Diesel exhaust consists of a complex mix of gases and particles created during the combustion of diesel fuel. Diesel exhaust fumes are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and, in addition to cancer, are associated with an increased risk of respiratory complaints such as asthma and COPD, as well as certain coronary and vascular diseases.
The carcinogenic properties of diesel exhaust derive primarily from particles in the fumes. Elemental carbon has been selected as a marker for the particle phase.
The new exposure limit, measured as elemental carbon, is set at 0.03 mg/m3 for a 12-hour shift.
Facts: Exposure limits
An exposure limit is a legal maximum threshold for the average concentration of a chemical substance in the breathing zone of a worker for a specified reference period. The goal should be to remain as far below the exposure limit as possible, since the limit does not make a clear distinction between hazardous and non-hazardous concentrations.
Increased knowledge
In 2022, the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) carried out a project in collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) to increase the level of knowledge about diesel exhaust exposure in the petroleum industry. In this connection, information was obtained from the industry about challenges relating to diesel exhaust and the companies’ risk management practices.
The data gathered have been compiled and presented in a knowledge report on diesel exhaust as an occupational health factor in the petroleum industry.
Report (in Norwegian only): Dieseleksoseksponering i petroleumsnæringen - en kunnskapsoppsummering
“The results from the project show that the scope of the challenge is considerable and that a broad range of employees are affected,” says Hilde Nilsen of the PSA’s working environment section.
The information obtained indicates that a number of companies have established, or are in the process of establishing, systems for managing risk. Some companies also point to technical and operational measures that have been implemented to reduce risk. At the same time, the report indicates key knowledge gaps and deficiencies in risk management at the industry level.
Need for more measurements
“More measurements must be implemented to increase the level of knowledge of exposure risk and verify compliance with the exposure limit”, emphasises Nilsen.
Measurements of elemental carbon have been undertaken to a limited extent in the petroleum industry. These have been primarily stationary area measurements, whereas personal exposure limit monitoring has been largely absent.
The consequences of a lack of measurements of elemental carbon are an inadequate overview of exposure levels, and of the situations and conditions under which diesel exhaust may constitute an exposure risk. Along with this, the basis for establishing management systems and identifying risk-reducing measures is also inadequate.
Facts: Regulatory requirements
The employer shall map and document the presence of chemicals, and assess any risk relating to the health and safety of employees that may be associated with these chemicals. Measurements will be a necessary basis for obtaining an overview of exposure levels and assessing risk. (cf. Regulations concerning the performance of work, Section 3-1 and 3-2)