Hygiene & Lab Services

Diesel particulate matter

Overview

In June 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), reclassified diesel engine exhaust to be a Group 1 agent – substances that are carcinogenic to humans.

The classification is based on the IARC working group’s conclusions that there is sufficient evidence to link exposure to diesel exhaust to an increased risk of lung cancer.

By using personal monitoring to measure DPM exposures, operations can understand the risk profile of their workers. MSOH is NATA-accredited for the sampling and analysis (by MSTS) of DPM (NIOSH 5040 method).

Underground mining risks

As most mines use diesel vehicles and equipment, workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust emissions in areas such as:

  • underground parts of a mine
  • where multiple vehicles are used in a single air split
  • confined areas
  • enclosed environments
  • where ventilation is limited or where there is mechanical ventilation
  • areas identified by the mine or risk assessment

Exposure standards

The NSW WHS (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022, outlines an 8-hour

time-weighted average exposure standard for diesel particulate matter of 0.1mg /m3, measured as

sub-micron elemental carbon.

What should mine operations do?

  • All mines should have a documented strategy to control diesel emissions as part of their mine health and safety management system (a Diesel Emissions Plan).
  • Follow the hierarchy of risk control.
  • Aim to minimise diesel emissions to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
  • Implement a program for exposure monitoring to determine work groups and tasks of potential risk.

Some practical examples of controls include:

  • maintain or enhance ventilation quantities and qualities
  • limit use of diesel powered equipment in ventilation districts
  • review operator standing positions in relation to exhaust
  • correct use of diesel powered machines
  • have machines serviced regularly and to well defined standards
  • compliance with OEMs specifications and approvals
  • ‘Tag Board’ compliance
  • operators’ understanding of machine limitations and their need to ensure correct on-road servicing, as well as road condition management.

How Mine Safety Occupational Hygiene (MSOH) can help

We have the ability and expertise to measure workers’ exposure to DPM and can also help operations to comply with legislation.

Our team of specialists is available to assist operations in areas such as:

  • developing sampling programmes
  • reviewing data
  • offering advice on best practice controls
  • developing and conducting workplace education
  • providing information from external sources
  • assisting in risk assessments