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Understanding your Exhaust Emissions
An Overview of Exhaust Emissions & UK Emission Standards
COMMON EXHAUST EMISSIONS
Carbon Monoxide (CO) - A toxic gas that can cause eye irritation, doziness, lethargy and migraines. CO is particularly dangerous since it has no detectable colour and over exposure can be fatal.
Hydrocarbon (HC) - HC is the main contributor to odour in emissions from diesel engines. Exposure can cause watery eyes and nausea. Additionally, HC is a main contributor to urban smog.
Diesel Particular Matter (PM10 & PM2.5) - Both short and long term exposure to PM10 & PM2.5 can cause respiratory and cardiovascular illness and can even be fatal. The most severe effects are caused by the
exposure to ultrafine particles over a long period of time.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO & NO2) - Commonly referred to as NOx, these gases can cause irritation to the lining of the lungs and severe nausea.
UK STANDARDS & CODES OF PRACTICE
Introduced in 1992, European emission regulations for on-road heavy-duty diesel engines are commonly referred to as Euro 1 through to Euro 5. The standards are laid out in EU Directive 1999/96/EC.
NON-ROAD EMISSION REGULATIONS
Introduced in 1999, EU regulations set emissions standards for non-road vehicles, powered by combustion engines (Directive 2004/26/EC). Emission standards are based on the levels of PM10, NO, HC and CO.
LONDON BEST PRACTICE GUIDE
Applicable to non-road mobile machinery over 37kW, the London BPG is operating on major sites within Greater London. The London BPG was established to control dust and exhaust emissions from construction and demolition sites and has set defined standards per site, commonly affecting construction and plant hire equipment.
COSHH, 1994
Under the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation) 1994, employers should make suitable and sufficient assessments to the risk of employees health if there are exposure levels to any of the diesel fumes. The Health and Safety Executive advises the use of exhaust catalyst and filters in order to effectively reduce and control exhaust emission exposure in the work place.
For more information & environmental abatement glossary, download the brochure below.
