LEV Assessment
Introduction
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are used across a wide range of industries to remove harmful contaminants from the air, for example gases, dusts, vapours, or even pathogens and microbes. LEV systems are particularly important within the industrial sector, in which tasks may produce fumes or dusts that can be harmful to health. However, it is important to remember that LEV systems must only be used as a last resort when it is not possible to reduce staff exposure to the gas / dust / vapour.
Why Monitor the System?
There are a number of Health and Safety regulations regarding the use of LEV systems, the most prominent being the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Health and Safety Guidance document 258, “Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)”, also contains vital information for building managers about the specifications associated with LEV maintenance.
As an employer, it is essential that LEV systems are regularly checked by a competent person to ensure you meet your H&S responsibilities and protect the health of your workforce. COSHH regulations state that LEV systems must be thoroughly maintained and that the system must be tested at least annually (with a maximum period between tests of 14 months).
Our Service
Daily, weekly, and monthly visual checks must be conducted to assess parts of the system that can become damaged (e.g. valves, seals etc.). It is important to ensure, however, that the person responsible for conducting these tests is competent, whether a trained member of staff or an external contractor.
As well as visual inspections, the system must be tested annually. Tests include measuring air velocity, pressure, fan speed, air temperature, and checking alarms.
Visual tests are also available including the use of smoke to identify leaks in seals, dust lamps to detect escaping dust, and air sampling to establish the LEVs effectiveness at removing contaminants.
Regular assessment of staff exposure to contaminants is also necessary. It may be possible to identify changes to working practices that can minimise any potential for occupational health issues, such as asthma.
When conducting more involved visual checks, it is important to remember the other hazards associated, for example the requirement for work at height, and the person’s potential exposure to the contaminant within the system. H2O Chemicals has specially trained members of staff, experienced in conducting work at height and involving the maintenance and testing of LEV systems. We will help you to monitor and maintain your LEV system and ensure your adherence to Health and Safety and best practice legislation.
