What safety practice should be followed when dumping asphalt in front of the paver?

• A. Spill material should be ignored and not moved.
• B. Avoid spillage in front of the paver and remove spilled material prior to advancing.
• C. Dumping should be done from the back of the truck only.
• D. Non-dribbled spilled material should be removed prior to advancing.

Answer: (B)

Controlling spillage in front of the paver keeps the work area safe and the paving operation running smoothly. When asphalt is dumped, any spill ahead of the paver can create a slippery surface, lead to an irregular feed into the hopper, and cause material to be dragged onto the mat as the paver advances. By avoiding spillage in front of the paver and removing any spilled material before moving forward, you help ensure a clean, continuous flow into the hopper, reduce the risk of tracking hot asphalt onto the pavement, and minimize hazards for crew members at the front of the machine. It also supports better hopper fill and alignment, which helps maintain consistent mat quality and production.

Ignoring spills is unsafe, and restricting dumping to the back of the truck doesn't address the immediate safety and feed issues. Removing only non-dribbled material leaves drips behind, which can still create hazards and affect the feed, so spilled material should be cleaned up before advancing.