There are many workplace scenarios where DEEEs are present, whether it be from forlift trucks, in vehicle testing stations, bodyshop repair garages etc, with workers fully exposed or with minimal protection in place. Unfortunately, this is not always enough, as regular exposure to DEEEs can seriously affect worker health by increasing the risk of lung disease and heart failure, worsen respiratory diseases as well as eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, dizziness and breathing problems even with short-term exposure.
Adequate ventilation and breathing apparatus are simple and mostly effective solutions for many of these workplace scenarios, but better control of these deathly fumes is often required, such as a Vehicle Exhaust Extraction Channel system, which provides a hose reel and exhaust nozzle at each vehicle bay to fully extract vehicle fumes, for example.
The TUC is urging employers to take action, with the general secretary, Frances O’Grady commenting: “Diesel exhaust is now one of the biggest workplace killers after asbestos. It’s a ticking time bomb for tens of thousands of workers around the UK. Employers must take action to keep their staff safe and remove diesel emissions in their workplaces”.
The chartered body for health and safety professionals, IOSH, has reported the number of workers currently being exposed to high levels of DEEEs could be close 500,000. IOSH are offering DEEE resources as part of its ‘No Time To Lose’ occupational cancer campaign – www.notimetolose.org.uk.
Impact Technical Services provide a wide range of products and services to control DEEEs in the workplace, from air quality testing, LEV testing, full system design and installation, workstation fume extraction and much more.