The primary EU directive on DPM OEL is;

Directive (EU) 2019/130, which amends Directive 2004/37/EC to include a new OEL for diesel engine exhaust emissions. The EU has set a binding limit of measured as Elemental Carbon (EC) on an 8hr Time Weighed Average (TWA) of elemental carbon, which became effective for general occupational health in February 2023 and will apply to underground mining and tunnel construction from February 2026.

Key details of the directive

• Directive (EU) 2019/130:This amendment to the existing directive on carcinogens and mutagens introduced the first EU-wide OEL for diesel engine exhaust emissions.
• Limit value:The occupational exposure limit (OEL) is set at 0.05 mg/m3 of elemental carbon (EC).
• Effective dates:
  • General workplaces:February 21, 2023.
  • Underground mining and tunnel construction:February 21, 2026.
• Skin absorption:The directive also includes “skin notations” for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mineral oils found in diesel exhaust, indicating that significant absorption through the skin is possible.
• Implementation:Member states are required to implement these new rules into their national legislation to ensure worker protection from diesel particulate matter (DPM).

The Pinssar team is well placed to help all underground tunnelling, construction and mine sites meet their obligations with the upcoming EU changes to the occupational exposure limits in February 2026.

To find out how the Pinssar Diesel Particulate Matter Reader can seamlessly integrate into your systems with continuous real time data reach out to any of our team here.