{"id":13699,"date":"2026-10-14T22:14:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T12:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anitechgroup.com\/au\/?p=13699"},"modified":"2026-10-14T22:14:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T12:14:55","slug":"diesel-sites-a-checklist-before-the-new-dpm-limit-on-1-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anitechgroup.com\/au\/blog\/diesel-sites-a-checklist-before-the-new-dpm-limit-on-1-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Diesel sites: a checklist before the new DPM limit on 1 December"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 1 December 2026 the workplace exposure limits (WEL) list replaces the workplace exposure standards. It includes a limit for diesel particulate matter (DPM): 0.01 mg\/m\u00c2\u00b3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average, measured as respirable elemental carbon. PCBUs must ensure no one at the workplace is exposed above it.<\/p>\n

If your site runs diesel plant, here’s a checklist built from Safe Work Australia’s June 2026 guide, Managing the risks of exposure to diesel engine emissions in the workplace<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. List your diesel sources<\/h2>\n

Start with everything that burns diesel. The guide lists heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, trains, tractors, ships, loaders, forklifts and bulldozers. It also includes stationary power sources like generators and winch motors, including those mounted to vehicles.<\/p>\n

Don’t stop at the obvious plant. Check for the generator behind the workshop and the service truck with a vehicle-mounted winch.<\/p>\n

2. Map who works near them, and for how long<\/h2>\n

For each source, note where it runs and who is nearby. Include the people who don’t operate the plant, such as dock hands, pickers and mechanics.<\/p>\n

The guide notes that levels of exposure can be higher in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Loading docks with the doors shut, maintenance bays and underground areas deserve the closest look.<\/p>\n

Time matters too. The limit is an 8-hour time-weighted average, so a worker who spends most of a shift near running plant is in a different position from one who passes through.<\/p>\n

3. Start controls at the source<\/h2>\n

The guide says eliminating sources of diesel exhaust is the best option.<\/p>\n

If elimination isn’t reasonably practicable, work down the order: substitution, isolation and engineering controls. The guide covers options such as sealed, pressurised cabins with a HEPA-filtered air supply, separating the area where engines run, ventilation and diesel particulate filtration.<\/p>\n

On ventilation, the guide says local exhaust ventilation captures diesel exhaust as close to the source as possible. General ventilation is not as effective, because it doesn’t control the hazard at the source. Design of effective ventilation is a skilled area and should be done by someone competent.<\/p>\n

4. Back them with administrative controls<\/h2>\n

Once higher-order controls are in place, the guide lists administrative controls that help. These include:<\/p>\n