LEV testing advices

Recently, one of our consultants was carrying out a survey in a foundry. They had installed this type of booth for their fettling operations. However, as can be seen in the following photograph, The booth was not being used in the way intended – the worker was carrying out the work outside the booth. The dust generated was not contained and, consequently, the extraction would not be as effective as it should be. The worker will have a higher exposure than if he carried out the fettling inside the booth.

CoSHH regulations require most LEV systems to be thoroughly tested at least once every 14 months. This applies to all oil mist, welding fume, smoke and dust extraction units that you currently have on site. This examination must be undertaken by a competent person and the tests and reports must conform to HSE standards. HSG258 provides the recommended procedures to achieve these statutory requirements.

As LEV is a control measure under COSHH Regulations it must be regularly and thoroughly inspected and tested. As stated above, LEV regulations outline that any employer who uses local exhaust ventilation to control hazardous substances must ensure that it is operating effectively. Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing is a legal requirement in the UK. All equipment must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months to ensure employees are safe.

Equipment that draws pollutants from an operation or process in the working environment. Made up of an inlet like a hood, slit, arm, cabinet or booth. This will be located near to or close to the area of the substance release. All suchlike equipment needs to be connected by ducting and a fan to enable the movement of air. The removed air passed through a filter or is extracted to atmosphere away from the workplace. How Welding Supplies Direct can help ? WE will carry out a thorough tests in line with COSHH Regulation 9 as detailed in HSE Guide HSG258 Our levels of service can be tailored to your Companies needs. However, most clients choose to take advantage of by combining servicing with the LEV testing. Read extra details on Local Exhaust Ventilation LEV Testing.

The employer must consider other control options and use them where appropriate (see HSE leaflets Working with substances hazardous to health1 and Clearing the air2) before applying LEV. In some circumstances, LEV may not be a reasonably practicable control as there may be many sources or extensive contaminant clouds that are too large for LEV alone to control. LEV suppliers provide goods (an LEV system) and may then act as a service provider. Designers interpret the requirements of the employer and advise on an effective LEV system which is capable of delivering the required control.