Product Overview

This Asphalt Paving and Bitumen Spraying Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for asphalt and bitumen works on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of asphalt paving and bitumen spraying operations to support robust WHS compliance and contractor management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, operation, and shutdown of asphalt pavers, including exclusion zones and traffic interface controls
• Operation of asphalt plants, including material handling, hot product transfer, and plant housekeeping requirements
• Handling and application of cold-applied bitumen products, including decanting, mixing, and spill response procedures
• Laying asphalt on roads, car parks, and pathways, including levelling, compaction, and jointing activities
• Planning and execution of resurfacing works, including removal of existing surfaces and preparation of sub-base
• Tar melter operation, including loading, heating, temperature control, and guarding against burns and fire
• Management of hot bitumen and asphalt burns, including PPE selection and immediate first aid response
• Control of fumes, vapours, and dust generated during asphalt and bitumen spraying activities
• Traffic and pedestrian management around mobile plant and work zones on live roads and civil sites
• Manual handling of tools, hoses, spray bars, and hand-held compaction equipment to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of plant and equipment such as rollers, sprayers, and compactors
• Emergency response procedures for fires, plant breakdowns, spills, and uncontrolled public access to the work area
• Environmental controls for overspray, runoff, waste material, and noise during asphalt and bitumen operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for asphalt contractors, road and civil construction crews, bitumen spraying operators, resurfacing teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing asphalt paving and bitumen works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction and roadworks activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for the safe use of asphalt pavers, rollers, sprayers, and associated equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Controls for handling bitumen, cold-applied products, and associated chemicals
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace – Requirements for first aid arrangements for burns, heat stress, and chemical exposure
• AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices – Guidance for temporary traffic management around roadworks and resurfacing activities
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716 – Selection, use, and performance of respiratory protective equipment where fumes or vapours are present
• AS/NZS 2161 – Occupational protective gloves for handling hot materials and hazardous substances
• AS/NZS 2210 – Safety footwear requirements for construction and roadwork environments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017