A beginner’s guide to Diesel Particulate Matter

What is Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)?

Diesel Particulate Matter is the particles of microscopic material found in the exhaust of diesel engines. It includes fine carbon particles to which hazardous chemicals called poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adhere. Because DPM can act like a gas and stay airborne for long periods of time, it can penetrate deep into peoples’ DNA. DPM is also known as Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE).

Where is DPM most common?

Because it is found in the emission of diesel engine exhaust systems, DPM is most common on construction sites and in workshops but can also be found anywhere diesel engines operate. It is at its most dangerous in underground mines, tunnels and enclosed workshops, where the confined space means it is unable to dilute if ventilation is not adequate.

Why is DPM dangerous?

In 2012 the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared DPM was carcinogenic to humans and placed it in the highest risk category, at the same risk level as asbestos. Particles of DPM are so small, they can penetrate deep into peoples’ respiratory system and mutate healthy blood cells into cancerous cells. The symptoms may not be evident for 10, 20 or even 30 years after exposure so the assumption that nothing is wrong, couldn’t be further from the truth.

Is the danger of DPM widely acknowledged?

Since WHO’s declaration, an increasing number of operations in affected industries have acknowledged the dangers of DPM. Awareness was further boosted in October 2019 when the new British Standards (BS) clearly stated the dangers of DPM and the importance of it being taken seriously by relevant industries. BS 6164 reported that exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions should be controlled to prevent exposure to DPM. Primary control should be achieved by reducing emissions at the source, along with adequate ventilation. It also recommends considering real-time monitoring of DPM as part of ‘best work practice’ on all underground operations.

What is the potential impact of that finding?

As the British Standards may be applied to all Commonwealth countries, the impact of the decision should flow through to Australia, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and India. “Best in class” and “early adopters” are expected to fall into line and introduce real time DPM monitoring into their operations. It will most likely see real-time DPM monitoring become an essential part of construction contracts in those countries and will likely mean employers will no longer be able to legally claim ignorance if a worker claims their health has been affected by DPM exposure. The liability now exists and directors in boardrooms around the world are taking notice, while insurers are also looking at this carefully with regards to litigation.

What can be done to protect against DPM?

The provision of adequate ventilation and the correct diesel particulate filters for each vehicle are the key to reducing the dangers of DPM. However, these controls should be accompanied by a stringent testing regime as this is the only way to know if a worksite has dangerous DPM levels. Prior to 2017, the only testing methods available required samples to be sent away for analysis – a process that could take three weeks and leave workers at risk in the meantime. In 2017, Pinssar launched the world’s first ultra-low maintenance continuous DPM monitor for harsh environments and confined spaces. The system feeds air quality results directly to management in real-time anywhere in the world, via smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. The real-time analysis of air samples enables operators and workers to feel confident that working conditions are monitored and safe.

How worried should I be about DPM?

There is no doubting that DPM is a significant health risk and no one wants to see DPM exposure become one of the great social disasters like lead, black dust and asbestos. But it is important for operators to consider that rather than being fearful of their DPM levels, Pinssar’s monitoring system is specifically designed to confidentially help companies by “monitoring to manage” DPM levels and trends over time. It has the unique ability to support risk mitigation by ensuring companies understand their DPM levels and verify that the controls they have put in place continuously minimise the risk of exposure, while having the necessary supporting data to protect themselves against false claims.

The video below gives a great overview of DPM and the Pinssar solution.

Pinssar Partners with APC Technology to Launch the World’s First Rugged DPM Reader.

Designed for use in enclosed harsh environments where diesel exhaust emissions can potentially present a threat to human health and safety.

The Pinssar diesel particulate matter (DPM) Reader provides real-time smart monitoring of DPM below 800 nanometres on a continuous basis by utilising laser light scattering photometry as a way of measuring particles in the ambient air. The reader is specifically designed to be deployed in enclosed environments such as underground mines, construction sites, workshops and tunnels, and in a wide range of industries, including mining, defence, oil and gas, shipping and transport.

Francois Velge, Managing Director of Pinssar commented on the origins of the ground breaking technology. “Through my work in the mining sector I discovered there was no continuous monitoring technology available for harsh environments. I believed this was key to understanding the level of threat in confined areas rather than spot checking or reacting to the more obvious signs post exposure. After more than three years of development, testing and a multi-million dollar investment, Pinssar has now launched the world’s first continuous diesel particulate monitoring system for harsh environments.”

To ensure the manufacturing cost requirements of producing the DPM Reader were met, Pinssar began the process of selecting a hardware partner who could enhance the design and manufacture of the equipment. The key features included a rugged solution that would withstand the demands of an array of harsh environments, the ability to design and manufacture the internal layout of the unit, as well as managing internal and 3rd party testing for international certification. Francois explained why they chose APC Technology. “During the development stage we commissioned a number of prototypes that met many of our requirements but we eventually reached the conclusion that an experienced hardware partner would be able to manufacture a cost effective hardware solution that was reliable and performed to our requirements. APC Technology are Australian based making it easy to work with them and with over 30 years experience in design and manufacture of ruggedised equipment, they brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has added value to the production process.”

Scott Begbie, Managing Director of APC Technology further commented, “Pinssar’s DPM Reader is an industry first and we are delighted to be the hardware partner of choice. The collaborative relationship with Pinssar has enabled our in-house engineering team to enhance the productivity of the prototype and build further on the initial requirements. We are looking forward to being a long term hardware supplier and support centre for the DPM Reader worldwide.”

Pinssar’s Managing Director Francois Velge presents to an international delegation as part of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) conference.

Pinssar’s Managing Director Francois Velge will be presenting to an international delegation during the World Tunnel Congress this month as part of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) conference. The ITA is focused on promoting advances in planning, design, construction, maintenance and safety of tunnels and underground spaces. Seventy four member nations make up the body of the organisation along with affiliated members.

Pinssar have been invited to present to the ITA OH&S working group (WG5) which is made up of International experts and advocates for safer work spaces. The charter of the group is to explore and provide guidelines for better safety during tunnelling works. Pinssar’s development of the Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Reader is a unique offering with a key focus on measuring air quality in tunnels. The WTC offers the opportunity for the WG5 members to evaluate how the DPM reader can improve workplace safety.

Pinssar’s Managing Director Francois Velge has a lifelong passion for developing new technologies and notably air monitoring systems. “My interest in developing the DPM reader began from my own experience and research into the lack of real time, low maintenance monitoring capabilities around this group 1 Carcinogen. The systems critical innovation for management teams is the availability of data viewing on a configurable ‘dashboard’ in control rooms, and real-time data display on user authorised smart phones, tables, laptops and desktops. This Pinssar system is a unique technological advancement and represents a significant step forward in the fight to detect and manage diesel exposure. Pinssar’s goal is simply to help make the world a safer place, and reduce the health risks when workers are exposed to potentially life threatening deadly and toxic diesel engine exhaust emissions.”

The Pinssar presentation will cover key topics: – How the DPM reader works, notably the laser scattering photometry; the calibration technology and how it differentiates between dust & DPM as well exposure limits.

Pinssar will also be showcasing the DPM Reader on stand 162 during WTC at the World Trade Centre in Dubai from the 23rd-25th April 2018.