Notable Benefits of Diesel Particulate Monitoring in the Workplace
The workplace should be a safe space devoid of contaminants that can affect employees’ well-being. Although this saying has become famous, numerous workers, particularly those in the construction and oil & gas industries, are subject to poor air quality. Since continued exposure can negatively impact workers’ well-being, their performance reduces, affecting the company’s baseline in the long run.
This article focuses on a toxic air contaminant that wreaked havoc in confined Australian workspaces over the years — Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM). With associated particles tagged cancerous, operators of underground mines, enclosed workshops, and tunnels are turning towards particulate monitoring services to curb the DPM menace.
The subsequent lines will give an overview of Diesel Particulate Matter and what companies hosting confined spaces will benefit by engaging a diesel fume monitoring entity. Let’s get started.
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Defined
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), also called Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE), can be defined as particulate substances in diesel engines. DPM particles contain hazardous substances tagged Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs bind themselves to DPM’s surface.
DPM poses health threats to workers in confined spaces (i.e., construction sites and tunnels). Since most of these areas don’t have adequate ventilation, DPM can adopt a gaseous form and stay airborne for long timelines.
Notable Dangers Associated With DPM
Most companies featuring constricted spaces and diesel equipment are turning to particulate monitoring services due to the negative impacts of DPM. In 2012, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Diesel Particulate Matter a group 1 carcinogen.
DPM particles are sized at 1,000 nanometers (nm) — a value lower than dust particles and hair, featuring maximum diameters of 70,000 and 10,000 nm, respectively. Due to the DPM’s structure, it can pass seamlessly through the human alveoli (located in the lungs) into the bloodstream.
Diesel Particulate Matter in the human body is dangerous and can lead to lung cancer — a cancer variant prompting over 8,600 deaths in Australia.
DPM has a long incubation period. According to several reports, chronic health symptoms associated with long-term DPM exposure might take 20 to 30 years to show. Thus, the organisations must shoulder responsibility by facilitating “diesel particulate matter monitor” purchases and hiring professionals who can proffer advice in ensuring stellar air quality.
DPM exposure leads to lung cancer — the deadliest cancer variant worldwide
Benefits of Hiring a Diesel Particulate Monitoring Service
With the negatives highlighted in the preceding segment, entities running diesel machinery must make concerted efforts to hire particulate monitoring services. By developing a rock-solid diesel monitoring system for your entity, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- Give prospective employees the confidence required to work in confined areas.
- Fitting diesel monitors in select areas shows your commitment to creating a healthy working environment.
- A top-tier particle monitor provides diesel exhaust information and data critical to implementing positive changes.
- Protect your firm’s reputation if DPM-related claims crop up in the future.
- Relegate the prospect of project closings due to malpractices.
- Seamlessly tally requirements spelt out by the BS:6164.
- Reduces workers’ exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM).
- Creates a healthy working environment, showcasing your firm as one with skilled workers ready to achieve company goals and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Carcinogen?
A carcinogen can be referred to as any substance with cancer-causing attributes. Besides DPM, some group 1 carcinogens include Asbestos and Butadiene.
What Is a Particulate Monitor?
Also tagged nephelometers, a particulate monitor determines the range of particles such as dust, mists, smoke, and fumes.
Conversely, a diesel particulate monitor measures elemental carbon to determine DPM exposure accurately.
Conclusion
This article has examined Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) and why monitoring these toxins in enclosed working spaces is relevant. If you operate a construction site or oil tunnel, consider safeguarding your workers from DPM’s adverse effects by hiring a revered diesel particulate monitoring service.
With this activity’s vast legal and social benefits, set the ball rolling today, and you’ll be glad you did!
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