A fundamental change is set to take effect for asphalt contractors at the turn of the year: from 1 January 2027, the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for vapours and aerosols from bitumen will also apply to the laying of rolled asphalt. This brings into focus all the factors that help reduce exposure at the paving site – from the paving temperature and extraction at the paver right through to the release agent.
What will apply from 2027?
The Committee on Hazardous Substances has set an occupational exposure limit of 1.5 mg/m³ for vapours and aerosols from bitumen during hot-mix processing. This limit has been included in TRGS 900 „Occupational Exposure Limits“ since 2020. A transitional period until 31 December 2026 applied to the rolled asphalt sector. From 1 January 2027, companies that lay rolled asphalt must also comply with the limit value.
This relates to health and safety legislation: the key provisions are the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, TRGS 900 and the risk assessment carried out within the organisation itself.
What measures are effective?
In its sector-specific solution for rolled asphalt, BG BAU outlines a concept for protective measures based on the STOP principle. These include, amongst other things:
- Low-temperature asphalt: A mixture that is laid at a lower temperature using special methods or additives. Following the amendment to the Technical Regulations 2026, the low-temperature variant has become the standard method in road and traffic route construction.
- Extraction system on the paver: BG BAU is providing funding for the retrofitting of extraction systems for its member companies until the end of 2026 as part of its occupational health and safety incentive scheme.
- Release agents: The choice and quantity of the release agent affect the measured values.
What role do release agents play?
According to BG BAU, mineral oil-based release agents can significantly increase the measured levels of vapours and aerosols from bitumen. The sector-specific guidelines therefore recommend using only release agents that contain no mineral oil-based substances and no added fragrances, using them as sparingly as possible and – where possible – avoiding them altogether.
What you can do now
- Check stock: Please check section 3 of the safety data sheet for your release agent. Does it list mineral oil or petroleum-based hydrocarbons?
- Switching over: Try out a release agent that does not contain mineral oil on your machinery and with your mix.
- Use sparingly: A fine mist rather than a deluge. Sprinkler systems with fine nozzles help to reduce the amount of water used.
- Document: Update the risk assessment and ensure that the data sheets are to hand.
Antistick ECO: Rapeseed oil-based release agent
The release agents in the range Anti-Stick ECO are based on plant-derived raw materials (rapeseed oil methyl ester). According to the safety data sheet, Antistick ECO 150, ECO 150 LV and ECO 170 are not classified as hazardous, are not classified as dangerous goods under ADR and have a flash point above 150 °C (ECO 170: above 170 °C). The ECO 150 LV variant is available for automatic spraying systems with fine nozzles.
We are currently having laboratory tests carried out to measure how much vapour and aerosols Antistick ECO releases at temperatures between 140 and 170 °C, compared with a hydrocarbon-based release agent. We will publish the results, along with the methodology and test conditions.
Important: Whether the limit value is adhered to at a particular installation site depends primarily on the installation temperature, extraction and working methods. The release agent is one of the factors involved.
This article provides an overview and is not a substitute for legal advice. Last updated: October 2026.