RAVEX® Diesel Exhaust Fume Control

DEEEs stands for Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions. DEEEs contain a complex mixture of gases, vapours, liquid aerosols and particulate substances, which are the products of combustion. DEEEs are known to cause anything from irritation to the eyes to an increased risk of lung and bladder cancer, making exhaust fume extraction an important consideration on site.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) gives guidance on how to conduct a suitable risk assessment and determine whether the exposure risk is high, medium or low. Armed with this information, you can then determine the necessary steps to prevent or adequately control exposure to DEEEs.

Tunnel safety is addressed under BS 6164 'Health and safety in tunneling in the construction industry - Code of practice'. In 2019, the standard was revised and new guidance was issued in relation to exposure to diesel particulate matter. The guidance explains, "until further guidance is issued by HSE, a limit value of 100 ug/m3 as a 15-minute time-weighted average, and measured as elemental carbon, should not be exceeded.”

Although Britain is no longer an EU member state, it is worth noting that there is now a 0.05 mg/m3 8-Hour TWA Limit Value for diesel engine exhaust emissions for EU member states, under the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive 2004/37/EC (CMD).

DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter.

Diesel Particulate Filters can be fitted to the exhaust of mini diggers, excavators, loaders and compressors etc. to remove up to 99% of harmful particulate, which protects both people and the environment.

This is especially important when diesel machinery is being used in an enclosed space, as exposure to DEEEs can result in anything from dizziness and fatigue, to kidney cancer and even death.