| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, uneven surfaces, overhead hazards | Conduct a walk through; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; keep screed area protected from traffic |
| Inspect screed and paver systems | Worn plates, leaking hydraulics, faulty depth controls, broken sensors | Perform pre shift inspection; check heaters, vibrators, tow arms, depth control, and plate condition; verify all guards are in place |
| Don required PPE | Burns, noise exposure, struck by hazards | Wear heat resistant gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and high visibility clothing |
| Mount and dismount screed platform | Slips, falls, contact with hot surfaces | Use three points of contact; avoid stepping on hot plates; maintain clean, dry footing surfaces |
| Start screed heaters and controls | Burns from hot metal, unexpected screed movement | Activate heaters at safe distance; ensure tow arms are locked; keep crew clear of screed until temperature stabilizes |
| Coordinate with paver operator | Miscommunication causing sudden movement or uneven mat | Use radios or hand signals; maintain clear communication about speed, adjustments, and stops |
| Monitor screed temperature | Burns, improper mat finish due to temperature issues | Verify screed is up to proper operating temperature before paving; adjust heaters as needed |
| Adjust depth and crown controls | Pinch points, contact with hot adjustment mechanisms | Use heat resistant gloves; make adjustments slowly; avoid leaning into moving parts |
| Operate on screed platform during paving | Falls, struck by passing trucks, burns, contact with moving conveyor | Stay within designated platform; keep hands and feet away from moving extensions; maintain constant awareness of surroundings |
| Monitor mat quality and flow | Segregation, mat imperfections, asphalt splatter | Watch auger flow; communicate with operator if changes in speed or material flow are needed; avoid standing near hopper wings |
| Handle handwork near screed | Burns, pinch points, hot asphalt contact | Use lutes and tools instead of hands; avoid reaching under screed; maintain safe distance from extensions |
| Respond to plugs or material buildup | Burns from hot asphalt, entanglement with moving parts | Never reach into augers or conveyors; shut down paver before clearing material; use tools rather than hands |
| Sudden stops or starts | Loss of footing, falling into hot asphalt | Brace yourself when the paver starts or stops; maintain steady footing; warn operator before making adjustments |
| Shut down screed at end of shift | Hot surfaces, hydraulic drift, pinch points | Turn off heaters; allow screed to cool before cleaning; store tools properly; avoid contact with hot plates |
| Clean screed plates | Burns, fumes, slipping on asphalt | Clean only when plates are at safe temperature or use long handled tools; apply release agents per manufacturer recommendations |
| Final inspection | Missed damage, loose hardware | Check tow points, bolts, plates, sensors, and extensions; repair or report defects |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Heat resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection
Respiratory protection if asphalt fumes are heavy
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Heavy Equipment Operations
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, uneven surfaces, overhead hazards | Conduct a walk through; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; keep screed area protected from traffic |
| Inspect screed and paver systems | Worn plates, leaking hydraulics, faulty depth controls, broken sensors | Perform pre shift inspection; check heaters, vibrators, tow arms, depth control, and plate condition; verify all guards are in place |
| Don required PPE | Burns, noise exposure, struck by hazards | Wear heat resistant gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and high visibility clothing |
| Mount and dismount screed platform | Slips, falls, contact with hot surfaces | Use three points of contact; avoid stepping on hot plates; maintain clean, dry footing surfaces |
| Start screed heaters and controls | Burns from hot metal, unexpected screed movement | Activate heaters at safe distance; ensure tow arms are locked; keep crew clear of screed until temperature stabilizes |
| Coordinate with paver operator | Miscommunication causing sudden movement or uneven mat | Use radios or hand signals; maintain clear communication about speed, adjustments, and stops |
| Monitor screed temperature | Burns, improper mat finish due to temperature issues | Verify screed is up to proper operating temperature before paving; adjust heaters as needed |
| Adjust depth and crown controls | Pinch points, contact with hot adjustment mechanisms | Use heat resistant gloves; make adjustments slowly; avoid leaning into moving parts |
| Operate on screed platform during paving | Falls, struck by passing trucks, burns, contact with moving conveyor | Stay within designated platform; keep hands and feet away from moving extensions; maintain constant awareness of surroundings |
| Monitor mat quality and flow | Segregation, mat imperfections, asphalt splatter | Watch auger flow; communicate with operator if changes in speed or material flow are needed; avoid standing near hopper wings |
| Handle handwork near screed | Burns, pinch points, hot asphalt contact | Use lutes and tools instead of hands; avoid reaching under screed; maintain safe distance from extensions |
| Respond to plugs or material buildup | Burns from hot asphalt, entanglement with moving parts | Never reach into augers or conveyors; shut down paver before clearing material; use tools rather than hands |
| Sudden stops or starts | Loss of footing, falling into hot asphalt | Brace yourself when the paver starts or stops; maintain steady footing; warn operator before making adjustments |
| Shut down screed at end of shift | Hot surfaces, hydraulic drift, pinch points | Turn off heaters; allow screed to cool before cleaning; store tools properly; avoid contact with hot plates |
| Clean screed plates | Burns, fumes, slipping on asphalt | Clean only when plates are at safe temperature or use long handled tools; apply release agents per manufacturer recommendations |
| Final inspection | Missed damage, loose hardware | Check tow points, bolts, plates, sensors, and extensions; repair or report defects |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Heat resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection
Respiratory protection if asphalt fumes are heavy