HSEQ

Burning is the main risk when handling bitumen. Indeed, while bitumen at room temperature is in its solid form, it must be heated to liquefaction before it can be handled, i.e. at temperatures ranging from 150 to 200°C. Handling bitumen at these high temperatures can therefore lead to the risk of burns from spraying or contact with hot surfaces.

Burns caused by bitumen projection

Which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be used to handle hot bitumen?

The key to protecting yourself from burns is to cover yourself well with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is resistant to heat. 

How to react in case of a burn with bitumen?

The affected area must be cooled as quickly as possible, hence the need to have a functional safety shower near the loading/unloading areas.

Concerned about the health of the players involved in the product handling chain, TotalEnergies offers 100% "scavenged" bitumen.

"Scavenging" is an additional step that is carried out in refineries and bitumen modification plants to extract as much sulphur as possible from the bitumen and thus limit the formation and degassing of H2S.

The safety of the transport of dangerous goods is a priority for TotalEnergies. As an active member of Eurobitume France, we ensure compliance with the safety rules related to the handling of bitumen by our carriers, and in particular with ADR* regulations, through audits drawn up in accordance with the standards established by the association of bitumen professionals.

* ADR is the acronym for "Accord for dangerous goods by road".

Compliance with the contractual and regulatory commitments of our carriers is verified during unannounced inspections carried out by our Safety Advisor on vehicles leaving the refinery.

We require our carriers to use tanks dedicated exclusively to the transport of bitumen, in compliance with the compatibility matrix. This is to ensure optimal product quality.

We remind you that according to article R4515, a security protocol must be established between the transport company and your delivery site.

Bitumen foaming, or "boil over", is a phenomenon that usually occurs during the loading phase of a tank or tank. The bitumen in contact with the water will create a reaction: the water in the liquid phase will vaporize and generate a boiling inside the tank which can result in a violent exit of the entire bitumen through the manhole.

• Installed between 6 and 20 metres from the unloading station
• With water at a temperate temperature
• With a minimum of 20 minutes of autonomy

To avoid hoses under pressure and the associated risk of bursting and splashing.

How do I know if my delivery site is in compliance with industry safety standards?

Our HSE team can intervene, at your request, on your site in order to carry out an inventory and propose solutions adapted to your environment and your needs.