When evaluating asphalt cleaners and removers, flash point is an important consideration for safety. The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which vapors of the material will ignite when given an ignition source. In the paving industry, diesel fuel and citrus solvents are commonly used to clean asphalt; however, these are among the most dangerous in terms of flammability. Flash point is directly related to flammability and therefore worker safety.
Explosions at asphalt plants are well-documented hazards, with one taking place in Leesburg, Florida this past April. From the production of asphalt to the lay-down site, the material itself is extremely hot. Introducing a release agent with the tendency to ignite is a dangerous combination. The flash point of diesel fuel is around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The flash point of most citrus-based solvents hovers between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) required all substances with a flash point lower than 140 degrees Fahrenheit to be handled with extra caution and often require extra transportation fees for such materials. Allowing cleaners with flash points lower than 140 degrees on your construction site poses unnecessary hazards to both workers and surrounding civilians.
Flash point is also used as one of four criteria for determining whether a substance is labeled by the EPA as a RCRA Hazardous Waste. A material only has to meet one criterion to receive “RCRA Hazardous Waste” distinction. Any asphalt cleaner with a flash point below 140 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a RCRA Hazardous Waste. This means the EPA classifies the material as dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. All RCRA hazardous wastes have specific disposal instructions. Since many asphalt release agents are used freely at shops, laydown sites, and asphalt plants, using a RCRA hazardous waste is both unsafe and expensive.
PavePro was developed specifically to replace the use of diesel fuel and citrus products for cleaning asphalt off of tools and equipment. PavePro has a flash point well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only is it much safer to use in asphalt operations, it is also more effective as it lasts longer and works harder than diesel fuel or citrus cleaners. PavePro is not a RCRA or DOT hazardous material and is significantly safer to use in the field, as well as cheaper since it does not need to be disposed of after use. Additionally, PavePro leaves behind a slick-oily film that will not easily evaporate, making it a highly effective asphalt cleaner with long-lasting release qualities.
Compare PavePro to the asphalt cleaner you’re using today and experience the PavePro difference!
