Accredited workplace measurements for the processing of hot bitumen

Until 2005, in TRGS 900 a technical guideline concentration (TRK value) for bitumen in hot processing of 10 mg/m³ was specified for bitumen vapor and bitumen aerosol. This value was initially not adopted in the revision of TRGS 900 in 2006. However, since November 2019, an occupational exposure limit value (OEL) of 1.5 mg/m³ applies to bitumen vapor and bitumen aerosol during the hot processing of straight run bitumen and air-rectified bitumen. For mastic asphalt and rolled asphalt as well as bitumen and polymer bitumen sheeting, the limit value has initially been suspended until 31st December 2024.

This tightening of limits represents a major challenge for many industries, above all traffic route construction. To ensure compliance with the limit value and to protect the health of employees, innovative sector-specific solutions are currently being developed.

Whether the measures are effective can be determined most reliably by measurements. As a DAkkS-accredited hazardous substance measurement facility with many years of experience in the field of workplace measurements, Müller-BBM offers competent measurement planning and execution with evaluation of the measured values. With the accreditation for the parameter bitumen (vapors and aerosols) according to IFA 6305/1, the diverse range of competencies was further expanded. At 12 locations, Müller-BBM supports manufacturers and processors of asphalt and bitumen throughout Germany in complying with the legal requirements in occupational safety and accompanies them in the development of new processes.

Further information: https://www.muellerbbm.de/umwelt/gefaehrdungsbeurteilungen/gefahrstoffe-am-arbeitsplatz/

 

Accompanying measurement in traffic route construction.

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