vehicle exhaust

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Exhaust systems for vehicle fumes

Air pollution is the cause of 40,000 deaths in the UK each year, and vehicle exhaust fumes are a significant factor in this. Vehicle exhaust gases are present in many types of workplace. These include garages and car dealerships, MOT bays and car servicing workshops, railway-related facilities, airports, fire stations, military installations and repair shops.

Vehicle exhaust fumes contain highly dangerous poisonous gasses such as carbon monoxide. As well as the risk of immediate fatal poisoning if concentrated levels of a gas are inhaled, exposure to vehicle fumes can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract and over the long-term can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Working with vehicles doesn’t have to be dangerous though; if a well-designed dust and fume extraction system is put in place, then the risks can be mitigated. At Vent-Tech, not only are we respected industry experts, but we also have a lot of experience in working with companies where people are at risk from vehicle fumes. We help them get their vehicle fume exhaust system working efficiently to control the risks and comply with HSE legislation. After this we can also offer servicing and maintenance suggestions as well as be on hand both in person and over the phone to troubleshoot any issues. Companies that we have worked with include Bombardier, Peverell Garage, Cardiff Bus and Newquay Airport.

What processes pose vehicle exhaust risk?

Vehicle exhaust fumes pose a number of risks in the workplace:

When vehicles are idling for long periods or used intermittently for short periods, exposure to the fumes they produce is harmful. In scenarios like this especially, a catalytic converter will not provide sufficient benefit to the air quality inhaled

When started up indoors there is little scope for the fumes to disperse naturally and leaving vehicle access doors open will not provide sufficient ventilation Exhaust tail pipe extraction is advised when static running.

Diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEEs) in general are especially harmful as they emit known carcinogenic substances. The negative effects are exacerbated just after the engine is turned on after being idle, which is when it is running cold and white smoke is emitted.

The soot content (carbon particle) of diesel fumes can account for between 60%-80% of the exhaust fumes. This contains harmful contaminants. For instance, there is a layer of dangerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Once inhaled, these fumes can cause asthma attacks, breathlessness and coughing.

Engines that are fuelled by petrol and gas (LPG) produce much less soot than diesel engines but the fumes contain a higher level of carbon monoxide gas which can kill.

Speak to an expert to find out more.

It is the legal responsibility of the employer to reduce the presence of these dangerous fumes, as governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

How an LEV system can help you manage vehicle exhaust emissions

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems are the key way in which you can control the risks posed by exhaust fumes whilst keeping your staff safe and fulfilling legal obligations

Vent-Tech operates on a national scale and we will take the time to understand your situation before recommending solutions.

By analysing your business operations we can advise you on how to achieve a fully HSE compliant LEV system. The types of systems used where vehicle exhaust fumes are present include simple flexible hose arrangements, exhaust hose reels, rail systems (which are particularly suited to emergency services providers), and if necessary a bespoke solution. At Vent-Tech our experienced and competent engineers will find a solution to your LEV problems and help you keep your employees safe from vehicle exhaust emissions.

Find out more

The Vent-Tech team is one of the UK’s most respected LEV experts. We have over a decade of operational experience and an abundance of satisfied clients. We can design and install the right ventilation system for your workplace. One that safely removes vehicle exhaust gas from the environment, thereby protecting your employees, and keeping you legally compliant.

To find out more about how an extraction system can reduce fumes in your workplace, contact our team on 0117 964 7945 .