







In October 2024, a Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE) Assessment was carried out at a Yeovil-based site where engine testing is part of the daily work routine. The goal was to understand how much exposure staff might have to diesel exhaust fumes and to check whether the current controls were doing enough to keep everyone safe.
Monitoring took place in several key areas including the test cells, control room, store and canteen. While levels of nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide were comfortably below safety limits, the assessment flagged notable levels of total and elemental carbon, particularly in the testing zones which was an indication that diesel exhaust needs closer attention.
The report recommended a few sensible next steps: allow more clearance time before opening test cell doors, consider extending enclosed areas and switch from dry sweeping to HEPA-filtered vacuuming. It also suggested health surveillance, better airflow indicators for LEV systems and ensuring staff wear proper RPE like FFP3 masks where needed.
In short, things are mostly under control but with a few practical improvements the team can reduce risks even further and keep the workspace safe and healthy for everyone.
In December 2024, a Diesel Fumes Emissions Assessment was carried out at an industrial facility in Yeovil to evaluate air quality and ensure employees weren’t being exposed to harmful diesel exhaust emissions. The assessment focused on key work areas, particularly those involved in engine testing, where diesel emissions can build up.
The results showed that carbon and nitrogen oxide levels were all below workplace safety limits, meaning there were no immediate health risks. However, exposure to elemental carbon in test cell areas was considered significant, as it exceeded recommended precautionary levels. This means while conditions are currently safe, improvements could be made to further reduce long-term exposure risks.
To enhance air quality, the report recommended minimising unnecessary engine idling, improving ventilation systems, ensuring proper use of exhaust extraction systems and maintaining protective equipment. Job rotation and routine air quality monitoring were also advised to prevent prolonged exposure for individual employees.
By taking these proactive steps and keeping up with regular monitoring, the facility can maintain a healthy and safe working environment, ensuring employees are well-protected while carrying out essential operations.
In October 2024, a Diesel Fumes Emissions Assessment was carried out at a Somerset Fire Station to evaluate air quality and ensure that firefighters and staff aren’t being exposed to harmful diesel exhaust emissions. Since fire engines frequently start and idle indoors, the goal was to assess potential risks and recommend ways to minimise exposure.
Levels of elemental and total carbon, as well as carbon monoxide, were all well below workplace safety limits. This means that the current exposure levels are not considered hazardous. However, the assessment highlighted that idling fire engines in enclosed spaces could still contribute to long-term exposure, even if immediate risk is low.
To further improve air quality, the report suggested reducing unnecessary engine idling, ensuring that vehicle bay doors are kept open when possible and maintaining ventilation and exhaust extraction systems. Encouraging good hygiene practices, such as handwashing after exposure, was also recommended.
By following these steps and continuing routine air monitoring, this Somerset Fire Station can ensure that its air quality remains safe and that firefighters stay protected while carrying out their essential duties.
Our assessments focus was on examining the air quality at a location in Yeovil to understand workers exposure to diesel fumes and harmful substances in engine testing situations. The primary goal was to identify any hazards present and develop strategies for managing exposure, to these fumes.
During the workers regular activities, we gathered air samples to assess the levels of diesel emissions for safety purposes. The findings indicated that although there were amounts of elemental and total carbon present in the air samples taken during the study period they did not surpass the accepted workplace exposure thresholds. This implies that long as the current safety protocols are upheld it is likely that the workers will remain safe from exposure.
We did offer some suggestions for enhancements such as conducting inspections and upkeep of the ventilation systems; keeping a greater distance between employees and the testing chambers; and refraining from dry sweeping to minimise dust accumulation in the vicinity.
In general. All, in all putting everything together as a whole. Taking everything into consideration as a whole group of things and ideas and points considered together at the same time the main thing we learned from the project was how crucial it is to ensure that there is sufficient air circulation and appropriate safety protocols, in place to limit the amount of diesel exhaust fumes people are exposed to within safe limits that do not pose a health risk.