Risk of cancer etc from gas and diesel fumes (small tanker delivery)

If it is bothering you I would suggest some sort of mask to wear, esp on days when it is not windy enough to keep the air movement. I am not sure if a particulate mask something like drs wear would be enough or not, that is something you may need to check out. Of course there are the heavy duty masks with the replaceable cartridges like painters use or the ones you see on war movies. If in doubt, be safe.

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-8214-n95-respirator.html This is a welders mask on the 3M website, it comes 10 to a box and costs $60.61. Don't know how long they last for that price,.

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-8200-respirator.html This is the plain Jane, supposed to be good for woodworking, and grinding, sanding, dusty conditions, (not sure about vapor), $11.81 for 20 == 59 cents each not including shipping, tax.

You might be able to find them cheaper at a paint store too.

 

OK, this may be a dumb question. BUT. Can't you move enough to get away from the fumes? At least so you are not breathing them.

 

dont you know diesel's good for ya. puts hair on your chest

 

Regardless of the potential carcinogenic effects long term exposure may or may not have, if it's bothering you it's worth wearing some level of ppe. A particulate filter is going to do very little, if anything. You are most likely going to need a respirator of some sort with filter cartridges for what you are being exposed to.

Talk to your boss, they may have them already, or may pay for one if they don't and you tell them the fumes are getting to you. If not, you can go to an industrial safety store (airgas usually has little stores with safety stuff, but there are many others) and tell them what you are doing and they should be able to set you up with what you need. Keep in mind that the filter cartridges need to be changed periodically, and most respirators require some special care and training in order to be used effectively.

When it comes to your health and safety, it's always best to err on the side of caution. You can't undo the damage after it happens.

 

I'd find diff job then if its bothering you
you are in control of your life

 

If you smoked (please do not try this. Its an attempt at humor) a cigarette or cigar during this process that ought to clear up the fumes no problem!

 

Some are more susceptable to cancer than others. Read somewhere, lots of respitory problems & cancer among toll booth collectors and truckers who keep windows down a lot. The risks are much higher though with diesel exhaust fumes than raw fuel fumes.

 

The problem is, if the fuel has auto-shutoff, it doesn't always work. I've done the reefer fueling similar to what he does & it takes just a second away from the fueling point, to spray fuel everywhere. It's better to keep your hand on the nozzel or very close.

 

I hauled gas, fuel oil, and kerosene, when most everything was top loaded, meaning you put the tube in the compartment, pulled the handle until the compartment was full, then moved to the next. Delivered to underground tanks before vapor recovery, where fumes were all around you, did home delivery to above ground and underground tanks. You knelt over the tank and listened for it to fill up so it wouldn't spray all over the yard.

Smelling the fumes are not good for you, I have smelled my fair share. I owned a home delivery fuel company for a while. A driver I employed told me he was going to die of cancer, as all old fuel guys he knew did. He has since had prostate cancer and had a hip replaced.

To your situation. I enjoyed the fuel and oil business. You need to get a respritator with charcoal filters. They are not expensive. Car painters used them for years before fresh air suits became popular, and many still use them. They are fairly easy to find. Keep them sealed when not in use. I kept mine sealed in a new one gallon paint can I got at an automotive paint store. These will absorb all fumes to the point you won't smell a thing. You will know when to change the filters as it will become harder to breathe through or you will begin to smell things through it.