SAFETY DATA SHEET

BITUMEN

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE /PREPARATION AND THE COMPANY/ BUSINESS6

1.1 Identification of substance/compound BITUMEN (all types)

1.2 Use: Road surfacing, membranes, protective sheath,

impermeabilisation, sealant.
Fuel.

1.3 Company identification: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, 17 Jamshedji

Tata Road, Mumbai, India.

1.4 Emergency telephone number:

2. IDENTIFICATION OF DANGERS

2.0 General

The product has no particular risks to the user in the planned conditions of use and when using the
necessary precautions.
On the basis of current regulations the product is not classified as being dangerous.

2.1 Physical and chemical dangers

Bitumen is usually stored and handled at temperatures exceeding 100°C therefore contact with water
causes a violent expansion with the danger of "boiling-over" and hot splashes. While it is not classified
as being inflammable bitumen is a hydrocarbon and therefore can burn only if heated to a temperature
exceeding its flashpoint.

2.2 Dangers to the health

At room temperature bitumens are not a threat to the health.

As the product is used hot, the greatest danger for the user is the possibility of contact burns. It is
handled at high temperatures (150-200°C), therefore a potential risk is the creation of fumes where the
quantity depends on the temperature, therefore reduce temperature of use and reduce exposure of
staff to fumes, using the correct work practices and ensuring good ventilation in the work area.
Given the organoleptic properties of the product, it is not likely to be ingested.
(for the actual toxicological properties of the product see section 11)

2.3 Environmental dangers

Bitumens are solids and/or semi-solids at room temperature and have irrelevant environment mobility.
Their water solubility is so low that it can be considered to be irrelevant; therefore it is possible to state
that there is no acute and/or chronic toxicity nor bioaccumulation phenomena in aquatic species.

2.4 Other dangers

Fumes that develop while handling the hot product and when storing at high temperatures can contain
hydrogen sulphide, that can accumulate in the empty spaces of the tanks and reach dangerous
concentration levels.
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3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

3.0 General

Asphalt (CAS 8052-42-4 /EINECS 232-490-9): (“A very complex combination of high molecular weight
organic compounds containing a relatively high proportion of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
predominantly greater than C25 with high carbon to hydrogen ratios. It also contains small amount of
various metals such as nickel, iron or vanadium. It is obtained as the non-volatile residue from
distillation of crude oil or by separation as the raffinate from a residual oil in a deasphalting or
decarbonisation process”) 0 -100 % and/or

Residue (petroleum), from thermal cracked vacuum (CAS 92062-05-0/EINECS 295-518-9): (“A
complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from distillation of products from thermal cracking
process. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than
C34 and boiling point above approximately 495ºC.

3.1 Hazardous components

None

3.2 Other information

Depending on the characteristics and origin of the chemical composition of the end product some of
the chemical compounds stated below can be identified:
Asphaltenes, resins, malthenes and others; found in variable, unforeseeable quantities.
The product contains sulphurised compounds that, at specific conditions (high temperatures), can free
small quantities of hydrogen sulphide.
These compounds are not added deliberately.

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

SKIN CONTACT: Cool the part under cold running water for about ten minutes. After cooling do not try
to remove the crust of bitumen from the skin as this forms a sterile protection over the
burnt part. The crust will fall off spontaneously after some time. Bitumen can be
softened and removed with tampons soaked in vegetable oil or Vaseline oil; consult a
doctor
CONTACT WITH
EYES: Rinse well with plenty of water; take the injured person to hospital

INHALATION: In the case of exposure to high concentrations of fumes, remove the person to a
nonpolluted area and call a doctor immediately. While waiting for the doctor to arrive,
if breathing is irregular or stops then start artificial respiration and in the case of
cardiac arrest also apply CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).

INGESTION: Even if this is highly unlikely, should this occur do not induce vomiting and call a
doctor

ASPIRATION: If, in the case of spontaneous vomiting, it is assumed that inhalation has occurred,
take the injured person to hospital immediately
.
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BITUMEN
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
• Appropriate fire extinguishing methods: Carbon Dioxide
Foam
Chemical powder
• Do not use full water jets on the product in flames.
• Use jets of water to cool surfaces and containers exposed to the fire.
• Cover any leakages that have not caught fire with foam or earth.
• Dangerous products of combustion: COx - H2S - SO2.
• Special equipment for fire-fighting officers: breathing apparatus and means of personal protection

6. MEASURES IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL RELEASE

• Eliminate sources of ignition

• If in a closed environment, air the room
• If possible, stop leakage at the origin
• Prevent the liquid from flowing into waterways or into sewerage systems, and avoid it collecting in
confined spaces.
• Avoid water coming into contact with hot bitumen
• Inform the competent authorities in compliance with regulations in force

In the case of dispersion on the ground

Contain the leaked product with earth, sand or any other absorbent material. Collect the absorbed material in
impermeable containers that are resistant to hydrocarbons, proceed with disposal according to what is stated in
the law

In the case of dispersion in water

Use appropriate mechanical means or absorbent materials to remove the spilled product, collect the absorbed
material in impermeable containers that are resistant to hydrocarbons, proceed with disposal according to what
is stated in the law.

Staff precautions See section 8

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

General
• Recommended storage, load/unload temperature: not exceeding 160°C.
• In any event do not exceed 200°C
• Avoid overheating the product to limit the creation of fumes

Handling
• The bitumen is stored and handled molten at high temperatures
• Avoid contact with the skin (danger of burns) and breathing in fumes or mist from the product
• Use clean, dry pipes in heat-resistant material, without throttling or folds
• Do not use steam to empty out pipes or joints
• Do not use solvents to eliminate any obstruction in the tubes. Use only heating
• Operate in well-ventilated rooms and always comply with fire-prevention regulations
• Do not smoke
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Storage

• Avoid water entering the tanks

• In the case of extended storage, deposits can form on the walls and the ceiling of the tanks. These
deposits, consisting of carbon material and iron sulphides, can have pyrophoric properties and could
ignite spontaneously in contact with air (when opening the tank)
• In the case of extended storage at high temperatures, hydrogen sulphide can accumulate in the tanks
• The tanks must have suitable ventilation (the pipes must not end near windows or air inlets)
• Do not store near sources of ignition
• Do not perforate, cut, grind, weld, solder, incinerate or burn empty containers that have not been
• reclaimed

Precautions to follow when unloading bitumen from tanks

• When emptying a bitumen tank it is necessary to take the appropriate precautions to avoid the risk of
fire or explosion
• Bitumen tanks can be heated with diathermic oil, steam, electricity or by direct heating. If a bitumen
tank with multi-tube heater is emptied, it is necessary to ensure that the level of bitumen does not fall
below a level that is at least 150 mm above the tube, unless the heating is switched off beforehand, in
order to allow an adequate cooling. The average temperature of bitumen should be kept as low as
possible, in keeping with work requirements, and must never exceed the maximum handling
temperature foreseen.
• The arrival tank must have enough free area bearing in mind the expansion of the load.
During transfer and mixing operations, comply with protective measures against electrostatic
discharges (connect containers to earth, etc.).

8. CHECKING EXPOSURE/INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION

8.1 Limit values for exposure

• More important exposure limits:

TWA STEL
TLV Bitumen fumes ppm 5 (A.C.G.I.H. 2007)
TLV H2S: ppm 10 15 (A.C.G.I.H. 2007)

Experience shows that below the values shown above it is forecast that possible limits will be respected for
other chemical compounds stated in section 2 of this card.

• Recommended Monitoring Procedures

Observe good hygiene practices in the work place

8.2 Checking exposure

Should the concentration of the product in the air exceed the exposure limits stated above and the
systems, operative methods and other means to reduce it not be enough, it could be necessary to
provide individual means of protection.

• Protective breathing equipment In ventilated environment or in the open None

• In closed environments (eg. Inside tank): Breathing equipment in compliance local laws
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• Protecting Hands, Eyes, Skin

Use Protective Equipment in compliance with local lwas

In the case of handling use clothing with long sleeves. In case of possible contact with eyes, use
splashproof face screens.
In case of contact with hands use athermic gloves. Use gloves in compliance with the conditions and limit
established by the manufacturer.

• Health Measures

Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.

Do not eat, drink, smoke when the hands are still dirty with the product.
Keep to good personal hygiene.
Do not re-use contaminated clothing

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: Solid at room temperature

Colour: black
Odour: characteristic
Density at 15°C, Kg/m3: 0.99 min
Water solubility Negligible
Solubility in other substances Soluble in carbon disulphide, carbon
tetrachloride and aromatic solvents
Softening point: °C 40 minimun
Penetration 25°C, 5", 100 g, dmm 40-100
Flash point °C > 230
Auto-ignition Temp. °C > 300
PH not applicable

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

The product is stable in the planned conditions of use

Conditions to be avoided
• Excessive heating to a temperature exceeding the one recommended causes alterations in the product
and the creation of inflammable fumes

Materials to be avoided
• Avoid contact of the molten product with water or other liquids
• Avoid contact with oxidating substances
• Avoid contamination of thermic insulants with oil or bitumen. If necessary replace the insulant with a
nonporous type. A fibrous or porous material impregnated with bitumen or condensed fumes can
experience self-heating and auto-ignition phenomena even at temperatures lower than 100°C

Dangerous decomposition products

• Hydrogen sulphide (toxic gas) can accumulate in confined spaces
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BITUMEN
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

11.1 Acute Toxicity

There are no studies and experimental data on this matter. By extraction from tests undertaken on
other hydrocarbons, we can state that the acute toxicity of bitumen is very low. On the basis of EU
criteria on the assessment of danger levels, bitumen is not classified as hazardous and therefore the
following data are valid:

LD50 oral (rat): exceeding 5 g/kg (*)

LD50 cutaneous (rabbit): exceeding 5 g/kg (*)
LC50 inhalatory (rat): not applicable
(*) by extraction from data relating to the same type of petroleum products
Vapours and fumes can cause slight skin irritation, to the eyes and upper respiratory tract.

11.2 Chronic toxicity

Available data show that the product does not lead to chronic toxicity. In any event, in normal application
conditions, it is assumed that direct contact with the bitumen is extremely limited due to the high handling
temperatures. Normal safety measures therefore limit any chronic risks.

Bitumen is not classified as being hazardous according to the criteria laid down by the European Union.
Bitumen contains very small quantities of Aromatic Polycyclic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) at 4-6 condensed rings, in
the order of a few mg/Kg each for chemical individuals: nonetheless in the actual bitumen, these PAHs must
not beconsidered to be bioavailable. This could be untrue in the case where the bitumen is used in a mixture
with other substances such as solvents for example.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The product is not water soluble. It is only attacked extremely slowly by microrganisms and does not require
a considerable biological amount of oxygen. Bitumen is non-toxic for the environment. It does not damage
plants or the aquatic environment.

Bioaccumulation potential

Even if the bitumen constituents have values of log Kov>6, and are therefore potentially bioaccumulative, they
also have an extremely low solubility and a high molecular weight. That is why they cannot be considered
bioavailable and have a limited bioaccumulation capacity.

Use in accordance with good working practices and avoid disposing of the product in the environment.

13. DISPOSAL

Do not discharge on the ground nor in sewerage systems, trenches or waterways. To dispose of waste
deriving from the product, including non-reclaimed empty containers, comply with the local regulations of
and subsequent modifications and relative laws.

Disposal of containers: Do not dispose of containers in the environment. Dispose of according to local
regulations in force.
Do not perforate, cut, grind, weld, solder, incinerate or burn empty containers or drums that have not been
reclaimed.
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14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

14.1 Cold Transport

Not classified as dangerous for transport ( ADR, RID, UN, IATA/CAO)
14.2 Hot Transport
UNO Name: " ELEVATED TEMPERATURE LIQUIDS, N.A.S." (Bitumen)
N°: 99 UNO N° : 3257
class 9, Pack. Gr. III
class 9 Classified hazardous

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

15.1 Classification and labelling

Bitumen is not classified as dangerous and therefore does not require any labelling

16. OTHER INFORMATION

16.1 Do not use the product for purposes other than those stated. In this case the user can be exposed to
unforeseeable risks. Avoid excessive or improper use.
16.2 Text of the risk notice and warning advice stated in other areas of the card. These notices are
exhibited for information and do not necessarily correspond with the classification of the product.

Risk Phrases

Not applicable

Warning Recommendations:

Not applicable

16.3 Card in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH)

The information contained herein refers only to the stated product and could be not valid if the product is used
in combination with other products or in working. This information is the best available to Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited, R&D Vashi as of NOVEMBER 2010