Bitumen Safety Data Sheet

Last updated: 2026-10-01

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Bitumen Safety Data Sheet: What It Contains and Why It Matters

A Bitumen Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized 16-section document required under OSHA HazCom 2012 (US) and REACH Annex II (EU) that details the hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures for bitumen. It must list the CAS number 8052-42-4, classify the product as not classified as dangerous under GHS in many grades (though oxidized bitumen may carry specific warnings), and specify a typical softening point of 45–55°C for penetration grade 60/70 and a flash point above 230°C. Any supplier shipping bitumen—whether 20 tons in drums or 30,000 MT by vessel—is legally obligated to provide an up-to-date SDS, and buyers should verify the revision date (no older than 3 years) before accepting delivery.

What a Bitumen SDS Contains: The 16 Sections Explained

Every compliant Bitumen SDS follows the GHS/CLP 16-section format. Tables below break down what each section must include and what to check.

SectionTitleWhat to Verify for Bitumen
1IdentificationProduct name (e.g., Pen 60/70, VG-30), CAS 8052-42-4, supplier details, emergency phone
2Hazard identificationGHS classification, H-statements (e.g., H315, H317 for some oxidized grades)
3CompositionCAS numbers, EC number (232-490-9), concentration ranges
4First-aid measuresSkin contact: cool with water, do NOT peel. Eye contact: rinse 15 min
5Fire-fightingFoam, dry powder, CO₂. Do NOT use water jet on hot bitumen
6Accidental releaseCool to solid, scrape up, prevent entry to drains
7Handling & storage150–180°C storage temp, avoid >200°C (fume risk)
8Exposure controlsTWA for bitumen fumes: 0.5 mg/m³ (8-hr, inhalable)
9Physical propertiesSoftening point, penetration, flash point, density at 25°C (~1.01–1.06 g/cm³)
10Stability & reactivityStable; avoid strong oxidizers
11Toxicological infoNot acutely toxic; repeated skin contact may cause irritation
12Ecological infoNot readily biodegradable; do not release to waterways
13DisposalLandfill or recycle per local regs
14TransportUsually NOT classified as dangerous goods for road/sea
15RegulatoryOSHA, REACH, TSCA status
16Revision infoRevision date and version number
  • Section 2 (Hazards): Some oxidized bitumen grades carry H315 (skin irritation) and H317 (allergic skin reaction). Penetration grades typically carry no GHS pictogram.
  • Section 8 (Exposure): The 0.5 mg/m³ 8-hour TWA for bitumen fume is the single most-cited limit in tenders.
  • Section 9 (Properties): Verify softening point and flash point against your spec (e.g., flash point ≥ 230°C for Pen 60/70).
  • Section 14 (Transport): Most bitumen is not classified as dangerous goods, simplifying logistics and reducing cost.

Key Physical & Safety Data: Bitumen Grades Compared

Different grades carry different safety profiles. The table below compares common export grades.

PropertyPen 60/70Pen 80/100VG-30Oxidized 115/15
CAS Number8052-42-48052-42-48052-42-464742-93-4
Softening Point (°C)49–5645–5247–5595–110
Penetration (0.1 mm)60–7080–10050–7010–20
Flash Point (°C)≥230≥225≥230≥250
GHS ClassificationNot classifiedNot classifiedNot classifiedH315, H317 (varies)
Storage Temp (°C)150–170145–165150–175180–200
Density @25°C (g/cm³)1.01–1.061.01–1.051.01–1.061.02–1.10

Takeaway: Oxidized grades require stricter PPE and higher storage temperatures, which increases handling cost by roughly 5–10% versus penetration grades.

Storage, Handling & Exposure Limits

Safe handling of bitumen depends on maintaining correct temperature and ventilation. Numbers matter here.

ParameterRecommended ValueRisk if Exceeded
Storage temperature150–180°C>200°C → fume generation, flash point risk
Bitumen fume TWA0.5 mg/m³ (8-hr)Respiratory irritation
Skin contact temp<60°CThermal burns above 60°C
Max vessel discharge temp170–180°CPump damage, vapor release
VentilationLocal exhaust at fill pointFume accumulation
  • Pre-heat drums/tankers gradually; avoid localized overheating above 200°C.
  • Wear heat-resistant gloves (EN 407) and safety goggles; add P2/P3 respirator if fume exposure exceeds 0.5 mg/m³.
  • Store away from oxidizers and ignition sources; keep 1.5 m clearance from hot work.
  • For spills: cool to solidify, then mechanically remove—never flush hot bitumen with water.

Regulatory Requirements: US, EU & Transport

A Bitumen SDS must satisfy multiple jurisdictions. The comparison below clarifies obligations.

RegionRegulationKey Requirement
USAOSHA HazCom 201216-section SDS, GHS labels
EUREACH Annex II / CLPSDS in official language, updated within 3 years
Transport (road/sea)ADR / IMDGMost bitumen NOT classified as DG
CanadaWHMIS 2015GHS-compliant SDS
AustraliaWHS RegulationsSDS reviewed every 5 years

Compliance tip: If your SDS references a revision date older than 3 years, request an updated version before shipping—customs and HSE audits frequently flag outdated documents.

FAQ: Bitumen Safety Data Sheet

1. Is bitumen classified as hazardous under GHS?

Most penetration-grade bitumen (CAS 8052-42-4) is not classified as hazardous under GHS. However, some oxidized grades carry H315 and H317 skin hazard statements, so always check Section 2 of the specific SDS.

2. What is the CAS number for bitumen?

The primary CAS number is 8052-42-4 for petroleum bitumen, with EC number 232-490-9. Oxidized/blown grades may use CAS 64742-93-4, so verify the number matches your ordered grade.

3. What is the flash point of bitumen?

Typical penetration grades have a flash point of ≥230°C, while oxidized grades often exceed 250°C. This high flash point is why bitumen is not classified as flammable during transport.

4. What PPE is required when handling bitumen?

Minimum PPE includes heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and long-sleeve clothing. Add a P2/P3 respirator when fume concentrations approach the 0.5 mg/m³ 8-hour TWA limit.

5. How often must a Bitumen SDS be updated?

Under EU REACH, update within 3 years or immediately upon new hazard data. Under OSHA and WHMIS, review is expected when information changes—practically, most suppliers revise every 2–3 years.

Get an Instant Bitumen Cost Estimate

Before you finalize any bitumen order—whether 20 MT in drums or 30,000 MT by vessel—confirm your supplier's SDS is current and your handling plan meets the 0.5 mg/m³ fume limit and 150–180°C storage window. Then price your cargo accurately using the 6Tar cost calculator, which factors FOB, freight, insurance, and discharge costs into a single landed-cost figure in seconds. Run your numbers now and avoid costly compliance or logistics surprises.