In:
Annals of Work Exposures and Health, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 67, No. Supplement_1 ( 2023-05-10), p. i23-i24
Abstract:
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of soot particles and many gaseous components. Meanwhile, occupational exposure limits (OEL) have been derived for many of these constituents in Europe. Normally, vehicles of fire brigades and rescue units are parked in garages. To ensure readiness for action, they are connected to the power supply system. If they vehicles move out or return to the garage employees may be exposed to diesel engine emission. We have performed measurements in 7 emergency rescue services and 5 fire-fighting stations to assess the exposure to hazardous substances and compare the effectiveness of protective measures.During the measuremnts the different exhaus emission standards and different type of technical protection measure have been compared. The results of the measurements show, that exposure of the employees should be considered as short-term exposure. The most critical substances are diesel soot particles and nitrogen oxides. Especially, for nitrogen monoxide exceedings of the short-term exposure limit value (STELV) have been measured. It was found, that exposure to diesel soot particles decreased from exhaust emission standard EURO 1 to EURO 6. On the other hand, exposure to nitrogen oxides increased for the newer emission standards. The most effective technical protective measure is a trailing extraction system, which should be applied when driving into tho garage, during parking up to moving out, when it should be removed automatically. Alternatively, a vertical transverse system may be effective, but should be assessed for each garage under worst case conditions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2398-7308
,
2398-7316
DOI:
10.1093/annweh/wxac087.063
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2003484-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2885099-3
