. Train all workers in burn first aid including recognition of burn severity and activation of emergency response 8. Ensure mobile phone coverage or radio communication available to summon emergency medical assistance 9. Develop asphalt removal procedures using appropriate solvents (never petrol) for material adhered to skin 10. Report all burns in incident register regardless of severity and investigate causation

Fume Exposure Minimisation

Substitution

Reduce fume generation and worker exposure through use of reduced-temperature asphalt mixes and work positioning strategies

Implementation

1. Specify warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies reducing production and placement temperatures by 20-40°C where project specifications permit 2. Position workers upwind of paving operations wherever possible based on prevailing wind direction 3. Avoid unnecessary personnel in immediate proximity to paver screed area where fume concentrations are highest 4. Use mechanical spreading and finishing equipment rather than hand tools where practical to increase worker distance from fumes 5. Schedule work during periods of favourable wind conditions to aid fume dispersion away from work areas 6. Provide respirators with organic vapour cartridges (P2 rating minimum) for workers in high-exposure positions including paver screed operators 7. Implement job rotation to limit individual worker exposure duration, particularly for screed operator positions 8. Monitor environmental conditions and suspend work if wind speeds drop below levels providing adequate fume dispersion 9. Provide shaded rest areas away from active paving operations for meal and rest breaks 10. Conduct periodic air monitoring to quantify fume exposure levels and verify control effectiveness

Mobile Plant Management System

Engineering

Coordinated procedures and physical controls to prevent collisions between mobile plant and workers during paving operations

Implementation

1. Establish exclusion zones extending 3 metres around all mobile plant marked with high-visibility bunting or barriers 2. Fit all delivery trucks with reversing cameras and proximity alarms that activate automatically when reverse gear engaged 3. Assign dedicated spotters wearing high-visibility vests to guide all reversing movements of delivery trucks to paver 4. Develop and display one-page site traffic management plan showing designated truck approach routes and waiting areas 5. Implement radio communication system linking paver operator, roller operators, and ground crew to coordinate movements 6. Install amber flashing beacons on all mobile plant visible from 360 degrees even in direct sunlight 7. Require all ground workers to maintain constant awareness of mobile plant positions and move to safe locations when plant approaching 8. Prohibit workers from walking or standing within 5 metres behind any operating mobile plant 9. Conduct pre-start meetings each shift to confirm communication protocols and identify designated safe positions for each worker role 10. Ensure all plant operators hold current licences appropriate to equipment class being operated

Heat Stress Prevention Program

Administrative

Systematic monitoring and management of thermal conditions to prevent heat-related illness in asphalt paving crews

Implementation

1. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology heat forecasts and implement modified work schedules when temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C 2. Provide insulated water containers with ice maintaining water temperature below 15°C at multiple locations along work zone 3. Mandate 10-minute rest breaks in shaded areas every 45 minutes during hot conditions (above 30°C) or when performing high-exertion tasks 4. Establish shaded rest areas using marquees or umbrellas positioned upwind of paving operations 5. Provide cooling measures including neck cooling towels, misting fans, and portable air-conditioning in site offices 6. Adjust work start times to commence earlier in morning, avoiding hottest period between 11am-3pm where project schedule permits 7. Train supervisors to recognise heat stress symptoms including confusion, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, and altered behaviour 8. Implement buddy system where workers monitor each other for signs of heat-related illness 9. Require all workers to drink minimum 200ml water every 15-20 minutes regardless of thirst sensation 10. Prohibit consumption of alcohol, energy drinks, or excessive caffeine which accelerate dehydration

Specialised Personal Protective Equipment

PPE

Provision and mandatory use of PPE specifically designed for asphalt paving operations providing protection from thermal, chemical, and impact hazards

Implementation

1. Issue heat-resistant gloves rated to minimum 200°C for all workers handling tools in contact with hot asphalt 2. Provide long-sleeved cotton or flame-resistant shirts and long pants to provide burn protection without creating excessive heat retention 3. Supply leather work boots with heat-resistant soles (minimum rating 150°C) and ankle protection to prevent asphalt entry into footwear 4. Ensure all workers wear Class D day/night high-visibility vests complying with AS/NZS 4602.1 at all times in work zone 5. Provide safety glasses with side shields protecting from splashes when working within 5 metres of paving operations 6. Issue P2 disposable respirators or half-face respirators with organic vapour cartridges for workers in high fume-exposure roles 7. Require hard hats complying with AS/NZS 1801 for all workers when mobile plant operating overhead or nearby 8. Inspect PPE daily for damage or deterioration, particularly gloves showing signs of heat damage or material saturation 9. Replace PPE immediately when damaged or when protective properties compromised 10. Train all workers in correct donning, use, and maintenance of provided PPE

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Personal protective equipment

Requirement: Leather or aramid fiber gloves rated minimum 200°C continuous contact

When: Required for all workers handling tools in contact with hot asphalt or when working within 2 metres of material placement

Requirement: Class D day/night vest with reflective tape meeting colour and retroreflectivity standards

When: Mandatory for all personnel in work zone including operators, labourers, and supervisors at all times

Requirement: Leather work boots with heat-resistant soles (minimum 150°C), steel toe caps, and ankle coverage

When: Required at all times when on asphalt paving sites, must be lace-up style preventing hot material entry

Requirement: P2 particulate respirator or half-face respirator with organic vapour cartridges

When: Required for paver screed operators, workers in immediate proximity to fresh asphalt, and during high-temperature paving operations

Requirement: Safety glasses with side shields or full-seal safety goggles

When: Required when working within 5 metres of asphalt placement operations or when splashing risk present

Requirement: Long-sleeved cotton or flame-resistant shirt and long pants covering all exposed skin

When: Mandatory for all workers in asphalt work zone, synthetic materials prohibited due to melting risk

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Verify traffic management plan approved by relevant road authority and all required documentation on site
  • ✓Inspect all traffic control devices for damage, confirm correct placement as per approved traffic guidance scheme
  • ✓Check all mobile plant for current inspection tags, operational reversing alarms, and adequate fuel levels
  • ✓Verify paver hopper screens in place and auger guards correctly fitted, inspect screed for damage
  • ✓Test communication systems including two-way radios, confirm all workers have functioning units on correct channel
  • ✓Verify adequate supply of cold water available at multiple locations, confirm burn treatment kits fully stocked
  • ✓Check weather forecast for temperature extremes, precipitation, or wind conditions affecting operations
  • ✓Confirm all workers have completed site induction and hold required licences for plant operation roles

During work

  • ✓Monitor traffic control effectiveness hourly, ensure devices remain correctly positioned and visible
  • ✓Observe worker positioning relative to mobile plant, correct unsafe practices immediately
  • ✓Check for signs of heat stress in crew members, mandate rest breaks if symptoms observed
  • ✓Verify exclusion zones maintained around mobile plant, confirm spotters in position for all reversing movements
  • ✓Monitor asphalt temperature during placement, reject loads outside specification range (typically 130-160°C)
  • ✓Inspect compaction equipment for cleanliness, ensure water sprays functioning to prevent asphalt pickup
  • ✓Verify workers maintaining appropriate distance from hot asphalt, using long-handled tools correctly
  • ✓Check PPE condition throughout shift, replace damaged gloves or deteriorated clothing immediately

After work

  • ✓Remove or cover all traffic control devices as specified in traffic management plan
  • ✓Install appropriate signage warning of fresh asphalt and any surface irregularities requiring attention
  • ✓Clean all equipment removing asphalt buildup from paver augers, screeds, and roller drums using approved solvents
  • ✓Inspect work area for material spills on road surface, clean using appropriate methods before site exit
  • ✓Document asphalt quantities placed, area covered, and any quality issues identified during operations
  • ✓Report any incidents, near misses, or equipment damage in incident register for investigation
  • ✓Debrief crew on safety performance, discuss any observed risks or suggested improvements
  • ✓Return all equipment and traffic control devices to secure storage, prepare for next shift requirements

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Establishment and Traffic Management Setup

Before commencing asphalt operations, establish comprehensive traffic management in accordance with approved traffic guidance scheme. Deploy advance warning signs at specified distances based on road classification and approach speeds. Install physical barriers separating work zone from live traffic lanes, ensuring adequate width for safe plant operation. Set up designated entry and exit points for delivery vehicles with clear sight lines for operators. Establish work zone speed restrictions using regulatory signage. Position traffic controllers at all required locations with two-way radio communication. Conduct final inspection of all traffic control measures confirming compliance with approved plan before allowing any plant or materials onto work area.

2

Pre-Operational Equipment Inspections

Complete pre-start inspections of all equipment before operations commence. For asphalt paver: check hydraulic fluid levels, inspect screed for damage or buildup, verify auger guards fitted correctly, test screed heating system reaches required temperature. For rollers: check water system operation, inspect drum for material buildup or damage, verify vibration system functionality, confirm adequate fuel. For all mobile plant: test reversing alarms audible from 30 metres, check beacon lights operational, verify fire extinguisher present and current. Document all inspections in plant log books, tag out any equipment with defects preventing safe operation. Ensure all operators hold current licences appropriate to equipment being operated.

3

Preparation of Road Surface

Prepare existing road surface to receive new asphalt layer. Sweep area using mechanical broom or blower to remove loose material, dust, and debris that would prevent proper bond. Repair any potholes or surface failures in underlying layers that would compromise new asphalt performance. Apply tack coat using distributor truck or spray equipment, ensuring uniform coverage at specified application rate (typically 0.3-0.5 L/m²). Allow tack coat to break (change from brown to black appearance) before asphalt placement, typically 15-30 minutes depending on temperature. Mark locations of utility covers and other obstacles requiring special attention during paving. Verify surface is dry - do not proceed with asphalt placement on wet surfaces.

4

Asphalt Delivery and Paver Loading

Coordinate asphalt delivery to maintain continuous paver operation without excessive waiting. When delivery truck arrives, assign spotter to guide driver during reversing approach to paver hopper. Spotter must maintain visual contact with driver and position themselves visible in mirrors, using standard hand signals to direct movement. Establish exclusion zone around paver hopper preventing workers from standing between truck and paver during material transfer. Ensure paver hopper doors correctly positioned to receive material load. Monitor material temperature during transfer - reject loads outside specification range. Clear all personnel from immediate vicinity before dump truck raises bed to discharge material. Once material transferred, direct truck to exit work zone using designated route, maintaining separation from ongoing paving operations.

5

Asphalt Spreading and Levelling

As paver advances, monitor material flow through hopper, augers, and screed to maintain consistent mat thickness and surface profile. Paver operator maintains line and grade using reference guides including stringline, laser, or existing edge. Ground crew uses long-handled rakes and lutes to redistribute material at paver edges, around obstacles, and to fill low areas. Never contact hot asphalt with hands under any circumstances. Maintain minimum 2-metre distance from operating augers. Work from rear of paver to avoid positioning yourself in paver's path. Communicate with paver operator using radio or pre-arranged hand signals regarding material requirements. Monitor screed temperature and adjust heating as required to maintain proper temperature for material flow and compaction. Check mat thickness regularly using depth gauge, adjust paver settings if thickness deviates from specification.

6

Asphalt Compaction

Commence initial compaction immediately behind paver while asphalt remains at optimal temperature (typically within 1-2 minutes of placement). Initial roller follows in breakdown position 5-10 metres behind paver, operating in static mode without vibration to prevent material checking. Maintain consistent roller speed between 3-5 km/h avoiding sudden starts or stops that create surface irregularities. Second roller follows in intermediate compaction position with vibration engaged. Final roller performs finish rolling to achieve specified density and smooth surface texture. Roller operators maintain communication with paver operator adjusting pattern and overlap to ensure complete coverage. Operate water spray systems to prevent asphalt pickup on roller drums. Check surface for irregularities including checks, cracks, or fat spots indicating compaction problems. Continue compaction until required density achieved (typically 95-98% of maximum theoretical density).

7

Edge Treatment and Joint Construction

Complete edges and joints requiring hand work using specialised tools. Cut back edges to vertical face using sharp spade or edge cutter, removing ragged material. Compact edges using hand tampers or plate compactors achieving density equivalent to roller-compacted areas. Construct longitudinal joints by cutting vertical face on previous day's paving, applying tack coat, and placing new material tight against prepared edge. Offset transverse joints minimum 300mm from underlying layer joints. Work around utility covers and other obstacles by hand-placing and compacting asphalt, ensuring smooth transitions. All handwork must occur while material remains workable, typically within 10-15 minutes of placement. Use long-handled tools wherever possible. Wear heat-resistant gloves for all operations involving direct contact with tools touching hot material.

8

Quality Control and Surface Inspection

Conduct systematic inspection of completed asphalt surface while material still warm enough to correct defects. Check surface profile using straightedge identifying low areas, crowns, or depressions exceeding tolerance (typically ±10mm over 3 metres). Verify smooth transitions at joints and around obstacles. Inspect compaction effectiveness visually looking for surface texture indicating proper density - surface should appear tight with aggregate particles well embedded. Conduct density testing using nuclear gauge or core samples comparing to specified requirements. Mark defective areas for immediate correction while material workable. Document surface temperatures at time of compaction completion using infrared thermometer. Record ambient conditions, material source, tonnes placed, and area covered in daily quality records. Photograph completed work and any quality issues identified.

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Frequently asked questions

What temperature is hot mix asphalt and how long does it remain dangerous?

Hot mix asphalt is typically produced and delivered at temperatures between 130-160°C, which is hot enough to cause severe burns instantly on contact. The material remains above 100°C for 30-45 minutes after placement depending on ambient temperature, layer thickness, and wind conditions. Even when the surface appears solid and has been compacted, subsurface temperatures remain high enough to cause burns through boot soles or gloves. Workers must treat all fresh asphalt as extremely hot until it has fully cooled to ambient temperature, which can take several hours for thicker lifts. Always use long-handled tools and never assume material is safe to contact based on visual appearance alone.

What should I do immediately if hot asphalt contacts my skin?

If hot asphalt contacts skin, immediately flood the affected area with cold running water while carefully removing contaminated clothing. Do not attempt to peel or scrape asphalt from skin as this can cause additional tissue damage. Continue cooling with water for minimum 20 minutes while calling for medical assistance. If asphalt has hardened on skin, leave it in place and continue cooling around the area - medical professionals have specialised techniques for removal. Never use petrol, diesel, or other solvents to remove asphalt from skin as these are toxic and can cause chemical burns. Cover the area with non-adherent dressing after cooling. All burns from hot asphalt require professional medical assessment regardless of apparent severity, as deep tissue damage may not be immediately visible.

Can warm-mix asphalt reduce health and safety risks compared to traditional hot mix?

Yes, warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies reduce production and placement temperatures by 20-40°C compared to traditional hot mix, typically operating at 110-130°C rather than 140-160°C. This reduction significantly decreases bituminous fume emissions by up to 50%, reducing respiratory exposure for workers. The lower temperatures also reduce burn severity if contact occurs, decrease energy consumption during production, and extend the paving season by allowing work in cooler ambient conditions. However, WMA still poses burn risks and requires the same PPE and safety controls as traditional asphalt. Material handling procedures remain identical, and traffic management requirements are unchanged. The primary benefits are reduced fume exposure and modest reductions in burn severity, but WMA does not eliminate asphalt paving hazards.

What traffic management qualifications are required for asphalt paving on public roads?

Traffic management for asphalt paving must be designed by a qualified traffic management designer holding appropriate certification and implemented by accredited traffic controllers. In most Australian jurisdictions, traffic controllers must hold current RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction (Roads) or recognised equivalent. The traffic management plan must comply with AS 1742.3 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3, and typically requires approval from the relevant road authority before implementation. Complex sites or high-speed roads may require additional qualifications including traffic management supervisor certification. All traffic control devices must meet Australian Standards specifications. Principal contractors must verify qualifications before allowing personnel to perform traffic control functions, as unqualified personnel implementing traffic management creates liability risks and may result in prohibition notices from regulators.

How do I prevent heat stress when working on asphalt paving crews during summer?

Prevent heat stress through multiple strategies: start work early morning to avoid peak heat periods, implement mandatory rest breaks every 45 minutes in shaded areas during hot conditions, provide unlimited cold drinking water with workers consuming 200ml every 15-20 minutes, establish cooling stations with misting fans or air conditioning, use job rotation to limit time in highest exposure positions like ground crew near hot asphalt, monitor weather forecasts and modify work schedules when extreme heat predicted, train workers to recognise symptoms including fatigue, confusion, nausea and headaches, implement buddy system where workers monitor each other for signs of heat illness, ensure adequate airflow in plant operator cabins with functioning air conditioning, avoid energy drinks and alcohol which accelerate dehydration, and mandate loose-fitting light-colored clothing while still meeting PPE requirements. Supervisors must not discourage breaks due to production pressures, as heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal within hours of onset.

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Risk Rating

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Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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