Diesel generators are a widely relied upon power source on construction sites, with reliable off-grid power essential to run on-site equipment and welfare facilities. However, they create pollution with extremely high carbon monoxide outputs. They’re also noisy, and a significant risk to worker health as well as the environment.
The construction industry contributes around 15% of diesel emissions within London alone, according to the Centre for Low Emission Construction, and can be assumed to have similar impacts in other cities and growing urban areas.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that site workers exposed to loud noises for long periods of time, must put measures in place to mitigate the risk on health. This could include selecting tools and equipment that are considered low-noise instead of introducing shift and rotational work as this can result in minimising productivity and operational time.
HSE has also highlighted that those exposed to diesel engine exhaust emissions in both the short and long-term are at risk of several ill-health effects – including respiratory irritation and breathlessness. To minimise the risk on employee health, zero-emission solutions can be introduced to create a safer working environment without sacrificing power output, efficiency, equipment quality, or performance.
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