3 ways trucks drivers can stay safe on hot asphalt jobs

Working on a job with a vehicle that hauls hot asphalt means taking extra precautions as a truck driver. We’re here to make the process easier. If you’re new to the world of truck driving, remember that you’re the most valuable part of the job. The human element is important and can’t be discounted. That means you need to continuously operate defensively and be on alert about occupational hazards. It’s also your job to determine when operating your vehicle is unsafe based on the road conditions. Follow these tips when working on your next job involving hot asphalt or other warm liquids:

1. Be aware of weather conditions

Rain directly impacts the viability of the hot asphalt, so be sure to be aware of rain levels when working on a job site. If there’s heavy rain without the correct coverage, it’s best to return to the job site at a later date.

However, the job can continue if the rain is relatively light, the pavement surface has been tacked — and does not contain puddled water. If the rain appears to be a short storm, then be sure to hold the asphalt mix in the haul truck instead of dumping it into the paver hopper.

2. Use proper insulation

There are many instances where the truck’s sides and bottom should be insulated, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This means there are no gaps between the side of the truck and insulation to keep out wind and other natural elements.

If you notice any pieces of insulation missing, be sure to report it to be replaced immediately. Your truck must have high-level insulation to avoid extreme temperature changes.

3. Understand unloading procedures

Unloading is the most important part of the job because you want to ensure the materials are delivered accurately. It’s crucial to be prepared for multiple scenarios and act accordingly in case of an emergency, in this final phase.

If an end-dump truck is used and the asphalt being delivered isolates itself, the bed of the truck should be raised to allow the mix to shift back against the tailgate before it’s opened.

Our team at Double D Distribution prides itself on keeping our truck drivers safe on the job. Visit our website to learn more about our services, including asphalt and emulsion, freight, crude oil, equipment, flatbed trucking and more. While visiting our website, be sure to check out our current job openings.