APM Terminals supports World Clean Air Day with App upgrade

Air pollution continues to rank as the single biggest threat to human health according to the World Health Organisation. Despite this, awareness of the topic remains low, an issue that today’s World Clean Air Day is hoping to address. It’s also an issue that hasn’t gone unnoticed at APM Terminals.

APM Terminals will release version 2.0 of its ‘Leading Safety’ App this year, for employees at each of its 74 Terminals and more than 100 Inland Service depots. Many of the App’s functions relate to Health, Safety, and Environmental management, including a function to raise awareness about air quality and its impacts.

Air-quality indicator

Certain functionality is also available to non-employees, including real-time, local, air-quality data and advice. If local air quality is poor, external truck drivers may be instructed through the App to switch-off their vehicle’s engine whilst queueing to enter the terminal. A maintenance contractor may be advised to limit their time outside.

The main air pollutants that contribute to air pollution are particulates (microscopic solid or liquid matter), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone. Each one comes from a different source, has different effects on our health, and different chemical behaviours. This is why judging air pollution can be confusing.

APM Terminals’ Leading Safety App uses an easy to understand, colour-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

The Index translates pollutant concentration measurements into one easy-to-understand scale from 1 - Good (no health risks), to 6 - Hazardous (serious risk of respiratory effects). Exposure times can then be managed transparently based on this information to keep people safe and healthy.

Bigger impact through global approach

APM Terminals is at the start of a journey to address air pollution and carbon emissions at a number of its locations. This is being done using electric and hybrid container handling equipment (CHE) and using renewable energy supplies. Examples include, solar installations in Uruguay and India, and electric CHE using 100% renewable energy in Rotterdam.

“There is a balance to be made,” explains Senior Environmental Advisor at APM Terminals, Ashley Woods “Electrification of diesel equipment can help improve local ambient air quality, but in a country which relies on coal in their energy mix, this will increase CO2 emissions and negatively affect air quality in other areas. When it comes to environmental impacts we need to look at the bigger picture and make the right decisions in the right locations across our portfolio. One size does not fit all.”

“As a company we’re looking at different scenarios to reduce our emissions of air pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions globally, to ensure our future decisions have the most beneficial impact. While we’re finalising our global approach, raising awareness internally and externally is key to gaining acceptance.”