Pitch Roof (Coal Tar) Tearoff...Dang!

Was tearing off roof today, but unaware it was pitch. Need better face/skin protection. Many more days tearing off on this roof. What is the best PPE for face and neck? Used basic CVS Advanced Healing lotion on irritated skin at end of day, and that worked fine, but need to avoid the pitch dust next time. Thanks

This is interesting! I enjoyed reading your great post.Thanks for the valuable information. As most cases of skin cancer are preventable, it is important that you adequately protect yourself. A range of personal protective equipment (PPE) choices should be a component of a comprehensive sun safety strategy to ensure the best possible protection against harmful UVR. Make personal protective equipment that reduces UVR exposure part of your regular uniform.

Last year we did a pitch tear off at the Navy Base in North Chicago. It was a water treatment plant specifically for the base, and right on the lakeshore so very windy. I had pitch burn so bad driving home in could hardly see, plus driving west right into the sun. About a mile from my house, I drove up onto that curb due to my eyes watering. Next thing I know I'm getting pulled over. The cop comes to me and says what happened back there, you drunk or something? Then he sees my eyes and asks why are your eyes so red? I explained the pitch burn, and said not drunk yet! He looks at my coal miner face and said just be careful, shaking his head.

I agree with jjshaggy,a case of beer and any lotion with lidocane worked for me in the past.I have seen guys wear a large nylon over their heads(myself i dont wear a thing,i figure im ugly enough no amount of pitch will make me uglier)any advice that you receive here from our members will work.Just keep telling yourself and your co-workers that it wont last forever...there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"What is the best PPE for face and neck?"

Do more of it. It'll toughen you up. LOL

like jjshaggy said beer at the end of the day ,bandana ,and eye protection. we never used pitch creme during tear off it just atracts the dust.what we would do is take a water hose and wet the roof enough to settle the dust helps a bunch

The only cure I know of for pitch burn is a case of beer! As far as protection i do the trainrobber with a bandana, and one around the back of my neck. Goggles for the eyes. Long sleeve shirt is a must. Like old school said dont ever rub your eyes. Try not to be sloppy with it set it gently into carts and work upwind from it. Also i go wash up at lunch if possible if not i always have baby wipes in my bag to at least somewhat clean up! On a personal level i hate pitch cream makes me sweat worse. Have fun its sucks no matter what, but i always smile on payday!