kettle operations

Plan the kettle location to keep it away from windows, exit doors, building air intakes, and ladders/stairs. If air intakes need to be covered, contact the building maintenance department. Locate the kettle in a low pedestrian traffic area and barricade the area if needed. The surface for the kettle should be firm and level. Avoid loose dirt, sand, or sloping surfaces. Be sure to chock the wheels of the kettle and position it where the lid opens away from the building.

Always use Personal Protective Equipment when operating the kettle. Remember work boots with over the ankle leather uppers and heavy soles, long pant legs that come over the tops of your work boots and are cuffless, and long sleeves shirt that covers the cuffs of you glovers; cotton gloves are OK but leather is better and never rubber. Protect you head and eyes by wearing safety glasses along with a hard hat with a face shield.

Before starting the kettle, be sure you are familiar with it's operations and read/follow the manufacturers recommendations. If the kettle is not equipped with an auto-light feature, use a spark generator, don't use matches or a lighter. Start with low temperature then increase the burners until the asphalt is free flowing around the tubes. Don't smoke and shut off engines during refueling.

Before starting the burner inspect the hose and connections for the propane fuel. The propane tanks should be upright and secured. Flammable and combustible material should be kept at least ten feet away from the kettle. there should be two portable ABC type fire extinguishers in the work area but not stored on the kettle.

Remember to add bitumen and increase the kettle temperature slowly. Chop up the bitumen into small chucks and lower them into the kettle carefully. Keep the bitumen within it equiviscous temperature range.

If a fire occurs, close the lid immediately and turn off the burners. If still burning, pour about an ounce of water into the vent so the steam will put out the fire. Never pour more than a small amount of water or the kettle may boil over. If the kettle is still burning, use an ABC fire extinguisher that should be in the work area.