The NSW/ACT Branch Office of the CEPU has been notified by a diligent member from Nepean Van Services of a potential risk involving exposure to diesel exhaust in the Eastern Creek Parcel Delivery Centre (PDC).
Members would be aware that the Eastern Creek PDC is the latest Australia Post facility to come on line with a Parcel Sorting Machine and is scheduled to begin normal operations from 6 December 2019.
Parcel Contractors, Nepean Van Services, Castle Hill Van Services and Transport will be working out of this facility and with the amount of traffic flow at Eastern Creek PDC it is imperative that managing any risks of exposure to diesel exhaust in this workplace becomes a priority.
Diesel exhaust comes from engines burning diesel fuel and the main chemical components of diesel exhaust emissions are gases, vapours and fine particles known as diesel particulate matter (DPM). DPM can act like a gas and stay airborne for long periods of time.
Unless the appropriate control mechanisms are in place these gases, vapours and diesel particulate matter can be extremely hazardous to a workers health.
To address the concerns raised on behalf of members the Branch Office has contacted Australia Post insisting that immediate independent air quality testing be performed at Eastern Creek PDC. Air monitoring for diesel exhaust emissions involves using specialist equipment and measuring techniques.
Australia Post have engaged a specialist independent company, Greencap, to commence interim testing with an initial test result to be provided by Friday 29 November 2019. Further testing will be conducted during the week beginning 2 December 2019 and will take place during the busiest traffic flow times, both morning and afternoon, with daily measures provided to Australia Post and the Union. A final certified report will be provided after the final week’s testing is completed.
If at any time during the testing the measurements show there is a risk to members’ health the Union will not allow members to continue to work in that hazardous environment.
If the workplace is given the all clear that is not the end of the process as control measures should be reviewed regularly to make sure they are effective.
This would include checking building airflow, ventilation filters, exhaust extraction systems (if in place), CO2 monitors and also ensuring vehicles using diesel fuel are regularly serviced.
The Union is aware that other Van Services and PDC workplaces may have similar concerns and discussions are currently underway to ensure those workplaces are reviewed and meet the required environmental standards.
Should you require any further information please contact Branch Assistant Secretary Peter Chaloner or Branch Officials Cade Anderson, Gil Enzon, Elly Huttly, Phil Kessey, TK Ly, Peter O’Connell, Dharmpal Singh or Dennis Williams on (02) 9893 7822.
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