Safety checklist — Asphalt / Paving
Asphalt laying and paving work. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
14 items- ✓
PPE worn: heat-resistant sole boots, insulated gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves
- ✓
Asphalt temperature per the spec / manufacturer — severe burn riskCritical
ℹ️ 140–160°C is a typical range, not a CSTC threshold. Hot asphalt causes severe burns.
- ✓
Site signage and markings conform to Tome V (road works)
- ✓
Traffic plan and backing manoeuvres per 2.8Critical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.8.2: traffic plan / reverse signals. Article 10.4 is high-visibility clothing, not the spotter.
- ✓
Underground services checked — manholes and catch basins identified
- ✓
Fire extinguisher accessible near the paving zone
- ✓
Sunscreen / hydration available — outdoor work + radiant heat
- ✓
Never walk in fresh asphalt — burn and sinking risk
- ✓
Maintain safe distance from paver auger
- ✓
Wear respirator with organic vapor cartridge if exposed to asphalt fumes
ℹ️ Bitumen fumes contain PAHs — monitoring recommended (OHS Reg)
- ✓
Roller at reduced speed — no pedestrians in compaction zone
- ✓
Shade breaks per the CNESST heat guide / the risk assessment
ℹ️ 30°C is not a CSTC threshold. CNESST guide + LSST 51.
- ✓
Constant communication between paver operators, truckers and rakers
- ✓
Surface level checked — construction joints properly made
After work
4 items- ✓
Freshly paved area barricaded — no traffic until cooled
- ✓
Equipment cleaned (screeds, smoothers) with release agent
- ✓
Temporary signage maintained until safe to open
- ✓
Asphalt tank and lines purged if end of day
18 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Heavy Work
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Asphalt and paving
Asphalt paving exposes workers to high temperatures (hot mix is laid at 135–165 °C), bitumen fumes, and burn risks. Any bitumen OELs are in RSST Annex I. A tunnel may be a confined space: on site, that is CSTC 3.21.
Road signage per MTQ Tome V is mandatory to protect workers and road users. Work zones must be clearly delineated with crash attenuators and lit signage at night.
Paver, compactor, and delivery truck operators must coordinate using visual and radio signals. Vehicle reversing is the leading cause of fatal accidents during paving operations.
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