In this episode, the first of a two-part series, guest Jen Hines, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and Lecturer at the University of Wollongong joins us to discuss diesel particulate matter with host Mark Reggers.

Diesel particulate matter is the particle substance within diesel exhaust. It is a carcinogenic combination of particulates and gases that are detrimental to one’s health. Occupational exposure can present itself in the form of short term acute effects such as eye and respiratory irritation through to long term chronic conditions like heart and lung disease.

Guest Bio:

Jen Hines (pictured left) has been working in the field of occupational hygiene for 20 years and is a fully certified Occupational Hygienist through the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH). She has a Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hygiene (Deakin University) and a Master of Science - Occupational Hygiene Practice (University of Wollongong). She also has a Bachelor of Science - Applied Geography (University of New South Wales).

Jen works primarily as a consultant to large corporations such as BHP Billiton, Illawarra Coal and the Department of Defence. A focal point of her work has been diesel particulate matter exposure to the underground workforce, involving both understanding the problem such as measuring and analysing data, as well as controlling exposure. She also enjoys teaching, training, mentoring and guiding people in the field of occupational hygiene and recently started lecturing at the University of Wollongong.

LinkedIn Profile

In this episode, part 1 of 2, Mark & Jen discuss the following:

• What is diesel particulate matter (DPM) and what types of contaminants can be in DPM? Is DPM different from diesel exhaust emissions?
• What sizes are DPM usually? Can workers see it?
• What are the factors that impact the number of diesel exhaust and particulate matter (DEPM) exposures from these engines that may be happening in a workplace?
• What types of workplaces or industries would you find DEPM exposures?
• What are the adverse health effects of DEPM exposure? Is DEPM a carcinogen?
• How long has DEPM been classified as a carcinogen?
• What are the legislative requirements when it comes to DEPM? Does legislation specifically address DEPM?
• Is there an exposure standard for DEPM?
• How can workplaces assess what types of exposures their workers may have?
• Can you monitor the amount and type of DEPM coming from an engine to help assess at the source of DEPM in additional to personal monitoring?
• What impact does longer than 8-hour shifts have when it comes to DEPM exposure and risk factors?
• What key take away would you want to leave for our listeners today about DEPM?
• Where can listeners go to get further information on Diesel exhaust and particulate matter?

If your workplace runs diesel engines, there is a risk of being exposed to diesel particulate matter. This nasty carcinogen contains a complex mix of hazardous gases like nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide; as well as fine elemental and organic carbon particles and metals. The primary cause of workplace exposure from diesel particulate matter comes from heavy vehicles that use diesel fuel like trucks, buses, trains, tractors, ships, bulldozers and forklifts. Other sources include equipment in mines, bucket lifts, excavators and stationary power sources such as generators and winch motors. Due to its small size, diesel particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs, tune in as we look at what can be done in the workplace to control the risks and provide a safe working environment.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• SafeWork Australia – Guidance for managing the risks of diesel exhaust
• SafeWork Australia – Virtual Seminar Dangers of Diesel Exhaust
• AIOH Position Paper on Diesel Particulate Matter & Occupational Health
• Cancer Council – Diesel Engine Exhaust
• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Diesel Engine Exhaust Press Release 2012
• HSE Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (UK)
• EHS Solutions

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.