DIESEL PARTICULATE MONITORING SERVICES IN PERTH

Diesel particulates are tiny carbon particles found in diesel exhaust. They can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing health risks ranging from headaches to respiratory illnesses.

At Environmental Site Services (ENVSS), we offer diesel particulate monitoring services to help you identify where exposure is occurring and whether controls are working. With this information, you can make informed decisions that protect your workforce and ensure your compliance with regulations. 

All of our analysis is conducted in NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure that your data is as accurate and reliable as possible.

If you are concerned about air particulates on your site and would like to speak with one of our environmental or occupational consultants, you can contact ENVSS at [email protected] or on (08) 9355 4010.

What Are Diesel Particulates?

Diesel particulates, also known as diesel particulate matter (DPM), are microscopic particles emitted from diesel engine exhaust. These particles can be small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled, exposing the body to elemental carbon, organic compounds and ash.

Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, DPM is linked to serious health effects including respiratory illnesses and lung cancer. In occupational settings such as mining and construction, where confined or poorly ventilated environments are common, DPM exposure can be even more problematic.

Monitoring and managing DPM exposure is essential to safeguarding worker health and maintaining a safe workplace.

Why Monitor DPM?

DPM exposure is most common in industries where diesel-powered machinery is operated in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Health effects associated with exposure include:

• Respiratory irritation and asthma

• Chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function

• Cardiovascular strain

• Increased risk of cancer

To ensure the safety of employees and regulatory compliance, businesses in mining, tunnelling, transport and construction should implement robust DPM monitoring plans.

When Is DPM Monitoring Required?

Depending on the nature of your site and the risk of exposure, air particulate monitoring can be conducted periodically or as part of a wider occupational hygiene program. An occupational hygienist can assist you in deciding what monitoring intervals will keep your site under the exposure limit.

Whilst there is no specific standard for DPM as a whole, Safe Work Australia has set an exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m³ for elemental carbon (8-hour time weighted average). To remain below this limit, it is recommended to implement a monitoring program when:

• Diesel-powered equipment is operated in enclosed or underground environments

• Workers report symptoms of respiratory irritation or fatigue

• Site exposure levels are unknown or undocumented

• Compliance with internal safety policies or site-specific standards is needed

• Regulatory requirements or industry best practices call for verification of safe working conditions

Comprehensive monitoring is the surest way of ensuring the safety of employees and your regulatory compliance.

Our Air Particulate Monitoring Services

At ENVSS, our DPM monitoring uses respected methods that measure elemental carbon and total carbon. Our process is as follows:

• Personal Monitoring: We provide your staff with sampling equipment to wear during their normal duties. This assesses their individual exposure over a shift.

• Static Area Monitoring: Sampling pumps are placed in fixed positions to assess general exposure levels in work areas or enclosed environments.

• Analysis: Filters are sent to NATA-accredited laboratories to be analysed against internationally recognised methods (e.g., NIOSH 5040).

• Reporting: Results are interpreted in line with occupational exposure limits and we provide practical recommendations to reduce risks. This includes assessing existing controls on site, such as such as exhaust filtration systems and ventilation

Our monitoring units are constructed in-house, meaning that we can tailor them to the unique needs of your site and project. They can be fitted with an ethernet, GSM, radio or satellite communication option.

Once operational, the equipment is monitored remotely on a daily basis, with maintenance and calibration carried out on a monthly basis, or as required.

Environmental Site Services: DPM Monitoring in Perth

DPM exposure remains a significant health risk across Australian industry, particularly where diesel engines are used in confined or poorly ventilated areas. Constructing a robust monitoring plan in the surest way of protecting your staff and ensuring your compliance.

Our team of environmental and occupational consultants work with our field technicians to provide monitoring and reporting at sites across Western Australia. All data is analysed at NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable data.

Our DPM monitoring services work hand-in-hand with:

• Dust Monitoring

• Indoor Air Quality Testing

• Health Management Plans (HMP)

If you are concerned about air particulates on your site and would like to implement a monitoring plan, you can contact one our of occupational hygienists at [email protected] or on (08) 9355 4010.