Vehicle exhaust fumes are a mixture of hazardous substances including soot particles, unburnt hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Selecting the right respiratory protection depends on the specific contaminants present and the level of exposure.

For protection against soot and unburnt hydrocarbons, there are filters available that can offer a certain level of protection. These filters can trap particles and reduce exposure to some of the harmful compounds present in vehicle exhaust.

However, carbon monoxide (CO) is a major concern and presents a significant challenge. CO is a colourless, odourless gas that cannot be effectively filtered out by conventional respirators or filters. Due to its ability to pass through most filter media undetected, it poses a serious risk to health if inhaled, even at low concentrations.

Because of this, the most effective respiratory protection when working in environments where carbon monoxide may be present is a supplied air system. These systems include:

• Airline-fed respiratory systems – providing clean air from a remote source.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – suitable for short-duration tasks or emergency situations where mobile air supply is necessary.

Wherever possible, tasks that produce or involve exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes, particularly carbon monoxide, should be carried out in well-ventilated areas to prevent dangerous accumulation of gases. Ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining safe working conditions.

Key points:

• Filters are available to protect against soot and unburnt hydrocarbons.
• Carbon monoxide cannot be reliably filtered out using standard respirators.
• A supplied air system (airline-fed or SCBA) is the recommended solution for CO exposure.
• Work involving carbon monoxide should be carried out in well-ventilated areas.
• Always assess the working environment to ensure appropriate protection is selected.

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via our WhatsApp.