GLA rules all plant on major sites must have DPFs

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has ruled that all machines over 37kW working on major construction sites must be fitted with emission control systems, rejecting proposals for an ‘Approved List’ of plant requiring diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

London’s local authorities will make installing DPFs on machines a condition of planning approval for the Olympics and other big sites unless there is a convincing reason why a particular machine can’t be modified.

Such reasons could include non-compliance with the Provision and Use of Workplace Machinery Regulations (PUWPR) because of burn hazards or obstructing the operator’s field of view.

However DPF manufacturers argue that recent advances in technology means the filters fit in place of the standard silencer - although the cost of an installation can be £6,000 or more.

Sites affected are: those over 15,000m²; with more than 150 properties; any referred to the Mayor and/or the London Development Agency; or that have a significant impact for emissions and dust.

While all are initially in or around London, authorities experiencing high levels of air pollution outside the capital also are known to be watching this development with interest. 

The Energy Savings Trust (EST) will compile a list of approved DPF suppliers and issue a Certificate of Compliance for each installation. Contentious matters such as invalidating the warranty and ensuring noise and other regulations are not contravened will be a matter for the DPF manufacturer/installer and plant owner to resolve.

Another condition of the planning approval on these developments will be the use of low sulphur diesel in all the machines on site, the paving of major haul routes used by HGVs, and regular monitoring of air quality. Both the GLA and EST have argued that rebated (red) low sulphur diesel is readily available but many in the industry remain to be convinced.

Construction Plant-hire Association chief executive Colin Wood said: “It’s not the principal we oppose, but the cost. It will be a financial decision for each member to decide whether or not to offer machines fitted with a DPF.”

In the past where specialised modifications have been required, the contractor has made additional payments to compensate the plant owner and Wood would like to see this practice extended to this situation.  

He said the Association aims to compile a database of approved installations to help members wanting to tender for work on these sites.