World First DPM monitoring project deployed on HS2 TBM

ALIGN JV made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick have become the first of the 4 major principal contractors at HS2 to undertake the diesel particulate monitoring. In doing so they achieved a world first- that being the world’s first tunnel construction project to implement a whole of environment DPM monitoring program. ALIGN were also the world’s first principal contractor to deploy continuous DPM monitoring directly on the TBM’s.

Congratulations and recognition must also go to HS2 and ALIGN for identifying the innovative value of the Pinssar system and making the progressive leap to ensure the health and safety of their workforce.  

In 2012, Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) was declared a group1 carcinogen – in the same category as Asbestos. To enable a timely response to this risk, continuous real-time DPM monitoring technology from Pinssar was developed to support companies and their workers in harsh underground and confined space environs.  The patented Pinssar Reader is the world’s only ultra – low maintenance, diesel monitoring system specifically developed for long term deployment in extremely harsh environments, providing practical diesel emissions data on a 24/7 basis. The Pinssar DPM Readers are now deployed across 6 continents.

The solution comprises a ruggedised, fixed, particle monitor called the DPR which works continuously to collect DPM samples and sends data to a highly configurable dashboard interface, which records and displays DPM levels as well as internal diagnostic information. Additionally, the system is compatible with the clients control system architecture. 

In the UK, the HS2 project identified the issue as a key health initiative for the project. “We saw real-time DPM monitoring as the next advancement in meeting our ‘healthy at heart, health by design’, strategic approach,” explains Fiona King, Head of Occupational Health & Wellbeing at HS2. 

The aim of the project is to avoid exceedances to the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL). This is achieved by the DPR identifying a change in DPM levels, allowing for responses in a timely manner.   The system is also useful in identifying emitting technologies working outside of expected emissions calculations. Both the contactor and client can review the data, helping them understand the health of their working environments, as well as considering effective DPM mitigating technologies for future, safe project planning, ventilation and equipment selection.    

“I am pleased to say we are seeing immediate benefits and are ensuring the project teams are working in a healthy and safe environment. This technology represents the most practical way to understand our DPM levels and trends in continuous real-time, allowing us to adjust controls and minimise risk, which perfectly supports the ALIGN ‘AIM HIGH’ culture”, says Ralph Ashwood, Deputy Director Health, Safety and Wellbeing at ALIGN JV.