Diesel engine emissions (DEE) are carcinogenic substances produced during the combustion of diesel fuel in engines. Exposure to DEE occurs in a variety of labour market sectors. Any level of exposure to DEE is a health hazard for workers and employers are required to protect their employees from exposure to these substances.
Silent killer
Workers who inhale DEE run an increased risk of developing lung and bladder cancer. In addition, inhaling DEE can contribute to the development of serious lung diseases such as COPD and asthma.
The dangers of exposure are often invisible to the naked eye. In most cases, health problems caused by DEE exposure do not manifest themselves until many years after exposure. In this sense it is a real silent killer. Only in cases of temporary high exposure may there be immediately noticeable effects, such as eye and respiratory tract irritations ('it's stinging my throat').
Companies in all sectors are required to take steps to prevent exposure to DEE. Wherever they are unable to do so, they still need to take technical measures in accordance with the occupational hygiene strategy.
Where does DEE occur?
DEE is a substance released during operations and is created during the combustion of diesel fuel in engines. DEE consists of gases, vapours and (soot) particles.
Workers can inhale DEE whenever vehicles or machinery with diesel engines are used, either indoors and outdoors.
Diesel engines are used in almost every sector and this means DEE poses a risk in many workplaces. Examples of sectors in which exposure to DEE is relatively common are construction and infrastructure, transport and logistics, waste treatment and industry.
The following are a few examples of common types of diesel-powered machines and vehicles:
- Vans
- Lorries
- Forklift trucks
- Shovels, excavators
- Generators, power units
- Cherry pickers, telescopic handlers, cranes
- Compactors, vibratory tampers
Obligations for employers
Given that DEE is a carcinogenic substance, employers should always first assess whether the diesel engine can be replaced by another type of engine. Whenever possible, employers are obliged to find a substitute.
Employers should also adhere to the sequence outlined in the occupational hygiene strategy when taking measures to reduce DEE exposure. This strategy is based on preventing and reducing exposure to hazardous substances by taking measures as close to the source as possible.
The strategy consists of 4 levels of measures, which have to be followed sequentially:
First of all, an employer must make an effort to replace the diesel engine with a less harmful alternative.
For example: a diesel-powered excavator could be replaced with an electric one.
If replacement is not technically feasible, the employer must provide reasons as to why this is currently the case in its Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E). Only then should the employer proceed to level 2: taking technical measures.
If replacement is not technically feasible, technical measures must be taken to prevent or reduce the risks of exposure to DEE.
For example: a diesel particulate filter can be fitted to a diesel powered machine.
If it is not possible to take technical measures, or if they are not effective enough, and this is backed up by clear evidence, the employer should proceed to level 3: taking collective or organisational measures.
If it is technically not feasible to take technical measures, the employer should implement collective protection measures at source or take organisational measures.
For example: restricting access to certain work areas.
If it is not possible to take any collective or organisational measures, and this is backed up by clear evidence, the employer should proceed to level 4: personal protective equipment.
If it is technically not feasible to take collective or organisational measures, personal protective equipment must be provided to workers who are, or may be, exposed to DEE.
For example: wearing respiratory masks (with both a gas-vapour filter and a particulate filter).
Workers are not permitted to wear the personal protective equipment on a permanent basis and they should only do so when it is strictly necessary.
Supervision by the Netherlands Labour Authority
Despite the fact that they pose a (significant) health risk, diesel engines are still widely used. The Netherlands Labour Authority is responsible for checking whether work in situations when diesel engine emissions are released is carried out as safely and healthily as possible and what employers are doing to ensure that this remains so in the longer term. The Netherlands Labour Authority will take enforcement action wherever the appropriate measures have not been implemented.