STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
On construction sites, especially in cold temperatures, diesel engines are used frequently. Diesel engines power everything from water pumps to heavy equipment, allowing for day-to-day activities to be completed efficiently.
While these engines are great tools, precautions need to be taken to protect workers from being overexposed to diesel exhaust. Workers exposed to diesel exhaust face the risk of health effects including eye and nose irritation, headaches, nausea, respiratory disease, and lung cancer.
- Limit workers’ time spent in an area with higher levels of diesel exhaust
- Properly ventilate any areas where there may be high levels of exhaust
- Perform air monitoring to ensure levels are not at a dangerous level
- Perform regular preventive maintenance of diesel engines to minimize emissions
- Provide equipment cabs with clean filters and ensure filters are inspected regularly
- Install or upgrade main or auxiliary ventilation systems if working indoors
- Prohibit unnecessary idling of diesel-powered equipment with workers around
- Restrict the amount of diesel-powered equipment in any single area
- Designate areas that are off-limits for diesel engine operation and/or worker travel
While diesel-powered equipment is highly versatile and plentiful on heavy construction sites, it is important to recognize and mitigate the hazards of diesel exhaust to keep workers healthy and breathing well.
