Managing risks of diesel exhaust for workplaces

The chances of coming into contact with diesel exhaust in the workplace and the hazard it poses to people’s health is relatively high, since figures show around 1.2 million Australian workers were reportedly exposed in 2011.

To help workplaces manage the risks of exposure to diesel exhaust, Safe Work Australia has released a guide and information sheet on the topic as well as an accompanying video.

Diesel exhaust is a mixture of gases and particulates produced during the combustion of diesel fuel. The very small particles are known as diesel particulate matter (DPM), which consists primarily of solid elemental carbon (EC) cores with organic carbon (OC) compounds adhered to the surfaces.

Exposure in the short term to high levels of diesel exhaust can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation or even suffocation, while long-term exposure can worsen allergies, increase the risk of heart and lung disease, or increase the risk of lung cancer.

Safe Work Australia states the major source of workplace exposure to diesel exhaust comes from heavy vehicles that use diesel including trucks, buses, trains, tractors, ships, bulldozers or forklifts.

“Safe Work Australia’s guidance material provides information on how to manage risks associated with exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace,” said Michelle Baxter, Safe Work Australia’s CEO.

“Exposure can be higher for those working in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas where the concentration of exhaust fumes can build up, like in vehicle repair workshops, tunnels, partially covered roadways and walkways.”

Baxter said the guidance material includes steps that should be taken in the workplace to eliminate or reduce exposure to diesel exhaust.

Source