What are best practices for controlling diesel emissions indoors?

Controlling diesel emissions indoors starts with elimination or substitution—if you can swap diesel equipment for electric or battery-powered alternatives, that’s your safest bet.

If that’s not possible, the next best practices include:

• Ventilation – Ensure there’s active extraction or supply of fresh air, especially in underground or semi-enclosed spaces.

• Scheduling – Limit diesel-powered work to times when fewer people are present.

• Maintenance – Well-maintained engines burn cleaner and emit less soot.

• Zoning – Keep diesel machines away from workstations or high-traffic areas.

• Monitoring – Use personal or area sampling to check exposure levels regularly.

The goal is to prevent buildup and limit worker exposure—because once diesel particles settle into a space, they can linger.