OHSE 2
OHSE
Question 1
Diesel engines serve various purposes in different occupations in the present modern era and
have allowed many industries to attain incredible improvement on productivity. However, Diesel
Particulate Matter (DPM) released from diesel devices is a complicated aerosol which can cause
hostile health effects that depends on quantity and period of one’s exposure (1). The mainly
affected occupations include, mining industries, railroad repair and locomotive crews, fire
fighters, heavy equipment operators, tunnel construction workers, and marine vessels, and are
described below;
Mining operations
The rapidly usage of diesel- powered in the mining industry has been evident in Australia.
Mining processes comprises either underground or surface mining. Both of them uses large
trucks to haul and load material, as well as light trucks to transport personnel which are mostly
powered by diesel engines. Moreover, diesel engines usage in enclosed environments is a crucial
concern, especially in underground mines; as the particulates from gases and exhausts might
amass if there is no proper airing and monitoring system installed in them (2). As such, those
underground miners are exposed to DPM as compared to other working places.
Railroad repair and locomotive crews
Diesel oil characterizes the leading fuel used by Australian rail industry. Trains operating in and
around rail yard emit diesel gases leading to many people being exposed to higher DPM
concentration that results in greater health consequences(2).
Fire fighters

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Health Effects of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Exposure

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