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HSEQ

The safety of people and our operations is our priority. This is why we would like to share with you some safety rules related to the handling of bitumen.

LIQUID BITUMEN: TO BE HANDLED WITH CARE

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.

Burn projection 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 that is resistant to heat. Personal protection equipment hot bitumen

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. For more information, consult the "Bitumen Burns" sheet available in the "More information? ».

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.

HOW TO OBTAIN PRODUCT SAFETY DATA SHEETS?

Go to your product page and download its data sheet in the "Learn more? ». The link to the Safety Data Sheet will be found on it.

You can also go to the Quick FDS website and enter the technical name of your product (e. g. Azalt 35/50, Styrelf 103) in the search section.

BITUMEN TRANSPORT: WHAT ARE OUR SAFETY COMMITMENTS?

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.

And what can you do to contribute to the safety of bitumen transport? Answers to your questions.

If you wish to obtain a "PPE instructions at the unloading station" sign or wish to declare a hazardous situation at a bitumen delivery site, contact our safety advisor.

We remind you that according to article R4515, a security protocol must be established between the transport company and your delivery site. To help you, you will find in the section "more information? "an example of a simplified safety protocol published by the Groupement Professionnel des Bitumes, now Eurobitume France.

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.

"Bitumen Compatibility Matrix" sheet

Download

DELIVERY SITE: 2 ESSENTIAL MEASUREMENTS

Safe delivery

For a safe delivery, the installation of at least 2 of these elements is required:

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.

What to do in the event of a failure of the suction pump during delivery?

We recommend that you follow the recommendations set out in the letter written by BPG, now Eurobitume France. You can download this letter in the « more information? ».

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.

TOGETHER, LET'S TALK ABOUT SECURITY

If you wish to obtain a "PPE instructions at the unloading station" sign or wish to declare a hazardous situation at a bitumen delivery site, contact our safety advisor.