EXPERT ADVICE
Best Practices
for Protecting Applicators
in the Pavement
Maintenance Industry
ealcoating asphalt properties re-
quires specialized tools and proper
training not only to accomplish
the desired end product, but also
to assure the safety of applicators at ev-
ery stage of the process. No matter how
many years of experience, staying alert on
the job is of utmost importance, and the
Pavement Coatings Technology Council
(PCTC) advises all contractors to regular-
ly freshen up on the latest tips and best
practices associated with on-the-job safety.
This article shares some of the most im-
portant best practices to create a successful
experience for industry professionals and
customers alike.
www.callape.com
Prepare Your Team for Upcoming Projects
Preparation is key to success in sealcoat-
ing, and education efforts should begin
well ahead of each job to ensure that safety
processes remain top-of-mind. To prepare
for job-specific needs, the PCTC encour-
ages teams to familiarize themselves with
the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), supplied
by manufacturers for the product to be
applied. This will give teams informa-
tion about potentially hazardous chemi-
cal products and allow workers to select
the right tools and be properly outfitted
for the job. All equipment to be used on
a project should be checked regularly to
ensure it is working well and there is no
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damage. Taking additional precaution
with tools by keeping spare parts on-hand
in case an emergency repair is required
during the application process can also be
a helpful safeguard to keep projects mov-
ing smoothly. Finally, set your team up
for success by properly evaluating project
size and assigning the correct number of
workers to the job. Establish a task order
for each team member so every employee
understands how to safely execute his or
her role on-site.
Use On-the-Job Tips and Tricks
Always refer to application recommen-
dations provided by the supplier during
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