HP Bitumen Handbook - Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
HP Bitumen Handbook - Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
HP Bitumen Handbook - Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
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10. health, safety &<br />
environmental aspects<br />
<strong>Bitumen</strong> presents a low order of potential hazard provided that good handling<br />
practices are observed. Hence it is absolutely necessary that adequate safety<br />
precautions are taken while handling bitumen.<br />
In case of accidental contact with hot bitumen the affected part should be<br />
immediately plunged in water. Ice pack can also be given. However no attempt<br />
should be made to remove firmly adhered bitumen from the skin. It can be<br />
allowed to fall off gradually or can be removed by medicinal paraffin. In all cases<br />
the effected person should be taken to qualified doctor immediately.<br />
During mixing of bitumen with aggregate, fumes are emitted. These fumes<br />
contain particulate matter, hydocarbon vapours and very small amount of H 2S.<br />
However, the concentration is rarely above permissible limits.<br />
<strong>Bitumen</strong> also contains Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PCA). PCAs with<br />
molecular weight of 200 to 450, especially benzo(a)pyrene are carcenogenic.<br />
However the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene is very low in bitumen as shown in<br />
the table below:<br />
Sources<br />
Benzo(a)pyrene content,<br />
micrograms per 1000 cum of air<br />
Asphalt mixing plant 13<br />
Power station, gas 100<br />
Power station, coal 300<br />
Diesel engines 5000<br />
Refuse burning 11000<br />
Coak oven volatiles 35000<br />
Domestic Coal boiler 100000<br />
Other than heat burn, hazards associated with skin contact of most bitumens are<br />
negligible. However, it is prudent to avoid prolonged and intimate skin contact.<br />
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