Are Your Delivery Drivers Being Exposed To Diesel Exhaust? 4 Ways Gas Companies Can Improve Job Safety

Diesel exhaust fumes and particulates are known to be harmful to health. In fact, according to information provided by the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) and the diesel particulate matter (DPM) on a short term basis can cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat, as well as headaches and dizziness. When the exposure is prolonged, it can cause an increased risk of more serious health conditions, including cancer and a variety of cardiovascular, respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases.

Delivery drivers in the heating oil and propane industry, as well as other truck drivers, railroad workers and heavy equipment operators are often more likely to be exposed to diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter on the job. Gas companies and others who want to make the workplace healthier for their workers can use the following ideas to improve job safety and help protect their worker's health.

Provide mandatory safety training for all drivers

Making sure that your drivers and employees understand the dangers of diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter is the first step in helping to keep them safe. In addition to any training mandated by law, consider providing additional regular, mandatory training sessions that will help to reinforce the basic safety rules and ensure that all drivers are using correct procedures and equipment at all times.

Improve routine maintenance procedures

Another way to cut the risk of exposure to diesel exhaust is to take steps to eliminate unnecessary amounts of this substance by making sure that all diesel powered trucks and equipment are properly maintained and running at peak efficiency. If the engine fuel delivery system is not properly adjusted, the fuel mixture can be too rich and cause excessive levels of exhaust to be expelled.

Provide quality protective equipment

If the protective equipment provided for your drivers and other workers who may be exposed to diesel exhaust is uncomfortable or does not fit properly it will be ineffective in protecting them. To prevent this, choose quality protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, and make sure that it fits well and is replaced and upgraded on a regular schedule.

Consider a driver rotation system

Another way to make a significant reduction in the amount of diesel exhaust exposure each driver or employee is exposed to is to institute a rotation system that allows high-risk employees to work in low-risk capacities on a rotational basis.

To learn more, contact a company like Ferrell Fuel Co Inc.