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814 Heavy Equipment Safety
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Diesel Exhaust/Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)

Diesel engines provide power to a wide variety of vehicles, heavy equipment, and other machinery used in a large number of industries including mining, transportation, construction, agriculture, maritime, and many types of manufacturing operations.

Heavy equipment at a worksite in the city
Exhaust from diesel engines.

The exhaust from diesel engines contains a mixture of gases and very small particles that can create a health hazard when not properly controlled.

For more information on the hazards posed by diesel exhaust, visit OSHA's Hazard Alert - Diesel Exhaust/Diesel Particulate Matter webpage.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-3. If the exhaust from a diesel engine is not properly controlled, what can the mixture of gases and small particles cause?