Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)
Diesel exhaust is the product of burning diesel fuel in engines. It combines gases, vapours, liquid aerosols, and particulate matter from combustion released by an engine.
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) comprises fine carbon particles, including hazardous chemicals known as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs attach themselves to the surface of the carbon particles. DPM can stay airborne for long periods and act like a gas, which can concern workers in enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation.
DPM particles are less than 800 nanometres in size and aren’t visible to the naked eye. They are minute enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and get absorbed into the bloodstream, causing lung disorders, and earning them the nickname ‘hidden evil.’
Hence, progressive companies must care for their workers by limiting diesel emissions in confined spaces.
In this blog, we will talk about the importance of diesel particulate matter monitoring and how it can help businesses comply with the air quality standards.
Diesel Particulate Monitoring
Diesel particulate monitoring involves measuring and analysing the concentration of microscopic particles present in the exhaust emissions of diesel-powered machinery and vehicles. These particles, known as diesel particulate matter (DPM), consist of tiny carbon particles and other toxic compounds.
Importance of Diesel Particulate Monitoring
Monitoring the exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is crucial as it poses a severe health hazard to humans due to its carcinogenic properties. A comprehensive understanding and management of DPM exposure levels are imperative for ensuring safety.
Diesel Particulate Monitoring diesel particulate matter is crucial for ensuring air quality standards in Australia. It helps identify high-risk areas and job tasks, evaluates control measures’ effectiveness, ensures compliance with workplace exposure limits, aids in the development of preventive strategies, and promotes a safe and healthy working environment.
Collecting data on DPM levels is key to managing health risks for workers. Real-time data allows employers to make proactive decisions to protect workers, leading to a healthy and efficient workforce.
It is crucial to involve all stakeholders, such as operations and maintenance personnel when dealing with risks related to DPM exposure. Your Risk-Based Hygiene Management process must include a meticulously crafted strategy that minimises exposure and measures performance.
Air Monitoring
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is obligated to perform air monitoring as required by clause 50 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 in order to ascertain the concentration of air pollutants to which an exposure standard applies.
When there is a risk of diesel exhaust building up in the workplace, air or dust monitoring can be used to:
- identify if the control measures have failed or deteriorated.
- assess the effectiveness of the control measures already in place, such as particulate filters, LEVs, general ventilation, and RPEs.
Control methods must be quickly examined if it is clear there is a problem, such as when employees complain of headaches, nausea, dizziness, or irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.
Monitoring of the air in the workplace should be done under the guidance of an expert occupational hygienist. Utilising specialised instruments and measurement procedures is required for air monitoring of diesel exhaust emissions.
Australian Standards Methods for Pollutant Monitoring
1) Carbon Monoxide – Determination of Carbon Monoxide-Direct Reading Instrumental Method – AS/NZS 3580.7.1-2011/Amdt 1-2012.
2) Nitrogen Dioxide – Determination of Oxides of Nitrogen-Chemiluminescence Method – AS/NZS 3580.5.1-2011
3) Photochemical Oxidants like Ozone – Determination of Ozone-Direct Reading Instrumental Method – AS/NZS 3580.6.1-2011
4) Sulphur Dioxide – Determination of Sulphur Dioxide-Direct Reading Instrumental Method – AS/NZS 3580.4.1-2008
5) Lead –
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter – Particulate metals high or low volume sampler gravimetric collection – Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometric method – AS/NZS 3580.9.15:2014
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter – Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) – High volume sampler gravimetric method – AS/NZS 3580.9.3:2015
6) Particles like Pm10
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM10 High Volume Sampler with Size Selective Inlet-Gravimetric Method – AS/NZS 3580.9.6:2003
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter- Dichotomous sampler (PM10, coarse PM and PM2.5) – Gravimetric method – AS/NZS 3580.9.7:2009
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM10 continuous direct mass method using tapered element oscillating microbalance analyser. – AS/NZS 3580.9.8-2008
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM10 Low Volume Sampler-Gravimetric Method – AS/NZS 3580.9.9:2006
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM10 beta attenuation monitors – AS/NZS 3580.9.11:2008/Amdt 1 :2009
7) Particles like PM2.5
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM2.5 low volume sampler-Gravimetric Method – AS/NZS 3580.9.10:2008
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM2.5 beta attenuation monitors – AS/NZS 3580.9.12:2013 – AS/NZS 3580.9.12:2013
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM2.5 continuous direct mass method using a tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor – AS/NZS 3580.9.13:2013
- Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter-PM2.5 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet – Gravimetric Method – AS/NZS 3580.9.14:2013
Workplace Standards to Control Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter
Australia has set workplace exposure standards to safeguard workers from the harmful effects of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM).
The current exposure standard for elemental carbon, a component of DPM, is 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³) of air for an eight-hour time-weighted average.
Employers are responsible for implementing control measures to ensure DPM exposure remains below this limit.
Strategies include engineering controls such as improved ventilation and exhaust systems, substituting diesel engines with cleaner alternatives where feasible, proper equipment maintenance, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators.
Regular monitoring of DPM levels is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and ensure compliance with the prescribed exposure standards.
Precautionary Tips for Businesses:
Businesses can proactively minimise DPM exposure and protect their workers’ health. These include:
1) Conduct regular DPM monitoring and assessment to identify high-exposure areas and job tasks.
2) Implementing appropriate engineering controls and workplace modifications to reduce DPM emissions and exposure levels.
3) Providing proper training to workers on the health risks associated with DPM and the correct use of PPE.
4) Establishing maintenance schedules to ensure diesel engines and exhaust systems are functioning optimally.
5) Encouraging the use of cleaner fuels and technologies, where feasible.
6) Promoting good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, to minimise ingestion of DPM-laden dust.
How can Anitech’s Occupational Hygienists help?
Anitech’s Occupational Hygienists team comprises industry experts with over 22 years of experience assisting various clients. They can be called the ‘solution provider’ as they are known for providing workable solutions for businesses in Australia. Anitech’s meticulous approach to exhaust level monitoring and DPM exposure tracking on filters guarantees optimal diesel emissions control. As a result, the environment is safer and healthier for everyone.
We guarantee precise sampling for Diesel Particulate Matter by strictly following our internal protocol that adheres to NIOSH’s Elemental Carbon (Diesel Particulate): Method 5040, issued on March 15th, 2003.
Whether you require campaign monitoring for a short-term project, baseline monitoring, or assessment of post-control changes in exposure profiles, our expert team can confidently assist you in effectively monitoring DPM levels in your work environment.
To book a session for our service, ring us at 1300 802 163 or email us at sales@anitechgroup.com
For more updates, stay tuned to the Anitech website.
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