Vehicle exhaust extraction systems provide safer workplaces for emergency personnel and mechanics

In a work environment where hazardous fumes are present, having an efficient and convenient exhaust extraction system in place is essential. Some emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, emit diesel exhaust fumes. These are dangerous particulates, which must be removed in a way that ensures both the safety of the personnel and the ability of vehicles to quickly be dispatched from the station in the event of an emergency.

Working in proximity to diesel-powered vehicles means there is a risk of diesel exhaust fume exposure

Diesel exhaust fumes in the workplace are a concern to all professions where personnel work in environments where they regularly come into contact with diesel-powered vehicles. This includes several categories of emergency personnel, paramedics and firefighters for example, but also mechanics and other repair shop workers that regularly need to run vehicles for diagnostics, engine and fuel injector cleaning, diesel particulate filter regeneration and other maintenance purposes.

Diesel exhaust fumes are carcinogenic, and may result in other health problems as well

Diesel exhaust fumes are made up of various gases and particulates. These gases and particulates get inhaled easily, and the particulates can penetrate deep into the human respiratory system, exacerbating breathing problems and possibly leading to cardiovascular and other diseases; even cancer. Firefighters are among the professions most exposed to the risks of diesel exhaust fume-related illnesses, meaning that as dangerous as their work is while being out on assignment, they also face health hazards back at the station.

Vehicle exhaust extraction hoses vastly reduce diesel exhaust fume exposure

Nederman’s vehicle exhaust extraction systems mainly consist of hoses and nozzles mounted above the vehicles in fire stations, ambulance bays or repair shops, for example. With a fire truck, the nozzles are easy to attach to the exhaust pipe as the fire truck arrives at the entrance bay, where the hoses will extract the fumes right at the source and prevent them from spreading to the personnel. These systems can attach via mechanical, pneumatic, rare earth magnets or electromagnets. In the magnetic controlled systems, known as Magna Track and Magna Rail, the extraction hose attaches to the truck via an electromagnet. When the vehicle departs, the hose will detach smoothly, thus causing no delay and being ready to extract diesel exhaust fumes again as soon as the truck returns to the station.

Magna Rail systems allow for several vehicles to be served simultaneously

In a larger fire station, several fire trucks may need to be served simultaneously. The Magna Rail and Magna Rail Green are able to serve four and two vehicles, respectively, at the same time. Both solutions allow for a great deal of customization, depending on the type and size of the facility, and its operational requirements.

Additional benefits with vehicle exhaust extraction hoses

Using systems such as Pneumatic Track, Pneumatic Rail, Magna Track and Magna Rail has benefits beyond those related to extraction efficiency and personnel health. Keeping hoses suspended from above helps keep the station/workshop floor clear. The hoses are very durable and robust, requiring very little maintenance and lasting for many years. Last but not least, these systems have resulted in significantly cleaner work environments, with much less soot and dust on everything from walls and vehicle surfaces to equipment and, most importantly, firefighter’s clothing and turnout gear.

The video below shows some of Nederman’s work in some fire stations in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Since the exhibition of our first fire station exhaust extraction system in 1987, well over 100,000 Nederman systems have been installed in fire stations worldwide. In addition to that, Nederman has supplied numerous fire services workshops with static vehicle exhaust extraction, welding fume extraction and benchtop extraction systems. If you wish to know more about our work in this field, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. You can also find plenty of articles about other Nederman solutions, in areas such as welding fume extraction, dust collection and oil mist and oil smoke filtration, here at the Nederman Knowledge Center.