Why mining and construction companies should be extra vigilant about diesel particulates – Sportzpari.com: WWE News

Australia is no stranger to diesel engine machinery. Mining and construction companies abound across the country and are particularly dependent on diesel-powered equipment for their day-to-day operations.

But do you know the potential risk diesel exhaust can pose? It is becoming increasingly important for mining and construction business owners to be aware of diesel particulates.

In this article, we’ll explain why it’s so important to monitor diesel emissions and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

What is diesel particulate matter

In its most basic form, diesel particles (DPM) is made up of tiny particles created during the combustion of diesel fuel. These particles are very fine and may contain a mixture of solid and liquid components, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals such as iron, zinc and copper.

Generally, DPM is produced in engines when diesel fuel is not completely burned and as a result combustion particles are released. It is these diesel exhaust particles that can harm the health of workers and the environment.

Since mining and construction are industries that typically use diesel-powered vehicles, emissions are often present on construction sites. This means that it is important for business owners to be aware of the health risks associated with DPM and understand how to mitigate these risks.

How much DPM is too much?

The level of diesel particulates that miners and construction workers are exposed to should be taken seriously.

Different industries have different diesel particulate thresholds, but according to a critical review of diesel exhaust exposure by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the Australian occupational limit recommends that workers should not be exposed to diesel particulates greater than 50 μg/m³ of elemental carbon for an 8-hour period to maintain their health and safety.

It has been found that workers who have been exposed to high levels of diesel emissions for a long time develop serious health problems, such as heart and lung disease.

So, if DPM levels are high on your site, it’s time to start looking for solutions.

7 Adverse Effects of High Diesel Emissions on a Mining or Construction Business

High levels of diesel exhaust can cause a number of problems for a business’s operations, including all of the potential health hazards. Here are seven of the most common issues you’ll encounter if you don’t control your DPM levels.

1. Site pollution

The use of heavy machinery has always been associated with air pollution, not only on site but also in surrounding areas. DPM can lead to pollution and soil contamination, which could negatively impact your business.

Airborne toxins are a major contributor to air quality degradation, and diesel emissions are a major source of toxins. If diesel particulate levels on your job site get too high, it creates an unsafe working environment and can lead to serious health issues.

2. More cases of worker illness

As noted earlier, diesel emissions and exhaust particulates have health effects. Workers exposed for a long time have been found to develop serious illnesses.

For your mining or construction company, this means lower productivity due to workers taking sick leave and increased insurance costs due to higher sickness rates. So, not only does it hamper your operations, but it also has a negative effect on your bottom line.

3. Risk of fire or explosion

High levels of DPM can increase the risk of fire and explosion on diesel powered equipment. DPM particles are highly combustible, so when fuel is not completely burned, it can cause a spark which can cause an unexpected fire or explosion. This can be a dangerous and costly situation for your business, so it should not be taken lightly.

4. Government sanctions

In today’s world, businesses need to be aware of the potential legal implications of DPM. If diesel emissions get out of control, your company risks being sanctioned by the government for causing harm to employees or the environment.

Additionally, it can result in hefty fines from local authorities trying to ensure that all diesel-powered vehicles meet air quality regulations. This could be a costly problem for your business if you don’t handle it properly.

5. Potential Disputes

In addition to government penalties, having excessive levels of DPM on your site can also expose your business to legal action from people who have been exposed to emissions without knowing the risks. If you don’t take the proper steps to reduce diesel particulate pollution and something results, you could face expensive legal costs that could also put your business in dire straits.

6. Decline in employee performance

It is not only physical health that is affected by diesel emissions, but also mental performance. Inhalation of DPM particles can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, as well as difficulty concentrating and recalling memory.

And, when your employees aren’t performing at their peak, it can have a significant impact on your company’s productivity.

7. Damage to brand image

All the negative effects of not controlling DPM levels on your site could ultimately lead to one thing: damaging your reputation. If people hear that you’re not doing enough to protect workers and the environment, you could have a bad image in your industry. This will lead to less trust from customers and partners, which can be devastating to your business.

Diesel Particulate Monitor: The Best Solution to Diesel Exhaust Problems