Health Effects of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Exposure

Running head: OHSE 1
OHSE
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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

OHSE 3
Fire fighters are also severely exposed to diesel exhaust while at station and in the field as
apparatus and their equipment idle during a response (3). Although the firefighters wear Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus to protect themselves, they frequently remove them during the
overhaul stage. In this case, they are exposed to diesel particulates emitted at this time.
Heavy equipment operators
Diesel engines give power to a wide variety of heavy equipment, vehicles and other machinery
used in many industries. Those operating these machines are more prone to DPM especially if
their machines are not well maintained.
Tunnel construction workers
The nature of the tunnel construction entails rock support, excavation, and other finishing works
comprising installation of electricity and paving. In addition, during the construction, particles
are generated by blasting, drilling and transport operations which use diesel engines. The shaft
drillers are constrained to a limited space where ventilation is not mechanically installed as the
space is not big enough. Consequently, the constructors are exposed to DPM.
Marine vessels
Maritime transport is approved as the most preferred mode of universal transport for goods. In
Australia, shipping is a major part of its economy which produces substantial emissions in
coastal waters which are normally carried into the air-sheds of main population centers.
Moreover, marine diesel engines are commonly used. These engines of ocean going vessels emit
gases that are harmful to human.
Question 2
Having good and quality air is paramount in sustaining a healthy human body function. Lately,
emission of DPM has been said to be a major health concerns amongst all diesel emissions.