Asphalt

[Soundguy]

Without the proper engineering controls, safe work practices, training, and respiratory protection, the asphalt worker becomes the red herring.

I agree that the guys at the plant have exposure risks... however.. the guys handling the finish product are not at much more risk than a jogger running down the street.... Big difference when talking about plant workers.. and the asphalt spreading crew..

If you want to get into a respitory debate.. lets talk sandblasting...

soundguy

 

[Egon]

What about the organic vapours from the hot mix??

 

[Soundguy]

What about the organic vapours from the hot mix??

Yes.. that is mentioned.. but that is a far cry from the silicosis issue.

Common sense ont he vapor issue will keep you safe.. If ya can smell it.. be carefull. Besides.. respirators are easilly available.. even fro the hydrogen sulfide that it can throw off. Seems if there was a free aprticle issue with the fines.. the correct niosh approved mask would handle that too.

Again.. the finished product.. hot or cold simply does not have a 'fines' issue.. the MSDS says as much. ( states that the componet products can cause the problems with silicosis.. etc... ).. and then as you point out.. some org. vapors.. and a small fire hazard with the mix at 450'.. especially around other solvents.. etc.. You are probably at that level of risk watching a southerner light a BBQ grill!!

Soundguy

 

[tglass]

This discusion has stirred up a hornets nest, but what about the original question? I hate to get in the middle, but he said "asphalt". Milled, old road chunks, hot or cold hot mix, cold mix, what size rock. Trying to build a paved drive, or something to drive on when wet or dry and not create dust or track? Possibly wouldn't need to rent a roller in some of the cases. I'de like to hear more and possibly be of some help. The health problem is definitly there when producing asphalt or concrete, and alot higher on most non paved roads without prevention measures. Best left to another discussion. Don't mean to start anything, but think we've lost the original post question.

 

[Soundguy]

I believe he mentioned cold mix.. In which case.. the flash point and fire hazard drops to nill.. the silicoses issue is in another universe.. unless he crushes, reclaime, or cuts the asphalt after cured. That leave a few organic vapors that will be thrown off when curing.. and that cold mix will be safer in that regard than the hot mix.

Soundguy

 

[wrangler6831]

I had a driveway done about 8 years ago and they raked it down with garden rakes and rolled it with a lawn roller by hand. It has been on for atleast 8 years and never sealed. It's still as solid as day one. You can do it the same way and don't worry about the fumes. These guys do it everyday and have been at it for over 40 years and are still going strong. Good luck

Rich

 

[Soundguy]

I had a driveway done about 8 years ago and they raked it down with garden rakes and rolled it with a lawn roller by hand. It has been on for atleast 8 years and never sealed. It's still as solid as day one. You can do it the same way and don't worry about the fumes. These guys do it everyday and have been at it for over 40 years and are still going strong. Good luck

Rich

Were they really garden rakes.. or asphalt loops? If rakes.. I'd guess the asphalt crew was on the economy side and saving a few bucks... whatever works.. I got nothing against that...

Looping hot asphalt is way easier than cold mix.. however it can be done. And i agree.. sod or powered lawn rolers are fine for small jobs.

I don't reccomend sealing new asphalt... heck.. not even old cracked asphalt. It causes it's own load of probelms, depending on the weather and the environment int he area..

Soundguy

 

[Gizmo36]

If it will last 8 years that would be good .

 

[FrogLick]

I'd like to know how one gets free asphalt? The estimate I got for paving my drive was $$$$$ last year and I'm sure the price has only gone up.

 

[Gizmo36]

A friend at Church has a Asphalt co. He said he would give me the asphalt but I would have to spread it. if I let him deer hunt.Good trade for me.

 

[tglass]

If it's a general cold mix, yes it can be moved for quite a while after dumping or stockpiling. Via the name cold mix.Alot easier to work with, and after desired leveling, get in your truck and roll it with your tires without twisting back and forth (neumatic roller with alot less tires). When your finished and still don't like the appearance, then rent a flat type roller. This is how Hot Mix helps get density or compaction before the finish roller (or flat) gets on it so no damage will be done. You won't hurt it, but remember cold mix will stay tender, especially in hot weather and takes a long time to cure. That's why different grades of asphalt cement are made like hot mix to make it short. Don't be afraid of it. I used it in my drive and when not at home I make it. Funny your friend never told you that.

 

[MrZukerman]

Just curious as to the avarage price for Hot Mix laid. I was given a price of 65 dollars a ton. This was from a big company that does 95% of all the work in my area. I was needing 60 ton for the drive.

 

[5030]

If he brings me a load, he can hunt whistle pigs here to his hearts delight.

 

[Gizmo36]

About how thick should i put it. 2-4-6 inchs i don't know?.5030 now that would be a long haul.

 

[goodoleboy]

See if you buddy will allow you to pay him for the finish work like spreading etc..

I dont know much about asphalt but it being hot and not having worked with it beofre i could see it becoming a mess real fast.

 

[Egon]

If possible be there when the cold asphalt is dumped. The drivers may be able to use their chains and spread it for you.

Try and get the base in as good a shape as possible before the asphalt arrives. The thickness and longevity go hand in hand with the type of base thrown in.

Try for 3 to 4 inches and figure on 2 inches minimum. [ all depending on houw much you get]

After you get it all down alight coating of sand may do wonders for your wife's temperament!

Egon

 

[Gizmo36]

The sand sounds good , It would keep it out of the house.When i go out and play i get in a mess any way.If I call my friend he is 82, And his wife pick the phone up . I ask her if Charlie can come out an play today.My wife and his says that is all we do any way.

 

[Soundguy]

Sometimes the drivers can use theri tail gate half opened to control the dump, and drag it out as they go. Ditto on thickness and bed/box info.. Even the sand.. etc

Soundguy

 

[Gizmo36]

Some one has to tell me what Ditto means? Soundguy are you telling me to use the sand or not to use it.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto means something along the lines of 'repeat same as' Are you old enough to remember the old 'ditto' machines. They were a predescessor to a 'zerox' ( fused toner ) copier. I forget the real name of the machine.. i think it is a mimeograph. ( mimic?.. similar to copy.. ).. but we always called them ditto machines. Made cheap single ink color copies for handouts for kids at school to take tests on.. etc.. Just hook the master ont he roller, and plug her in and feed her paper.. made a thump,thump,thump, sound as it shot the copies out.

Anyway.. back to topic. 'ditto' means basically.. 'same as the other guy's said'

etc.

So .. YES on thickness info you were given ( 2" minimum ) and yes.. the sand will make it less sticky.. once you have it rolled to correct contour and thickness.

Soundguy