Bitumen & Hot Works COSHH assessment
Hot bitumen used in roofing and surfacing gives off fume and presents a serious burn risk. It is a hazard for roofers and surfacing gangs, particularly with torch-on and boiler work.
The hazards
- Fume released when bitumen is heated
- Severe burn risk from hot material and boilers
- Fire risk from torches and hot works
- Fume increases sharply if bitumen is overheated
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Inhalation of fume
- Skin contact (burns)
- Eye contact
Health effects
- Serious burns
- Respiratory and eye irritation from fume
- Headaches and nausea from heavy fume exposure
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Do not overheat — control the temperature to the minimum needed
- Work upwind and position people away from the fume
- Provide good ventilation; extra care in enclosed areas
- Hot-works permit, fire watch and extinguishers for torch work
- Safe handling and pouring procedures to prevent burns
PPE & RPE
- Heat-resistant gloves and gauntlets
- Long sleeves and appropriate footwear
- Eye protection
- RPE where fume cannot be controlled by position and ventilation
First aid
- Burns: cool with running water, do not pull material off the skin, and get urgent medical help
- Fume: move to fresh air
- Log all burns and incidents
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Bitumen & Hot Works COSHH FAQs
Yes — heating bitumen produces fume that is hazardous to health, and the work also carries a serious burn and fire risk. A COSHH assessment covers the fume controls, and a hot-works permit covers the fire risk.
Keep the temperature to the minimum needed and never overheat, work upwind and position people away from the plume, ventilate enclosed areas, and use RPE where fume cannot otherwise be controlled.
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