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Extract fumes and dust with local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
Good air quality in the workplace isn’t just a matter of comfort – it’s a requirement of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which stipulates that all local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems should be maintained in an efficient state and in good repair, and inspected and tested at 14 monthly intervals.
LEV itself is an engineering control that reduces exposure to airborne hazardous substances such as dust, exhaust fumes, solvent vapours and other toxic or corrosive contaminants. It works by conveying the contaminant to a point where it is either discharged into the atmosphere or removed from the system. UKES provides a comprehensive range of LEV services including environmental filtration and cleaning, statutory examinations and testing, record keeping and reports regarding work undertaken, verification of findings by air monitoring and sampling, and remedial action as required.
Any substance is classified as hazardous to health under COSSH if it so identified under the Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply (CHIP) Regulations 2002; if it has an occupational exposure level; if it is a biological agent such as bacteria; and if it is any type of dust.
LEV systems should follow guidelines on minimum safety requirements issued by the HSE, as detailed in publications HSG193, HSG37 and HSG54. It is the employer’s responsibility not only to introduce and maintain an effective LEV system but to be seen to be doing so – which is why keeping records and booking regular testing is so important. Failure to comply with the COSSH Regulations 2002 is a serious matter for any employer, as the organisation concerned will be deemed to have put their employees’ health at unnecessary risk. In a worst case scenario, it could even result in criminal prosecution. |
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UKES will support you in complying with every requirement of the COSSH Regulations 2002, from thorough examination and testing of your LEV system to general guidance on its modification and enhancement and a detailed breakdown of recommended remedial action.
Our engineers are all BOHS P601 trained to carry out testing in accordance with HSE guidelines including verification by air monitoring using personal and static sampling. They will measure flow rates, air velocities and pressure to determine the performance of your system, accurately assess the level of control exercised over airborne contaminants, and monitor working procedures to ensure that operators are using control measures effectively.
Professional, speedy yet demanding and precise, the UKES approach to LEV control ensures cost effective first class testing with minimal interference to everyday work activities. All of which will help you – and most importantly, your workforce – breathe more easily.
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