For mining and construction sites in Australia, diesel particulate matter (DPM) is a common air pollutant. DPM is a mixture of particles and liquid droplets that contain hazardous compounds, including hydrocarbons, nitrates, sulphates, and metals. The particles are so tiny that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, leading to serious health effects. Not only do they have a huge impact on workers, but on the surroundings as well.
Learn more about why DPM is so harmful to your health and the environment and how you can reduce diesel emissions at your site.
Negative Effects of Diesel Particulate Matter on Your Business and the Environment
If you own a mining or construction company, one of your top priorities is to ensure the health and safety of your workers. Your business also has the social responsibility to protect the environment. Unfortunately, high levels of DPM can have a detrimental effect on both of these goals.
Here are the negative effects of diesel particulate matter if you fail to take the necessary steps to reduce emissions.
Work-Related Respiratory Problems
Workers exposed to DPM are at an increased risk of developing a range of respiratory problems. Long-term exposure can lead to the development of chronic bronchitis, as well as reduced lung function and impaired breathing capacity. It has also been linked to a higher likelihood of developing asthma, emphysema, and other lung-related diseases.
The occupational health risks of diesel exhaust are well documented. Studies have shown that workers exposed to high levels of DPM experience a greater incidence of chest tightness, wheezing and coughing when compared to those who do not work in areas with high concentrations of diesel exhaust.
Consequential Penalties and Fees Due to Non-Compliance
If your work site is found to be emitting high levels of DPM, you could face hefty fines and penalties. The Australian government is actively pursuing businesses that don’t comply with emissions regulations. Failing to take the appropriate steps to do so can put your company at risk of legal action, including costly court proceedings and associated fees.
Climate Change
As with other harmful gases released into the atmosphere, there’s also an impact of diesel soot on climate change. That is why the government has been conducting an evaluation of noxious emissions from non-road diesel engines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
DPM is made of tiny particles that are able to travel far and wide, making them particularly disruptive agents in the Earth’s atmosphere. They can easily absorb solar energy and trap heat, resulting in a rise in temperatures and an increase in global warming. The release of these particulates from diesel engines has been linked to the alarming trend of climate change all around the world.
Reputational Damage
Since the public has become increasingly aware of climate change and environmental issues, businesses that fail to take steps to reduce diesel emissions could face reputational damage. Customers, clients, and partners are more likely to work with companies that are taking active measures to protect the environment.
How to Reduce Diesel Emissions at Your Work Site
To avoid the negative effects of diesel particulate matter on your business and the environment, it’s important to take action now. Here are some tips on how to reduce diesel emissions at your site.
1. Use a Continuous DPM Monitoring System
To ensure compliance with emissions regulations, you should install a continuous DPM monitoring system. This will allow you to detect any changes in pollutant levels immediately and take the necessary steps to reduce emissions before they become hazardous.
With this system, you can ensure your operations are compliant with the diesel emission standards set by the government.
2. Implement Maintenance Programmes for Your Diesel Equipment
Regular maintenance of your equipment is essential if you want to optimise performance and reduce emissions. Make sure that all your pieces of machinery are properly maintained on a regular basis, as properly working equipment is less likely to produce excessive levels of DPM.
You can also implement a diesel particulate filter cleaning programme. The filter should be cleaned at least every three months to ensure that it’s able to capture particles and reduce diesel exhaust emissions.
3. Replace Old Machinery with New Ones
Older diesel engines are generally more likely to produce higher levels of DPM. As such, it’s important to replace these machines with more efficient models that emit fewer pollutants.
While this can be an expensive investment in the short term, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. On top of reducing diesel emissions and protecting your workers and the environment from their impact, you’ll also be able to benefit from improvements in efficiency and fuel economy.
Conclusion
High levels of diesel particulate matter have serious health implications for both workers and the environment. That’s why you should take proactive measures to reduce emissions at your work site. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect yourself from possible fines and penalties due to non-compliance and do your part in protecting the environment.
For more information that you can use in making your business more efficient, please check out our other posts!
