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.

In the media

The Australian Mining Review magazine recently approached Pinssar asking to help the industry better understand the dangers of diesel emissions and to explain how advances in technology can overcome these challenges.

According to the Australian Cancer Council, diesel engine exhaust emissions are the second most common cancer-causing agent impacting workers (ranking behind UV exposure).  However, as explained by Francois Velge, advancements in DPM monitoring technology means that practical and low maintenance diesel monitoring systems (purpose built for harsh environments) are now available and can go a long way towards protecting the health of millions of workers.

Francois goes on to explain that around the world, Government and industry are reviewing the existing guidelines which have been acknowledged as too broad, and really based on the technology that was available at that point in time.  For example, those previous technologies may only provide random, point in time samples – these provide only some pieces of the puzzle, but definitely not the full picture about the immediate risk in the work environment nor the impact on the health and safety of workers.

To read the full article, click here ->  AMR-August 2021 – Pinssar – The Invisible Guardian

To speak to Pinssar about diesel emissions monitoring at your workplace, contact us.

Pinssar welcomes new BDM in Southern Europe

Pinssar has welcomed their newest team member, Maïwen Bergé to the role of Business Development Manager for the Southern Europe region.

Maïwen is tasked with raising awareness of the negative effects of diesel emissions on the health of workers underground where emissions may not be sufficiently managed and will focus especially in infrastructure-intensive countries like France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland.

Maïwen has a background in the automotive industry, primarily as Key Account Manager for a major European brand, during the challenging ‘Dieselgate’ period.  She is a strong advocate for environmental solutions and upholds the belief that everyone deserves to be safe and healthy at work.

Built to withstand the harshest of operational conditions, Pinssar’s diesel particulate matter (DPM) monitoring solution helps companies protect the welfare of their workers by providing continuous air quality data in real-time.   A first of its kind, the Pinssar DPM solution can be customised for any workplace and environment, from tunnels, underground mines, ships, oil rigs, maintenance workshops or any confined space environment where diesel engine exhaust emissions present a serious health threat to workers.

You can click here to connect with Maïwen on Linkedin.

If you would like to understand more about Pinssar’s solution, please contact us.

South African distribution agreement formally ratified

Pinssar are pleased to announce the official appointment of Barnel AMS Haden as distribution partner for the innovative diesel particulate matter (DPM) monitoring system throughout South Africa.

According to Francois Velge, Managing Director of Pinssar, Barnel AMS Haden have extensive local mining industry expertise and are well known for their excellent customer service as a central element of everything they do. The benefits of including the Pinssar monitoring solution in the South African mining industry are many, he said.

“The focus of our DPM monitoring is managing the effectiveness of engineering controls as well as enabling real time actions and responses to a group one carcinogenic. It can monitor a whole mine simultaneously and in real-time, enabling customers to move away from a reactive mode to one where they can drive a proactive approach.”

And whilst we have been working with Barnel AMS Haden for some time, this ratification of the full distribution agreement comes at a very exciting time for Pinssar, as the company continues to expand its global reach so that more companies are able to protect their workers against the dangers of diesel emissions.

Pinssar is an Australian based company and are trusted by companies all around the world. The Pinssar solution has been nominated for numerous awards and recently received a US patent for 23 unique innovations. To find out more about Pinssar, click here

Barnel AMS Haden provides instruments for occupational hygiene, safety, environmental monitoring and mine ventilation. To learn more about Barnel AMS Haden, click here

Exclusive distribution partner appointed in Canada

Pinssar is excited to announce that Accutron Instruments have signed an exclusive distribution agreement to provide their diesel particulate matter (DPM) monitoring solution to the mining industry in Canada and their territories.

Francois Velge, Managing Director, Pinssar is pleased that after many years of a successful working relationship with Accutron, a formal agreement has been reached which enables the sales and support of our leading DPM monitoring technology. This ultimately means there will be more companies who can consciously advance their potential by protecting the health of their workforce.

According to Gilles Arsenault of Accutron, Pinssar offers a practical solution for continuous, real time monitoring of diesel engine exhaust emissions in harsh, underground environments. The exclusive agreement means Accutron can supply Pinssar’s DPM monitoring solution to our mining clients, further supporting our position as the mining ventilation monitoring specialists.

Pinssar is an Australian based company and are trusted by companies all around the world. The Pinssar solution has been nominated for numerous awards and recently received a US patent for 23 unique innovations. To find out more about Pinssar, click here -> pinssar.com.au

To find out more about how Accutron can help companies monitor diesel emissions and make every breath positive progress , click here -> accutroninstruments.com

Pinssar announces UK distribution partner

Pinssar is excited to announce the appointment of RVT Group as primary distribution partner for Pinssar’s diesel particulate matter (DPM) monitoring solution in the United Kingdom.

Francois Velge, Managing Director of Pinssar is pleased to find a distributor who are equally dedicated to protecting worker health when on-site. “RVT Group is held in high esteem especially when it comes to providing solutions to protect the long-term health of workers on construction sites and in confined spaces, and are an obvious choice for representing Pinssar in the UK.”

Pinssar provides the gold standard for DPM monitoring and is the only practical solution which satisfies British Standard BS6164 for continuous, real-time monitoring of diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEE).   RVT Group offer the Pinssar DPM monitoring solution via hire or contract sale arrangement.

To find out more about the dangers of diesel engine exhaust emissions and the Pinssar DPM solution, click here -> pinssar.com.au

To find out more about how RVT Group can help UK companies monitor DEEE and make every breath positive progress , click here -> DPM Monitoring

Pinssar granted US patent

Pinssar announced today the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has officially granted a patent for their Particulate Matter Measuring invention.

The granting of this patent, allows Pinssar to protect the intellectual property of its diesel particulate reader in the United States and provides a platform for growing and protecting the brand in international markets.  It gives Pinssar exclusive rights to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing the technology for 20 years.

According to Francois Velge, Managing Director of Pinssar, the patent is the latest in a series of recent achievements for the company.

“We are extremely pleased to receive news of the granting of the US patent.  Pinssar’s diesel engine emissions monitoring of diesel particulate matter is an essential technology to protect workers in harsh environments and confined workspaces, such as underground mines and during tunnel construction. The real time, continuous monitoring of this deadly carcinogenic will help to protect workers health and maintain worksite progress”

Pinssar is currently completing national filings for the same patent in additional jurisdictions including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Europe, South Africa, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

About the technology

The Pinssar diesel particulate matter (DPM) reader is now protecting workers in the mining and construction sectors across the world. Its innovative design allows the technology to continuously monitor deadly DPM particles that are so small, they are invisible to the human eye. Critically, even in the harshest of environments, the data is available instantly for immediate feedback about the air quality in the working environment and can be used to warn workers about diesel exposure exceedances to protect their health and well being. Not only that, but having real time insights allows for advanced data driven decisions leading to better operational outcomes. To find out how the Pinssar solution can help you protect your workers and progress your projects, contact us.

Pinssar making a difference globally

Pinssar’s latest CE certified units have been loaded up and are ready to get to work anywhere around the world.

With our gold standard in diesel emissions monitoring technology making a difference to the safety and well being of workers in harsh environments such as tunnels and mines including throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

If you want to learn more about how Pinssar’s technology can protect against the dangers of diesel engine exhaust emissions, contact us.

Pinssar extends manufacturing contract with APC Technology

Pinssar have extended their exclusive manufacturing agreement with APC Technology which will now run for an additional three years, until July 2023.

The Pinssar diesel particulate matter (DPM) monitoring system provides real-time, continuous data about workplace diesel emissions. Its patented design means it is the only practical solution for managing diesel emission control strategies in harsh environments such as underground mines, construction sites, workshops and tunnels, and across a wide range of industries, including mining, defence, oil and gas, shipping and transport.

Francois Velge, Managing Director of Pinssar commented why they chose APC as their manufacturing partner. “APC Technology’s experience in the design and manufacture of robust and industrial grade equipment spans more than thirty years, ensuring they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which adds value to the production process.”

Pinssar and APC Technology have worked collaboratively to produce a globally recognised monitoring system, delivering data driven insights for better decision making and healthier work environments. Customers around the globe now acknowledge Pinssar as the gold standard for continuous real-time, ambient air, diesel emissions monitoring.

Tom Spiranac, Operations Manager at Pinssar, Scott Begbie Managing Director and Ken Duldig, Key Accounts Manager at APC Technology signed the contract on site at APC.

Tom commented, “APC Technology have proven to be an invaluable partner over the last three years, with a highly experienced engineering team and excellent manufacturing quality. They are committed to supporting us to reach our goals which has always been to make the world a safer place and reduce health risks to workers by implementing the DPM monitoring system.”

Scott Begbie further commented. “APC Technology has been part of the Pinssar journey almost since its inception. The fact that we have been involved in manufacturing the world’s first harsh environment DPM monitoring system is an achievement we are proud to be involved in. We anticipate that the next three years will be busy with significant volumes taking place at our manufacturing facilities in Adelaide.”

For more information visit www.pinssar.com.au and www.apctechnology.com.au

Changing the face of safety in South Africa

The South African mining industry’s focus on the health and safety of its workers makes it uniquely placed to adopt world best practice in the real-time monitoring of Diesel Particulate Matter in confined spaces. That’s the view of an Australian businessman whose company has developed the world’s first continuous, real-time DPM monitoring system that is set to revolutionise the safety of mining operations across the world – as reported in First Mining DRC-Zambia magazine.

Click here to read the full article.