Dangers of Diesel Exhaust Fumes in the Workplace

Experts estimate that roughly 1.2 million Australian workers are exposed to diesel exhaust fumes yearly. People exposed to diesel exhaust fumes regularly are up to 40% more likely to develop lung cancer. RVT Group’s diesel exhaust extraction systems can help protect your workers and reduce the risk of exposure. Keep reading to learn more.

What are diesel exhaust fumes?

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of hazardous and non-hazardous gases, vapours and soot, otherwise known as particulate matter – which contains many carcinogenic substances. Because the soot is so tiny, it can settle deep into the lungs when inhaled, causing severe short to long-term health issues.

Short-term effects:

• Eyes, ears and throat irritation

• Light-headedness

• Coughing and phlegm

• Nausea

Long-term effects:

• Severe asthma

• Heart and lung disease and cancers

What are the primary sources of diesel exhaust fumes?

Primary sources include heavy-duty diesel vehicles, such as:

• Trucks

• Buses

• Trains

• Tractors

• Ships

• Bulldozers

• Forklifts

Other sources can include:

• Mining equipment such as bucket lifts and excavators.

• Generators and winch motors.

• Standard diesel cars in service centres, car parks, toll booths, or vehicle holds.

As diesel cars are still quite common, the general public may occasionally experience low levels of these fumes. However, those who regularly work with diesel machinery and vehicles are most at risk of acute or chronic illness.

Those who work in construction, mining, drive-in booths, oil and gas sectors, airports, loading docks, farms and car repair shops must follow strict control measures to ensure their health and safety. Click here to learn more about managing the risks of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes in your workplace.

How can I reduce the risk of diesel fume exposure in my workplace?

The implementation of fume extraction and filtration units is the best way to control hazardous diesel levels in the workplace. RVT Group provides effective fume control equipment and installation by following three easy steps:

1. Capture – Using the correct diesel fume extractor for your site, we capture the hazard by placing the extractor as close to the source as possible.
   
   

2. Contain – We ensure the hazard is contained and surrounding workers are protected, by closing off the area.
   
   

3. Control – When extracting hazardous fumes, it's crucial to create sufficient ventilation to dilute the airborne contaminants and restrict them from migrating.

Our diesel exhaust extraction systems are robust, and reliable to ensure you stay well within Work Exposure Standard (WES) limits. We take the time to understand your worksite layout, purpose and requirements to make a safe yet cost-effective recommendation.

Get airtight fume control with RVT

As one of Australia’s leading dust, noise and fumes control specialists, RVT Group offers certified and cost-effective solutions for a variety of industries. Our dedicated team possess the experience and technical knowledge to assess and strengthen your workplace health and safety, no matter how big or small.

But don’t just take our word for it – check out our most recent happy clients and fume control projects below

Two of our most popular fume extraction products

RAVEX Diesel Filter Kit HD90 Twin Kit

Removing up to 95% of particulate emissions, we recommend the HD90 Twin Kit for sizable mobile plant equipment with engines up to 150kW. This fully compliant product is quick to install and adaptable to most diesel plant machinery.

RAVEX Exhaust Fume Extraction Kit.

This product is ideal for capturing and extracting hazardous fumes from stationary machinery such as generators. The heavy-duty steel centrifugal fan makes it safe to use with hot and potentially flammable diesel fumes.