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What is an exhaust extraction system and when do you need one? Learn how industrial systems protect workers, equipment, and site air quality.
27th March 2025
On major construction and infrastructure sites, diesel-powered equipment is essential, but the fumes produced come with serious health risks. Exhaust fumes are filled with toxic gases and particulate matter that can pose a real danger to anyone working nearby, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
That's where an exhaust extraction system comes in. It's not just a tick-the-box compliance measure. It helps protect your team and keeps your worksite running safely.
An exhaust extraction system is designed to capture and remove harmful diesel emissions before they spread into the breathing space of a worksite. These systems typically include flexible ducting, high-efficiency filters, hosing systems, and extractor fans that pull exhaust directly from the source, such as a generator, compressor or vehicle tailpipe.
The goal is to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and diesel particulate matter (DPM), all of which can be dangerous in confined or semi-enclosed environments. Unlike general ventilation, exhaust extraction systems provide targeted control right at the point where fumes are produced.
The risks from exposure to unsafe levels of diesel range from immediate irritation to long-term health consequences. In the short term, workers may experience eye, nose and throat discomfort, dizziness, and/or fatigue.
Continued exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. These risks are especially heightened in areas like tunnels, underground facilities, and enclosed maintenance zones where fumes can accumulate rapidly and ventilation is limited.
Without a proper system in place, diesel fumes will quietly undermine the health and safety of your site.
You might not notice the effects straight away, but breathing in diesel exhaust over time can take a serious toll. Fine particles from the fumes can lodge deep in the lungs and, in some cases, even enter the bloodstream. This can lead to long-term problems like asthma, heart disease, and reduced lung function.
In confined or poorly ventilated areas, the risk increases sharply. Workers may feel fatigued or short of breath before long-term effects start to surface.
The build-up of exhaust fumes can interfere with air quality monitoring systems, damage sensitive equipment, and trigger shutdowns.
In urban or high-traffic areas, unmanaged exhaust fumes can lead to public complaints and even legal consequences. In some cases, community pressure has even delayed or stopped projects altogether.
If you are using diesel equipment in a confined, underground, or poorly ventilated area, even if it's a short-term project, an exhaust extraction system should be part of your planning. Situations include:
Tunnel or basement construction
Underground rail or station upgrades
Enclosed warehouses or temporary structures
Shutdowns or remediation projects using compressors, generators or diesel tools
There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing exhaust fumes on a worksite. The right exhaust extraction equipment depends on several factors, including what machinery, vehicles and equipment you're using, how much exhaust is being produced, and the layout of the space.
These portable systems offer flexibility for worksites where tasks move around or access is tight. They are easy to relocate between machines or vehicles, making them a practical choice for short-term or shifting setups.
Typically, wall- or ceiling-mounted hose reel systems are great for spaces like service bays or maintenance areas with regular diesel vehicle use. The hose reels keep work areas tidy while allowing operators to extract fumes directly from exhaust outlets.
These systems are ideal for confined or semi-enclosed environments. They capture emissions at the source and prevent them from entering the workspace.
Also known as exhaust scrubbers, these exhaust extraction systems are designed to filter out up to 99% of diesel particulate matter. They are especially useful for confined areas where extraction is not always possible.
Centralised exhaust extraction systems are engineered for larger worksites with multiple emission points. They connect several extraction points to a central unit to ensure consistent and efficient air quality management across the entire workspace.
At RVT, every site engagement begins with a full hazard assessment, followed by a tailored recommendation based on our Hazard-Control-Execute methodology. A standout example is our work with EPTEC at Town Hall Station in Sydney.
Over a weekend shutdown, diesel generators, compressors, and abrasive blasting were all in use underground, which is a high-risk situation. RVT designed a fully customised extraction and filtration plan, placing extraction systems directly on each piece of equipment. Diesel particulate was ducted away from the site and through the tunnel using our Ravex filtration systems.
Exhaust fumes rarely exist in isolation. Most of the sites we work with also deal with dust, noise, fumes, and ventilation challenges. That's why RVT often integrates exhaust extraction with other systems, creating a holistic hazard control plan that mitigates multiple risks at once.
With 24/7 monitoring tools like our Monitex platform, we help clients stay ahead of potential problems and keep their worksites operating safely, efficiently, and in line with Australian standards.
More than clearing the air, exhaust extraction is about protecting people, extending the life of equipment, and ensuring projects are not stalled due to preventable health risks.
RVT is here to help with long-term solutions tailored to your worksite. Whether you are planning a tunnel build, an underground upgrade, or simply want to keep your team safe from diesel emissions, we can design a system that works for you.
Please keep hold of a copy and give us a call should you need anything.
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