BRIEF DIESEL EXHAUST

Diesel engines provide

power to a wide variety of
vehicles, equipment & other
machinery used in a large
number of activities
e.g. vehicles used for
transportation, heavy
vehicles / machineries used
in civil work, mobile
compressor / generator etc.

Exhaust (smoke) from diesel driven engines contains a complex

mixture of toxic substances (gases & very fine particles). The fine
particulate (soot particles) are made up primarily of (elemental)
carbon, ash, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates, silicates & organic
carbon compounds known as aromatic hydrocarbons.

HEALTH EFFETCS OF DIESEL EXHAUST

• Acute Respiratory symptoms – Irritation to eyes & respiratory system, Cough,
Nausea, compromised Lung function
• Nitrogen oxides – Increase in respiratory illnesses, Decrease in lung function growth
• Toxins – Immune, Nervous; Reproductive & Developmental; Liver & Kidney
• Fine Particulate Matter – Premature death, Respiratory illnesses, Exacerbate asthma
• Carcinogens – Lung, Bladder

Diesel exhaust may contain over 10 times the amount of fine particulates (soot) than in
petrol exhaust & the mixture includes several carcinogenic substances. The particulates
are easily inhaled & drawn deep into the lungs.
The risk of cancer due to prolonged exposure to the diesel exhaust over many years is
linked with soot rather than the gases or vapours.
For any query, please contact PDO-MCOH1-Mitul
 CONTROLS FOR DIESEL EXHAUST
 Where possible or necessary,
o Replace old engines with newer version engines with lower emissions
o Keep workers away from diesel exhaust – Advise the workers who operate or
work near / around the diesel driven vehicles / equipment to stay / work in
cross or up wind direction to minimize inhalation of diesel exhaust e.g.
o Isolate work area by installing ventilation
systems (e.g. tailpipe or stack exhaust
vents) or extension pipes to capture &
remove emissions e.g. vehicle maintenance
shops, confined space, indoor locations etc.
o Switch OFF engines when they are not needed rather leaving them running
o Rotate job between involving other workers
 Provide diesel engine exhausts with adequate diesel particulate filter (DPF) to
removes diesel particulates or soot from the diesel exhausts
 Perform regular preventive maintenance of diesel engines to minimize
emissions – Ensure efficient working of fuel delivery system, diesel engine &
diesel particle filter
 Report for vehicles / equipment that emit excessive / abnormal smoke
 Make aware the drivers / technicians about: Following instructions / procedures
recommended by the engine manufacturer + Recognizing rough performing &
low power (de-rating) & troubles / failures of engine & their adequate repair
 Ensure driver cabin in all heavy vehicles are enclosed & provided with adequate
AC air passed through particulate (charcoal) filter
 Impart awareness training for all workers on health hazards of ‘Diesel Exhaust’
 Stop / Reduce smoking, which can impair blood circulation

For any query, please contact PDO-MCOH1-Mitul