Asphalt Paver Training Online

Description

What’s in the Asphalt Paver Training?

This training course is OSHA-aligned and covers OSHA’s classroom training requirements. Each class contains sections on equipment and anatomy, maintenance and inspections, safe operations and stability, common hazards, and more. This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will have immediate online access to your certificate of completion. You have the option to download the practical evaluations for the specific course. Although the practical evaluation is not a required part of the online course, we strongly recommend completing it under the supervision of your employer to ensure your mastery of the safety training topics.

Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 60 – 90 min.

Intended Audience:

• Employees
• Supervisors

This course covers the following OSHA standards:

• CFR 1910: Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart 1, Personal Protective Equipment
• 1910.132 General Requirements
• 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
• 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguishers
• CFR 1926: Safety and Health Regulations and Construction
• 1926.152 Fire Protection and Prevention

Why Take Our Asphalt Paver Operator Training?

Our online training course provides a substantial, thorough, and effective way to learn how to work safely. We’ve been providing industry-specific safety training solutions for individuals, safety managers, and business owners for over 15 years.

The online course meets the classroom requirement for occupational safety training. It also includes a proficiency checklist that employers can use to perform a practical evaluation, in accordance with standards and regulations.

We have fine-tuned this training to provide you with the best experience possible. Our robust training approach gives an interactive experience that helps learners retain information and apply it on the job site, preventing costly accidents and fines. Safety training is an investment. That is why hundreds of companies and individuals all over the world trust the Hard Hat Training Series for their online training needs.

Why Buy Our Asphalt Paver Operator Training?

• Complete Training: First and foremost our goal is to keep you safe and save you money. Don't risk getting expensive OSHA fines because you settled for a sub-par training program that didn't cover safety topics in depth. Train using a program that helps you retain what is learned so that it is put into practice on job sites.
• Cost-Effective: Hiring a trainer to come on-site can be expensive. In contrast, our online curriculum lowers costs while still providing a professional training experience.
• Records Tracking System: We offer an easy-to-use management system so that if you have multiple students who are receiving the training you can have access to all records, all-terrain certificates, observation guides and more! (contact us if you would like us to quickly create a company account for you)
• Train Your Way: You can use this online training program for new hire training, refresher training or train remotely. Access it from anywhere and work on your schedule.
• Interactive Learning: Special reminders and quiz questions throughout the course prep students for the final exam so that it is passed the first time.
• Corporate License: Do you want to host this course on your own server? Contact us about obtaining broadcasting rights for this and any of our other online courses.

Paving Machine Operator Training

Asphalt pavers spread and break asphalt layers across surfaces in order to pave walkways, parking lots, and other areas. Employers can lessen or even completely eliminate problems by ensuring that workers are wearing PPE. Asphalt pavers come in two varieties: wheeled or tracked. To remain safe as a paver, operators need to be familiar with their machine and their workplace. 

What Is Asphalt Paving? 

An asphalt paver’s job is to spread and crush asphalt layers across surfaces to pave walkways, parking lots, and other areas. Some machines are pulled by a dump truck, but the majority are self-propelled by rails or tires.

The tractor and screed are the two main parts of asphalt pavers. Hydraulic drives, the receiving hopper, distribution augers, feeder conveyors, the engine, and other components make up the tractor. The screed, which levels and molds the asphalt, is towed by the tractor. The moldboard, vibrators, endplates, slope sensors, and other elements are included in the screed.

A dump truck delivers asphalt to the paver’s hopper, which the paver then uses to operate. The feeder conveyors deliver the material to the paver’s back, where the distribution augers move the asphalt out when you start to operate the machinery and advance. You can change the augers’ width to suit your needs. For instance, a narrower feed is needed for a walkway rather than for a wide road.

The screed will compact and level each layer of material as the asphalt is pushed out. Asphalt screeds may vary the width hydraulically and have heated screed plates. The screed’s objective is to reduce or eliminate handwork altogether. They come in models with front- and rear-extenders as well.

The Two Types of Asphalt Pavers 

Asphalt pavers come in two varieties. Depending on the project, a wheeled or tracked paver may be the preferable choice for you and your team. The circumstances you work in and the amount of ground you need to cover each day are two big factors to consider when picking between a wheeled and tracked paver.

Wheeled Pavers 

A wheeled asphalt paving machine features two large wheels beneath the cab and at least two or four smaller wheels in front. The wheels provide good mobility around the jobsite, particularly if there is a lot of land to cover. Long lengths of asphalt are well-suited for wheeled equipment because the machine can cover longer distances more quickly and efficiently than tracked options.

If the landscape is flatter and more level, wheeled pavers are also appropriate for projects on existing asphalt surfaces. Milling, overlaying, and filling are common applications for wheeled asphalt equipment.

Tracked Pavers

Tracked pavers have rubber tracks on both sides of the machine for better grip, even on the most difficult jobsites. Tracked pavers are capable of working on softer terrain such as sand, clay, and mud, as well as steep grades and hillsides.

Tracks provide more stability and traction than wheeled versions, allowing you to operate through more difficult conditions. This can also provide you additional traction if you’re running at full power. Tracked alternatives provide improved stability and agility for a variety of surface applications.

Paving Machine Operator Training

An asphalt paver is the most critical component of any paving project. Whatever your project requires, this equipment is in charge of distributing and leveling asphalt. As with any piece of heavy machinery, it is vital that operators know their equipment. Paving Machine Training should cover the anatomy and the inner workings of a paver and also how to reduce or eliminate hazards.   

For the uninitiated, asphalt pavers are composed of steel, and the tractor’s mainframe is made of heavy-gauge steel. The feeder conveyor consists of a heavy-duty chain with forged steel parts, and the distribution augers are also made of steel. The engine cover is constructed of steel sheets, while the screeds are made of channel, steel tube, and steel plate.

Wheeled asphalt pavers have four or more smaller tires up front for steering and two huge rubber tires underneath the tractor. Tracks for tracked equipment are made of synthetic rubber that has flexible steel cables tucked inside for added reinforcement. The tracks on the back of the asphalt paver are driven by a friction drive wheel, and the weight is distributed by bogie wheels.

Operation Training

Asphalt pavers can be hazardous if proper safeguards are not taken. There are two types of safe practices — familiarity with your machine and familiarity with your workplace. The use of the asphalt paver requires special training. Workers must be able to operate the machine in accordance with all guidelines and instructions as listed in the operator’s manual. 

Operators have a duty to ensure that their work is done safely. Before using the machine, they must put on the proper PPE, read all warning signs, lock and tag out equipment, and be aware of where all their coworkers are. Operators that are qualified may also be in charge of performing minor repairs on the equipment. 

Before turning on the pavers, operators should look for anyone who might be blocking moving parts. While the machine is in operation, shields, coverings, or guards must never be removed. Operators should know to never play with the equipment, and notify management of any problems with the staff or equipment.

Operators should broaden their horizons beyond merely these guidelines. Operators should think and act carefully at all times. Knowing their tools well enough to comprehend all their components and how they work is vital for operators.  

Operators must maintain the workspace and equipment. Everything that uses electricity needs to be properly grounded and kept out of the water. All hazardous materials should be properly and conspicuously marked. 

Traffic is a significant aspect of safety in asphalt paver operations. Traffic can refer to both pedestrians and motorized traffic. It is critical to understand both. It could be wise to arrange workers’ work for times when there is little to no traffic if they are in an area with moving vehicles. 

Observe the traffic regulations in your area. It may be necessary to place more strict control measures, such as cones and signage. Employers can choose someone to be a lookout who will warn the team of hazardous conditions if the area is very busy.

On the jobsite, it’s typical for additional equipment to be in operation at the same time as the paver. On an asphalt patch that has already been installed, a roller might, for instance, work side by side with a paver. Operators will need to be informed of where the other equipment is and where it is going. Always exchange information with other workers at the jobsite.

Use traffic control devices that are reflective and illuminated if operators are working at night. Operators should reduce their pace and the distances between cones and barricades. These procedures will aid in keeping other employees safe. 

When it comes to safety, workers need to block off the area with cones or tape to stop pedestrians from walking into a work zone. Occasionally, inquisitive bystanders will stop to watch operators work. Block off the area or blow a horn to tell people to move back if they are swarming too closely. Stop the machine if necessary, then look around before starting it up again. 

Why Training Matters  

There are a few risks linked with asphalt, which are discussed more below. It is important to remember that there are no Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for asphalt fumes. Training cannot totally eliminate workplace hazards but it can help reduce the amount of strain and risk posed. Employees will understand how to handle dangerous situations such as:   

Fire/Explosion: Asphalt poses a substantial fire risk due to the high temperatures at which it is stored and handled, as well as the fact that it is primarily made of crude oil. Because of the high temperatures, it has the potential to ignite, particularly if it comes into touch with a spark, open flame, or other source of ignition.

Exposure to Fumes: Asphalt is normally heated to between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit to liquify it and allow workers to pour and spread it. However, the process of heating asphalt emits toxic gasses. h3S (hydrogen sulfide gas) emitted by hot asphalt can induce lung discomfort, asphyxia, and even death.

Inhalation most commonly causes throat and eye irritation, as well as nasal and lung irritation. This can result in a sore throat or a cough. Headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion can also result from inhalation. Certain asphalt mixtures can cause liver, kidney, and nervous system damage if inhaled. Asphalt fumes’ long-term health impacts include bronchitis, emphysema, and even death. Asphalt inhalation has also been connected to several cancers.

Physical Exposure: Because asphalt is stored and handled at high temperatures, it is critical to keep the substance away from the skin. Failure to do so might result in severe burns, rashes, and skin abnormalities. It may also raise the chance of developing skin cancer.

Additionally, asphalt fumes or asphalt particulates might irritate the eyes. If asphalt gets into the eyes, workers should find the onsite eyewash station and flush their eyes for at least 15 minutes.

PPE for Asphalt Workers  

Training should also offer an in-depth look at the PPE for each employee. By ensuring that workers are wearing the proper PPE, you can reduce or even eliminate health concerns. Here’s what staff should wear when working with asphalt to keep themselves safe:

• Gloves: Gloves must be thermally insulated to prevent asphalt from touching the skin. This is to protect against any potential burns or stings to the skin. If suitable gloves are not used, solvents can soak into the skin; fabric or leather gloves should be avoided.

• Coveralls: Coveralls get their name from the fact that they cover all. This is vital for ensuring that no asphalt comes into contact with the flesh anywhere on the body. If coveralls are not available, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants that cover as much of the body as possible.

• Safety Eyewear or a Face Shield: When dealing with asphalt, it is critical to use eye protection. Safety glasses are effective at protecting the eyes, but a full-face shield will protect the entire face.

• Respirator: Respiratory protection is essential when working with asphalt fumes. Workers should use a respirator that has been properly fitted and tested for safety. For applications with substantial vapor emissions, a full-face mask respirator with vapor cartridges is recommended.

• Dust masks do not usually give appropriate protection, but a respirator will. Working with asphalt in confined or enclosed places necessitates the use of appropriate respiratory protection.

Resources for Asphalt Pavers 

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) is a group of asphalt pavement design, construction, and maintenance professionals. They provide tools for engineers and owners to ensure the highest quality asphalt pavements are built across the United States’ 2.2 million miles of paved roads. They also provide educational opportunities, present displays at trade shows, and serve as an asphalt industry resource to engineers and owners.

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) is the only trade association on the national level that represents the interests of asphalt producer and contractor. NAPA supports a research program to improve the quality of asphalt pavements and paving processes used in the construction of roads, streets, highways, parking lots, airports, and environmental and recreational amenities.