Posted By Matthew Brown
We use Diesel powered trucks in our factory and we have a problem with emissions. People complain about the smell etc. We have carried out monitoring using Drager tubes and personnel monitors and the results came back either negative or very low concentrations. Obviously even at low levels people will still be able to detect a smell.

We have fitted filters on our trucks and have roof vents to allow the fumes to escape into the atmosphere. We have also fitted on some trucks auto cut offs that detect when the truck is not in use and turn the engine off.

Short of replacing the whole fleet of trucks with gas powered ones, very expensive as we have about 50 trucks, does any body have any suggestions of things we cold try. Perfume for diesels?

Posted By Adam Jackson
What is the wider ventilation like in the factory? Maybe some modifications to that would help shift the air - could be more cost effective to modify that than 50 trucks?

Posted By Jonathan Breeze
Further to Anthony's suggested website, I've found this one:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/...rgy/Biofuels-leaflet.pdf

It seems to put a more positive spin on the issue which is strange considering they are both government agency sites.

Apparently you do not need to modify your diesel engines to run biodiesel fuels.

Posted By Jonathan Breeze
Well in that case, if you're happy with the advice on costs that you've been given - you've crossed off elimination & substitution.

You're now on to Adams suggestion of control.

Either end of pipe filters/catalytic converters or increased ventilation are your options & I bet neither are cheap.

Extraction costs money to install, run, maintain & test and will also have a direct impact on your heating bills.

Similarly 50 catalytic converters would cost a bit (it's the platinum they're made of) and would need regular replacement - you'll need to factor that in if you go down that route.

I guess you could provide PPE as a last resort to staff, but then you would have to cost that up as well.

Sometimes life is like a pelican...

Wherever you go there is a huge bill in front of you.

So, perhaps the answer is to go back to your first suggestion of gas powered trucks and have a phased replacement policy on your diesel trucks.

Posted By Jonathan Breeze
Good point Danny.

Staff perception of a hazard versus the reality can still be a right pain in the backside to manage though.

If you can involve them in the consultation (assuming you've not already upset them or otherwise got their backs up), provide them with all the evidence and 'ahem' let them come with the suggestion of a phased replacement of old diesel trucks with gas or electric trucks then everyones happy.

But that's good management of the situation rather than health & safety.

Posted By Brett Rolls
Dear Matthew
expensive as it may seem to replace the diesel trucks It may prove to be the most cost effective measure in the long term.
Occupational asthma cases are not cheap to settle and diesel fumes have been linked to the condition.

Posted By JAMES MM
Mattew,
You have clearly identified a risk. Using the risk assessment process you need to decide whether you can eliminate the risk. Yes or No, would it be reasonably practicable to do so(cost v likelihood). Another way to look at it is can you afford not to. Take into account health monitoring, the maintenance costs, days of from sickness extractor fans and nowadays compensation costs for not doing it. All this will allow you to decide whether to accept the risk or eliminate it.

good luck

James