What documentation should be kept following diesel exhaust exposure testing?

After diesel exhaust exposure testing, employers should retain clear and well-organised documentation that shows what was assessed, how it was done, and what actions followed. Monitoring reports are the starting point. These should include the sampling strategy, duration, locations, results, and an explanation of what those results mean in practical terms.

Supporting documents are just as important. This includes updated COSHH risk assessments that reference the monitoring data, method statements, and any changes made to work practices or controls as a result. If engineering controls such as ventilation adjustments or engine restrictions were introduced, records of these changes should be kept too.

Training records also matter. If workers were briefed on diesel fume risks or new procedures following the assessment, that should be documented. Together, this creates a clear audit trail.

There’s no single rule on format, but documentation should be accessible and understandable to a third party, including inspectors or insurers. Poorly filed or incomplete records can undermine otherwise good monitoring work, which is a common issue we see in practice.