Hazard alert warns of diesel dangers

Washington – OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration recently issued a hazard alert on diesel particulate matter.

Found in diesel exhaust, DPM includes soot particulates composed of carbon, ash, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates and silicates, according to the alert.

Workers at risk for exposure include miners, heavy-equipment operators, construction workers, railroad workers, truck drivers and farm workers.

To control exposure, the alert recommends installing engine exhaust filters; using special fuels or fuel additives, such as biodiesel; providing equipment cabs with filtered air; and upgrading ventilation systems to capture or remove emissions in indoor locations.