MSDS of Bitumen
1. Identification
Product Name: Bitumen & Bituminous Binders
Synonyms: Asphalt, Petroleum Bitumen, Cutback Bitumen, Polymer Modified Bitumen, Oxidized Bitumen
Covered Grades:
Penetration Grades: 50/70, Bitumen 60/70, 80/100
Viscosity Grades: VG10, VG20, Bitumen VG30, VG40
Cutback Bitumen: MC-30, Bitumen MC-70, RC-70
Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB): SBS / APP Modified
Oxidized Bitumen: Bitumen 115/15, 95/25, 90/40, 85/25, 75/25
CAS Number: 8052-42-4
UN Number:
Solid Bitumen, VG, PMB, Oxidized: Not regulated
Cutback Bitumen (MC / RC): UN 1999
Recommended Uses:
Road construction, asphalt paving, prime coat, tack coat, waterproofing, roofing, pipe coating, insulation and industrial applications
2. Hazard Identification
Solid Bitumen, VG, PMB and Oxidized grades are not classified as hazardous under GHS in solid form
MC and RC grades are flammable liquids and may release harmful vapors
Main Hazards include severe thermal burns from hot material, respiratory irritation from fumes and fire risk for cutback grades
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Bitumen is a complex mixture of high molecular weight hydrocarbons derived from petroleum
MC and RC grades contain petroleum solvents such as kerosene or naphtha
PMB grades contain polymer modifiers such as SBS or APP in low percentage
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: In case of hot bitumen do not remove solidified product, cool immediately with cold water and seek medical assistance
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting and seek medical advice
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Suitable extinguishing media include foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂ or sand
Direct water jet is not suitable
Hazards include dense black smoke, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides and solvent vapors from MC or RC grades
Firefighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
6. Accidental Release Measures
Avoid contact with hot material and wear protective equipment
Prevent material from entering drains or waterways
Allow spilled bitumen to cool and solidify before mechanical removal
For MC or RC grades absorb liquid with sand or inert material
7. Handling and Storage
Avoid overheating and prolonged fume exposure
Use adequate ventilation during heating
Keep away from ignition sources especially for MC and RC grades
Store solid bitumen, VG, PMB and oxidized grades below 200°C
Store MC and RC grades in cool, well-ventilated areas with containers tightly closed
8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation when heating bitumen
Personal Protective Equipment:
Heat-resistant gloves
Long-sleeve protective clothing
Safety goggles or face shield
Respiratory protection when fumes or solvent vapors exceed exposure limits
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Black solid or semi-solid material, MC and RC are dark brown liquids
Odor: Petroleum-like
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Flash Point: Bitumen above 230°C, MC and RC below 60°C
Density: Approximately 1.0 – 1.1 g/cm³
10. Stability and Reactivity
Stable under normal conditions
Avoid excessive heat, sparks and open flames
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition products include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbon vapors
11. Toxicological Information
Low acute toxicity for solid bitumen
Prolonged inhalation of fumes may cause respiratory irritation
Bitumen is not classified as carcinogenic
Bitumen fumes are classified by IARC as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic
12. Ecological Information
Not expected to be toxic to aquatic life in solid form
Not readily biodegradable
13. Disposal Considerations
Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
Recycling is recommended where possible
Do not discharge into drains or natural environment
14. Transport Information
Solid Bitumen, VG, PMB and Oxidized grades are not regulated as dangerous goods
MC and RC Cutback Bitumen are DG goods as well.
15. Regulatory Information
GHS compliant
REACH compliant
OSHA industrial product
16. Other Information
This MSDS applies to all supplied grades including penetration grades, VG grades, MC and RC cutback bitumen, polymer modified bitumen and oxidized bitumen grades.
