Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released guidance material to assist in managing the risks of exposure to diesel exhaust in workplaces.
The major source of workplace exposure to diesel exhaust is from heavy vehicles that use diesel like trucks, buses, trains, tractors, ships, bulldozers and fork lift trucks.
Approximately 1.2 million Australian workers were exposed to diesel exhaust in the workplace in 2011, including oil and gas workers, forklift drivers, loading dock workers, truck drivers and vehicle maintenance workers.
Short term exposure to high levels of diesel exhaust can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation or even suffocation. Long term exposure can worsen allergies, increase the risk of heart and lung disease and increase the risk of lung cancer.
For more information, see SWA’s guide and information sheet about managing the risks of exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace or watch the video Dangers of diesel fumes for business