« Regulations and Standards for Fire and Rescue Departments | Home | Health Hazards of Diesel Exhaust The Montana Report »
Health Hazards of Diesel Exhaust The Montana Report Part II
This a continuation from the first part of the report issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Bureau of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry issued to Montana state employees.
There were studies conducted on animals to see if there were other dangerous effects of diesel exhaust other than inhalation. It was found that if extracts of diesel exhaust came in direct contact with the skin of mice, cancer of the skin developed. Diesel exhaust gases were also found to damage the lungs and reduce the laboratory animals’ immune system. This made the test animals more vulnerable to bacterial infection. Some test animals were exposed to high concentrations of diesel exhaust and a reduction in activity and loss of motor skills were exhibited.
Because of the damaging findings found on both human and animal subjects, the State of Montana came up with guidelines to protect its employees. Low-emission engines are to be purchased to replace older, high polluting diesel engines. Another alternative was to use propane-burning engines as a power source.
Better ventilation for garages, warehouses, and other enclosed areas where diesel engines operate is also needed. This is to include intake and exhaust fans as well as tailpipe and stack hoses, where appropriate.
Other safe work practices were also instituted. The diesel fuel purchased and used in state vehicles should be of the lower emission-producing grade of K1, and regular maintenance and checks for all diesel equipment. All diesel equipment should have emission control devices installed and regularly checked including air filters, scrubbers, and ceramic particle traps. Prolonged idling of diesel engines should be avoided. The passenger compartments of vehicles should be checked and weather-stripped to prevent fumes from seeping into passenger compartments. Avoid contaminating of the diesel fuel itself and, lastly, avoid lugging at low RPM’s when operating a diesel engine.
The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used at all times. For diesel exhaust, an air-purifying respirator is needed following OSHA’s standard 29 CFR 1910.134.
The most important factor in the safety manual is the people involved. Proper training of people and stress on the use of this knowledge is of the utmost importance.
Consider a NO SMOKE Diesel Exhaust System when applying for your AFG Grant.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.