PARTNERS IN PAVING

This article discusses the signing of an agreement between the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the U.S. Department of Labor to improve conditions for asphalt paving crews by using an asphalt fume ventilation system on pavers, also known as engineering controls. Besides the improved health benefits to workers, this agreement brought together many groups who cooperated to bring about these changes. The partnership between Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Federal Highway Administration, and labor organizations resulted in an agreement that will benefit those who build and pave roads. There has been an ongoing concern about the potential health hazards of asphalt fumes since the 1970s. When crumb rubber was considered as an additive to asphalt, there was concern over how the fumes would affect paving crews. After July 1, 1997, all new asphalt pavers will have a new silhouette featuring a stack that will vent fumes away from the work crew. Plans were also discussed to retrofit existing pavers, but there are concerns about the costs. Manufacturers are being encouraged to make the commitment to retrofit all existing kits. These guidelines are seen as just the beginning of a process to develop controls for all types of paving equipment.