Tunnelling and Construction
The reason why exhaust emissions can be a problem in the tunnelling and construction sectors is that both make intensive use of diesel engines within a localised area.
In the case of underground work there is a requirement to keep the toxic elements of exhaust gas under control in order to safeguard the health of employees. This is normally achieved by a combination of forced ventilation and reduction at source, however forced ventilation is expensive to install and run and therefore it makes sense to reduce emissions at source first. The aim is to ensure that the working environment is as pleasant as possible and that the pollutants emitted by the engine are well within the statutory limits which apply.
In the case of above ground construction, requirements to reduce exhaust emissions often arise where a large project is taking place in an area which already has a problem with air quality, such as in a city or near to a major road. In these situations it is common for the local authority to impose planning conditions which require that all practical steps are taken to reduce pollution.
(Photo: Schoma tunnelling locomotive fitted with diesel particulate filter)