COS/Specific Substances/TBT-COS-012

Diesel Exhaust Emissions (DEE)

COSHH & Hazardous Substances › Specific Substances › Diesel Exhaust Emissions (DEE)

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Diesel exhaust emissions contain a complex mixture of gases and fine particles classified as carcinogenic.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies diesel engine exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Construction workers are exposed through plant operation, generator use, and vehicle movements in enclosed areas.
Fine particulate matter in diesel exhaust penetrates deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and cancer.
Nitrogen dioxide in diesel exhaust irritates airways and worsens asthma and respiratory conditions.
Enclosed or semi-enclosed areas such as tunnels, basements, and buildings concentrate diesel exhaust rapidly.
COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess and control worker exposure to diesel exhaust emissions.
Controls include using electric or hybrid plant, fitting diesel particulate filters, and improving ventilation.
Idling engines unnecessarily increases exposure for operators and nearby workers without productive output.
The IARC reclassification in 2012 elevated the urgency for construction industry action on diesel fume.

Lung cancer	Diesel exhaust is a confirmed human carcinogen. Long-term exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk in construction workers.
Respiratory disease	Diesel particulates and nitrogen dioxide cause chronic bronchitis, asthma, and reduced lung function over time.
Legal requirement	COSHH 2002 requires employers to prevent or control exposure to carcinogenic substances including diesel exhaust.

Don't

Use electric or hybrid plant in preference to diesel where available.
Fit diesel particulate filters to all plant operating in enclosed areas.
Switch off diesel engines when plant is not actively working to reduce idling.
Provide forced ventilation when diesel plant operates in tunnels or buildings.
Position diesel exhaust outlets away from workers and air intake points.
Maintain diesel engines to manufacturer standards to minimise emission output.
Monitor air quality in enclosed areas where diesel plant is operating.
Use low-emission fuels such as HVO where available and approved.
Brief operators on the health risks of diesel exhaust and the controls required.
Report any visible black smoke from diesel plant for immediate investigation.

DON'T leave diesel engines idling when the plant is not actively in use.
DON'T operate diesel plant in enclosed areas without ventilation or extraction.
DON'T remove or bypass diesel particulate filters fitted to construction plant.
DON'T position diesel exhaust outlets pointing toward workers or occupied areas.
DON'T dismiss diesel fume exposure as normal; it is a confirmed carcinogen.
DON'T run diesel generators inside buildings or confined working areas.
DON'T ignore visible black smoke from exhaust; it indicates poor combustion.
DON'T skip engine maintenance schedules; poorly maintained engines emit more pollutants.
DON'T warm up engines for extended periods before starting productive work.
DON'T eat, drink, or rest in areas with visible diesel fume contamination.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Welding Fume Extraction and LEV

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