What are the safety precautions for diesel engines?

10 Tips for Diesel Engine Maintenance Proper maintenance of diesel engines is good for your rental company, good for your pocketbook and good for the environment – if you put safety first. While most veteran professional mechanics are trained in safe working practices, service technicians new to the equipment rental field must often learn by doing.

1. Therefore, mechanics new to the industry should be well-versed in the following basic safety precautions: 1.) Always ensure that the engine is properly supported and in safe condition before you attempt to use force to loosen any nuts, bolts or plugs.
2. Wherever possible, initially slacken tight fastenings before raising the vehicle off the ground or removing the engine from its mountings.2.) A vehicle should always have its gearbox in neutral; never start the engine unless the load has been removed and the hand brake applied.3.) Never run catalytic converter-equipped engines without the exhaust system heat shields in place.4.) Before starting work, allow oil, coolant or other fluids to cool to avoid scalding.5.) Never siphon fuel, coolant, cooling agents, solvents or liquids by mouth or allow prolonged contact with skin.6.) Take off watches, rings or other jewelry.

Keep long hair and loose clothing well out of the way of any moving parts.7.) Keep tools away from the top of the battery. They could cause a short circuit and possible explosion.8.) Never lean over to work on a running engine.9.) Never take risky shortcuts or rush to finish a job.10.) Don’t pour drained engine fluids down the drain.

What are the safety precautions while working on an engine?

Safe work with engines Working with vehicle engines can present a number of potential hazards, including contact with moving parts, electric shock, burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. Canada-based WorkSafeBC offers these tips to stay safe when working with engines:

Remove rings, metal watches, bracelets and any loose clothing before beginning work. Tie back long hair. Keep hands clear of all moving parts. Use extreme caution around engine fans, as these may strike you, fling objects, start unexpectedly, or catch dangling leads or strings. Avoid touching hot engine parts. Do not run engines indoors or in enclosed spaces. Always guard against CO poisoning. Avoid electric shock from battery or ignition systems. Allow the engine to cool for at least one hour before opening the radiator cap. Even then, use extreme caution. Place a rag over the cap and loosen it slowly to the first detent or stop to allow residual pressure and steam to be released. Wait until all pressure has escaped before fully removing the cap.

: Safe work with engines

What is the main precaution to be taken prior to engaging the turning gear for a diesel engine?

Before engaging the turning gear, ensure that the starting air supply is shut off, the main starting and slow turning valves are blocked, and that the indicator cocks are open. When the turning gear is engaged, check that the indicator lamp ‘Turning gear in’ has switched on.

What safety precautions must be adhered to while conducting the compression test?

Download Article Download Article Compression tests are often done to monitor the condition of a car’s engine, along with the valves and other internal components. If your car isn’t running as well as it should, the test can indicate that one of the components has begun to wear out.

1. 1 Bring the engine to its normal running temperature. If you haven’t driven the car lately, the engine will be cold. Start your vehicle as usual and keep the engine running for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the engine by letting it run too long before the test. You will be able to feel the heat radiating from the engine when you go near it.
   • If you have taken your car for a long drive recently, give it at least 30 minutes to cool down. Make sure the engine feels warm instead of burning hot.
   • You could also try doing a compression test on a cold engine. The test is more accurate when the engine is warm, but it may still alert you to problems that need to be fixed in order to keep your vehicle in good shape.
2. 2 Switch off the engine before opening the hood. Make sure it is all the way off without any electricity or fuel flowing to the engine. Remove the key from the ignition to ensure the components can be safely removed from the engine bay. If your car plugs into a wall, unplug the charging cable first before handling any components. Advertisement
3. 3 Put on insulated gloves and safety glasses for protection. Since you’re going to be near hot parts, wear heat-resistant gloves while reaching into the engine compartment. Always wear gloves to protect yourself from burns. The safety glasses are good protection against possible gas and oil spray when you’re detaching engine components.
   • In most cases, you won’t get any gas or oil on you during the test, but you’re still better off safe than sorry. Put on the safety glasses just in case.
   • If you’re performing the test on a cold engine, you won’t need the gloves.
4. 4 Remove the fuel pump or injection fuse in your vehicle. Locate the fuse box, which is usually inside the engine compartment. Open the black case to expose the colorful plastic tops of the fuses plugged into various slots. The fuel pump fuses are often colored blue, although this can vary depending on your vehicle.
   • The fuse box can be located somewhere else in your car, such as underneath the steering wheel or inside the passenger glove box. It differs depending on the vehicle.
   • Refer to the owner’s manual or look for a diagram on the fuse box case. It will show you the location of the fuse or fuses you need to remove. If you don’t have the manual or a diagram, search for your car’s make and model online to see if you can find one.
5. 5 Disconnect the ignition coil fuse in the fuse box. This will disable the ignition system so it can’t send a spark of electricity to the engine’s spark plugs. Use your owner’s manual or fuse box diagram to locate it and remove it. Keep it separate from the fuel fuses so you know which one goes where after the test.
   • If your vehicle doesn’t have an ignition fuse, look for the big ignition coil in the engine compartment. It looks like a cylinder perched on top of the engine. Pull off the big wire plugged into the top part of the coil.
6. 6 Detach wires from each spark plug on the engine. Check the engine for a series of black cables coming out the top end. Grasp each wire at the end, then twist it while simultaneously pulling it up to detach detach it from the engine block. The opposite end of each wire will still be plugged in, so you won’t be able to take them out of the vehicle.
   • Label the wires so you know which spark plug each one connects to. The spark plug wires are generally well-routed to avoid confusion, but keep them separate anyway to reduce the possibility of switching them.
   • You don’t need to take the wires out to perform the test, but consider taking the opportunity to inspect them and replace worn-out ones,
   • Some vehicles have ignition coils instead of spark plugs, but they can be removed the same way.
7. 7 Remove the spark plugs with a socket wrench. To make the removal process as easy as possible, fit the wrench with an extension handle and a spark plug socket. Fit the socket into the engine holes uncovered by the wires you removed. Once the wrench is onto the spark plug inside, turn it counterclockwise until you are able to lift it out of the engine.
   • Socket wrench kits, along with compression gauges and replacement parts, are available online or at most auto part stores.
   • Label each spark plug with chalk or a piece of masking tape so you know which cylinder they belong to. Lay them out in a secure spot near your vehicle.
   • Consider checking the spark plugs for damage while you have them out. If they look worn out, replace them, Burned oil or other debris could be a sign of an engine problem.

Advertisement

1. 1 Put the compression test adapter into the engine’s first cylinder. Look down on the engine to figure out which cylinder is closest to the front of the engine. Note the circular cylinders and the timing belt on the engine’s front. The first cylinder is on the rightmost ones in most engines.
   • Keep in mind that compression testing kits often come with multiple adapter hoses. Use one that fits well in your vehicle’s engine. Check the sizing label on the hose and match it to the size of the spark plugs.
2. 2 Connect the compression gauge to the opposite end of the hose. If you’re testing a diesel engine, make sure you’re using a gauge designed for diesel since it will have a higher compression tolerance. Then, check the end of the gauge for a metal connector that fits on the end of the hose adapter.
   • Make sure the gauge is well-connected to the hose. If it feels loose, it will affect the test.
   • Keep in mind that some compression gauges plug directly into the engine and don’t require a hose. However, most gauges you will come across make use of a hose adapter.
3. 3 Crank the engine at least 4 times to complete the test. Turn the key as far as it will go in the ignition, then release it. Do this about 4 or 5 times without shutting off the vehicle at all. The engine will be running throughout the entire process. When you’re done, check the compression gauge to get the test result.
   • The needle on the gauge should stop moving and point to a number. If it doesn’t stay in place, crank the engine for up to 10 seconds.
   • Ask a friend to sit in the driver’s seat and crank the engine for you. That way, you can keep an eye on the compression gauge. If your vehicle has a remote starter, you could also use it to avoid having to get behind the wheel.
4. 4 Move the compression gauge to repeat the test on the other cylinders. Unscrew the hose adapter by hand, then move it onto the second cylinder. Keep doing it until you have a result for all of the engine’s cylinders. Be sure to record each number on a piece of paper so you can compare them when you’re done.
   • Test all of the cylinders in order, starting with the first one and working straight down the line to the engine’s opposite end. On your paper, label it “1, 2, 3” and so on. Keep the test results orderly so you know which cylinders they correspond to.
   • Once you’re done testing, you can remove the compression gauge and hose adapter.

Advertisement

1. 1 Note pressure readouts between 125 and 175 PSI on a standard engine. Most engine cylinders fall in the middle of that range, usually around 125 PSI. However, the exact rating could vary due to a lot of factors, like the vehicle you have, the type of engine you’re testing, and its overall condition.
   • For diesel engines, the optimal PSI is between 275 and 400.
   • Low individual readings indicate cylinder-specific problems like worn-out piston rings.
2. 2 Make sure the test results are no more than 10% apart. The difference between the highest and lowest cylinder rating should be no more than 15 to 20 PSI. Big pressure differences are a sure sign of engine problems. Note which cylinder has the low reading to uncover the source of the problem. You may also see multiple cylinders with low readings, which could alert you to more serious issues.
   • For example, a series of low readings could indicate that the valves between cylinders have worn out. It could also be a sign of overall engine failure.
3. 3 Retest cylinders below 100 PSI after adding engine oil to them. Pour about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of fresh engine oil directly into the open cylinder. Then, hook the pressure gauge and hose adapter to it again. Repeat the test by turning over the ignition a few times. When you’re done, check the readout again to see how it has changed.
   • The PSI typically rises when you do a wet test instead of a dry one. The change can help you determine what is wrong with the cylinder. If the test worked, a large change could mean the piston rings have worn out.
4. 4 Fix the engine if it doesn’t appear to be functioning correctly. The engine is vital to your vehicle, so don’t ignore poor readouts from the compression test. Identifying and fixing engine problems can be very tough to do on your own. If you need help, get the car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
   • If the low reading is from a single cylinder, check it for worn-out piston rings. If the test results were both the same, the cylinder could have a bad valve.
   • If you notice 2 nearby pistons with low PSI readings, you most likely have a blown head gasket to replace. The gasket is between the 2 cylinders.
   • Low compression in all cylinders could mean your engine needs a new timing belt, If that doesn’t work, the engine may need a tune up.
   • If the engine no longer runs very well, you may be better off replacing it with a new one. Fixing an engine can be expensive, so sometimes getting a new engine from a scrapyard is more cost-effective.

Advertisement

Add New Question

• Question Are all three cylinders suppose to have the same compression? All cylinders are supposed to have the exact same compression, but that is rare in real-life scenarios. A max of 10% variability is usually considered okay, but more than that could indicate a problem.
• Question What is the logical procedure to determine cylinder pressure and to make comparisons between individual cylinders? Perform compression checks on all cylinders, writing down each number. When you’re done, compare numbers. There will be differences. Some manuals indicate that numbers need to be within 10% of each other; other manuals may indicate 15% allowable difference. If any one or more numbers exceed the manual’s specs, you likely have a problem.
• Question What if one of my cylinders has higher compression than the rest? It is more common to get one low cylinder to be honest but any major variance between the cylinders can indicate a problem.

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

• Removing all of the spark plugs will not harm your vehicle or affect the test. It does give you a chance to check the parts for damage and then test all the engine cylinders.
• Keep parts labeled as you remove them so you know where they belong when you’re ready to put them back. Consider taking pictures with your phone before disconnecting parts.
• Higher PSI readings from the test usually indicate better engine performance, although the ideal reading varies between vehicles. In general, the PSI will be somewhere between 100 and 150 in a well-functioning engine.

Advertisement

• Working on a running engine increases the risk of electrical shock. Make sure you detach the ignition coil or its fuse to prevent the spark plugs from carrying a charge.
• Hot engines cause burns, so always wear protective gear like heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses.

Advertisement

• Compression gauge
• Compression gauge adapter
• Socket wrench
• Extension handle
• Spark plug socket
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Safety glasses

Article Summary X Before you can perform a compression test on your car’s engine, you’ll need to run it for 5 to 10 minutes to bring it up to its normal running temperature. Next, switch off the engine, remove the fuel pump, and disconnect the spark plugs.

Attach the compression test adapter into the cylinder nearest the front of the engine, then connect the gauge to the other end of the adapter hose. To perform the test, crank the engine 4 times by turning the key in your car’s ignition, then check the compression gauge for the result. After you get a result for the first cylinder, repeat the process for all of the other cylinders.

To learn more, including how to interpret your test results, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 321,288 times.

What are the hazards of handling diesel fuel?

Diesel can cause the skin to become irritated, dry and cracked; if the skin is exposed for a long time then burns may develop. Dermatitis (eczema) can develop if exposure to the skin happens often. Diesel is highly flammable; it and its fumes may cause fire or explosions if not handled appropriately.

What are the safety in handling fuel?

Practice caution when handling fuel-Safety Moment #13 The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers a number of tips for storing and handling fuel:

Don’t store more fuel than the minimum amount needed. Use approved containers, away from heat sources and in well-ventilated areas. Never attempt to siphon gasoline with your mouth – doing so could be deadly. Refrain from prolonged skin contact with fuel, avoid breathing in fuel fumes or vapors, and remove any clothing that comes in contact with fuel.

When your workplace is receiving fuel from a delivery truck:

Don’t allow smoking near fuel trucks, as vapors may ignite. Have spill kits handy in the event of a spill. Keep fuel caps closed, except during filling and gauging, to avoid the release of vapors. Position the fuel truck away from other vehicles so it doesn’t interfere with their movements.

What are the factors of safety for engines?

Typical Overall Factors of Safety

What should you always check before starting a diesel engine?

The starting procedure of marine engines on ships requires several points to be taken into consideration. While it is necessary that none of these points should be missed, there are a few extremely important things that should be done without fail while starting these ship engines.

1. Ten of these important points (in no particular sequence) are as followed: 1.
2. Lubrication of Main Engine : Start pre-lubrication of the engine well before starting the marine engine,
3. For the main engine it should be started before 1 hour and for auxiliary 4-stroke engines at least 15 minutes in advance.

Related reading: Ship’s marine engine lubrication system 2. Check All Important Parameters : After starting the lubrication pump, check lube oil levels and all other running pump parameters such as cooling water pressure, fuel oil temp and pressure, control and starting air pressure etc. 3. Open Indicator Cocks and Blow Through All the indicator cocks of the marine engine must be opened up for blow-through of the combustion chamber prior to starting in order to avoid hydraulic damage because of water leakage 4. Rotate the Crankshaft : Rotate the crankshaft of the marine engine by means of turning gear so that all the parts are thoroughly lubricated before starting.

1. Related Reading: Main Engine Operations: Running, Starting, Stopping 5.
2. Manually Check Turning Gear : Ensure that the turning gear is properly disengaged by checking it locally even when the remote signal is showing-“disengaged” sign.
3. Some auxiliary engines are provided with a tommy bar for rotation, ensure that it is removed from the flywheel before the engine is started.6.

Check Jacket Cooling Water Temperature: The jacket cooling water temperature of the engine should be maintained at least 60 deg C for the main engine and 40 deg C for the auxiliary engine (it may vary depending upon the KW rating of the engine). Related Reading: General Overview of Central Cooling System Of Ships 7.

1. Warm up the Engine: The incoming ship generator should be run at no load for at least 5 mins to allow warming up of the system.8.
2. Put Load Sharing Switch to Manual: When the 2 nd generator is started, it will try to come on load as soon as possible due to the autoload automation provided for sharing the equal load (if same rated capacity).

While starting the 2 nd generator, keep in mind to put the load sharing switch to manual. This will avoid the “just started” generator coming on load, giving it some time for warm-up.9. Avoid Excessive Opening of Exhaust Valve: When starting the main engine with hydraulic oil operated exhaust valves, open the spring air first and then start the hydraulic oil to the exhaust valve. Do you know any other important points that should be considered while starting marine engines? Let us know in the comments below. Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. An ardent sailor and a techie, Anish Wankhede has voyaged on a number of ships as a marine engineer officer. He loves multitasking, networking, and troubleshooting. He is the one behind the unique creativity and aesthetics at Marine Insight.

Which of the following are needed to be checked prior starting of diesel engines?

The various supply tanks, filters, valves and drains are all to be checked. The fuel oil system is checked and circulated with hot oil. The turning gear is removed and if possible the engine should be turned over on air before closing the indicator cocks.1.

What safety precautions is required before starting an electric motor?

Precautions & Instructions for Use（AC fan motors） | Engineering Information | MinebeaMitsumi Product Site To ensure that the fan motor is used safely and correctly, carefully read and understand before use.

table> INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. Because of the possibility of injury, do not touch the spindle or other rotating parts with your hands or fingers during operation.
2. Static electricity may cause damage the fan motor or other equipment. Take appropriate measures against static electricity when installing the fan motor.
3. Be sure to hold the frame when handling the fan motor and avoid letting the lead wires hang down.
4. Ensure that the operating voltage range (including frequency for an AC fan motor) and operating environment (temperature and humidity ranges) always comply with the values specified in this catalog.
5. Values listed in the catalogs, specification sheets and other documents stipulate the performance, characteristics, and functions of the fan motor in a state of being independently activated without being mounted in user’s products or equipment. To verify symptoms and issues that cannot be expected by an evaluation of a stand-alone fan motor, the customer should certainly evaluate and test the fan motor mounted in the customer’s products or equipment.
6. When mounting this product for fixation, be sure to take into consideration the product’s weight, the vibrations generated during operation, the vibrations from the periphery and all other relevant factors. The abnormal vibration or noise by resonance may affect the performance, characteristics, and functions of the described product. If the mounting place is vibrating, the bearing of the fan motor may be damaged. Please select installing place where the housing is flat, no step or warpage so that the rotating body does not touch after installation. Regarding the location and method where the fan motor is installed, please verify that you do not generate resonance vibration noises.
7. The design and specification of the motor may change without notice.

table> OTHER PRECAUTIONS

1. The life of fan motor may be shorter than the catalog values under high temperature and high humidity environment.
2. Storage area should not be in high temperature, high humidity environment, and storage term shall be within 6 months as much as possible. In the case of long-term preservation under high temperature or high humidity environment, It cannot be guaranteed even within the quality assurance period of time. Please keep it under normal temperature condition.
3. Turn the power ON after connecting all the terminals out of the motor. Incomplete connection, wiring change while conducting, inserting and removing connectors may cause breakdown and degradation. When turning off the power supply, please do not disconnect the connection on the minus side first while connecting the plus side.
4. Provide a fuse, a protection circuit, etc. to ensure safety against injuries to human body or fires that may arise from accidental failure of motor or circuit.
5. Do not remove the name plate on the motor.
6. When using obstacles in the suction inlet or discharge outlet, place the obstacles at an adequate distance from the fan so that noise is reduced to a minimum. (We recommend a distance greater than the radius of the impeller.)
7. Design the suction inlet, discharge outlet and internal flow paths taking into account the air flow-stationary characteristics and noise aspects so that an efficient and satisfactory air flow is obtained.
8. Since the products are open type motors, please avoid using or storing them in places with many rubbish, dust, lint and insects. If you use them in an environment that they are entangled with the inside of the rotor or the rotating body, it may shorten the bearing life or cause rotation disturbance. Please install a filter not to get dust, lint, and insects inside the motor so that they do not get caught in the body. Never insert a foreign substance into the rotating fan motor; otherwise the rotating body will be damaged.
9. When using the products in particular environments, where corrosive substances are present, cutting oil and moisture are exist, please contact us in advance and select a model with high IP performance. The impeller used has excellent durability and is made of composite resin, but avoid usage in locations where it is likely to receive the influence of petroleum based oils such as machining oil, or poisonous gases.
10. When attaching the fan, we recommend using the correct tightening torque. When using flange type fan motor, We recommend to use only one side using a screw to tighten it. When a flange type of product is fixed with bolts through the upper and lower mounting holes, the casing may be deformed, causing rotation failure. Iinstalling with pressure on the side of the casing of the fan motor, the wind tunnel and the impeller may come into contact and there may be a possibility of rotation hindrance.
11. Check the matching when mounting the fan in the set position or have the set manufacturer check this and provide quality assurance. Matching check case examples for mounting the fan Electrical noise emission, mechanical noise emission, vibration, resonance, static noise resistance, electrical noise resistance, mis-operation, etc.
12. Please note following notice at readable position for operators when this product is to be used, or please take countermeasure at finished product which make operators of the product keep away from moving fan blades.
    • WARNING
    • Hazardous moving parts
    • Keep away from moving fan blades
13. We shall be free from compensation for any damages induced due to failure of fan motor.

Precautions & Instructions for Use（AC fan motors） | Engineering Information | MinebeaMitsumi Product Site

What precautions do you take during determination of compressive strength?

Precautions for use of concrete compressive testing machine: When operating, it is strictly forbidden to exceed the marking line on the vertical column (50mm).3. It is strictly forbidden to start the motor at high pressure to avoid damaging the electrical appliances.

What is the biggest risk from exposure to diesel?

What is the risk to construction workers? – The major source of DEEEs on a construction site is likely to be from generators and heavy vehicles like lorries, excavators or telehandlers. The more significant risks are linked to longer periods of work with this equipment in enclosed spaces and / or situations where there is blue or black smoke.

Breathing DEEEs can cause a number of ill-health effects. Short-term exposure may cause eye or respiratory irritation. This should stop when you are in fresh air. Longer periods of exposure, in particular to any blue or black smoke, can lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness. There is also evidence that repeated exposure to DEEEs over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer.

HSE commissioned research highlighted it as a significant risk to construction workers from DEEEs, estimating that over 200 died prematurely in 2005. It is important to note that this estimate is based on past exposures up to 50 years ago. Engine and fuel technology has changed significantly since then.

What type of hazard is diesel?

What is Diesel? – Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel for use in motor vehicles and other compression ignition engines. Diesel fuel poses potential hazards for fire or explosion, individuals health and the environment. As a highly flammable liquid, it will easily be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

What level of safety is diesel?

Types of diesel – The Environmental Protection Authority has approved the following types of diesel:

Diesel fuel (automotive gas oil and marine diesel fuel). HSR001441. HSNO classification 3.1D, 6.1E (All), 6.3B, 6.7B, 9.1B (All). (GHS classification – Flammable liquid Category 4, Aspiration hazard Category 1, Carcinogenicity Category 2, Hazardous to the aquatic environment chronic Category 2). UN 3082. Hazchem code 3Z. Diesel fuel is the fuel most commonly used in engines in New Zealand.

Low flashpoint diesel (‘low flash’ ‘domestic heating oil’ and ‘alpine diesel’). HSR001447. HSNO classification 3.1C, 6.1E (All), 6.3B, 6.7B, 9.1B (All). (GHS classification – Flammable liquid Category 3, Aspiration hazard Category 1, Carcinogenicity Category 2, Hazardous to the aquatic environment chronic Category 2). UN 1202. Hazchem code 3Y. Low flashpoint diesel is used in particular circumstances, for example as a heating fuel used in locations with low temperatures such as high-altitude ski fields.

B21-B99 biodiesel/mineral diesel blends (HSR007902). HSNO classification 3.1D, 6.1E (All), 6.3B, 6.7B, 9.1B (All). (GHS classification – Flammable liquid Category 4, Aspiration hazard Category 1, Carcinogenicity Category 2, Hazardous to the aquatic environment chronic Category 2). This is diesel blended with biodiesel in quantities up to 99 percent. Biodiesel on its own is non-hazardous, however biodiesel/mineral diesel blends are hazardous substances. Biodiesel is used in engines and as heating.

While diesel is not a particularly flammable substance (class 3.1D means that it is a flammable liquid: low hazard, 3.1C is a medium hazard), it is an environmental hazard (9.1B) with considerable clean-up costs if it should leak into a drain, watercourse, or the soil.

What is fuel handling equipment?

Fuel handling is a critical item during a nuclear power plant refueling outage. The proper operation of fuel handling equipment, such as fuel handling machines, fuel upending machines, fuel transfer carriages, and fuel elevators, is important to a successful refueling outage and to preparing fuel for eventual disposal.

What are fuel hazards?

Hazards of petrol – As well as being flammable, petrol is poisonous. If you accidentally swallow petrol, call a doctor at once. Do not induce vomiting. If you get petrol in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and call a doctor. Petrol on your skin may not initially appear to be a problem, but prolonged or repeated liquid contact can lead to irritation or dermatitis.

• Petrol fumes or vapour presents an airborne risk to health for workers and others.
• Exposure to vapour concentrations can cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination.
• Higher concentrations may cause loss of consciousness, cardiac sensitisation, coma and death resulting from respiratory failure.

Petroleum vapour can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and exposure to high concentrations, particularly in confined spaces, can cause dizziness and unconsciousness. Most importantly, never swallow petrol or diesel or attempt to use the mouth to siphon it.

What is the biggest risk from exposure to diesel?

What is the risk to construction workers? – The major source of DEEEs on a construction site is likely to be from generators and heavy vehicles like lorries, excavators or telehandlers. The more significant risks are linked to longer periods of work with this equipment in enclosed spaces and / or situations where there is blue or black smoke.

• Breathing DEEEs can cause a number of ill-health effects.
• Short-term exposure may cause eye or respiratory irritation.
• This should stop when you are in fresh air.
• Longer periods of exposure, in particular to any blue or black smoke, can lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness.
• There is also evidence that repeated exposure to DEEEs over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer.

HSE commissioned research highlighted it as a significant risk to construction workers from DEEEs, estimating that over 200 died prematurely in 2005. It is important to note that this estimate is based on past exposures up to 50 years ago. Engine and fuel technology has changed significantly since then.

Jack Gloop