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manual handling & storage
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Centralised manifolds & warning systems
Bardon Aggregates > Morrinton Asphalt Plant, near Dumfries > 01387 820892
The asphalt plant at Morrinton, near Dumfries, is operated by Bardon Aggregates which has instituted a
number of improvements:
• all four bitumen delivery pipes have been brought to a centralised manifold point. For sites requiring
split loads, this has the mutual advantage that the delivery tanker does not have to move to deliver to
another tank
• all tanks have been fitted with both “high” and “ultimate high” warning lights, the latter being
accompanied by audible warnings. These warning lights and siren are located immediately above the
clustered delivery pipe flanges
• fire extinguishers are located in a protective, rapid-access, cabinet adjacent to the manifolds
• the emergency shower is now connected to the mains water supply.
NB: Header tanks should not only be insulated to stop freezing, they should also have some form of
rudimentary heating system. Dousing a person with near-freezing water is likely to exacerbate the shock
resulting from a bitumen splash – Editor
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Gated delivery area and night-time
deliveries
Midland Quarry Products > Cliffe Hill Quarry, Leicestershire > 01530 239458
Where possible, Cliffe Hill Quarry (Midland Quarry Products’ flagship unit, near Coalville), schedules
bitumen for night-time delivery when there are less vehicle movements and dedicated supervision is
easier to arrange. All operators associated with the coating plant are trained for safe receipt of bitumen.
To facilitate deliveries of bitumen, fuel and filler, a gated area has been designated.
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The delivery driver has the comfort of a safe area in which to work, in the knowledge that neither
personnel nor other vehicles can interfere with the discharge process.
Cold bitumen mechanical
applicator
Tarmac Group > Tarmac National Contracting > 01902 382855
Eliminating many of the hazards connected to the heating and applying
of hot bitumen was the challenge that Tarmac National Contracting set
itself. The main concerns arose from sealing joints on road surfacing
contracts, where workers walked backwards to distribute hot bitumen
from a watering can – hazards included manual handling, tripping,
fire and occupational health due to the posture of the worker.
Following extensive tests and the correct permissions, the
company now uses cold bitumen and has developed a new
application procedure. The safety of its application has also
on
video
advanced with a mechanical applicator. A miniature compressor forces the bitumen down a discharge pipe
and onto the joint.