Exhaust emissions matter in the materials handling sector for two reasons.
Firstly, vehicles such as forklift trucks are often used in confined spaces, and this causes toxic substances to build up and exceed the safe or permitted levels for the driver or other employees.
Secondly, the materials which are being handled often need to be kept clean.
This is particularly important in the paper or plasterboard making industries for example, and the use of diesel forklift trucks can cause problems.
Soiling of goods can also be a problem in the plastics industry, where diesel particulate matter can be electrically attracted to the products and difficult to remove.
(Photo: Forklift truck catalytic converters and silencers)