Why bother with Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing?

Each year in the UK, there are thousands of workers who develop diseases from breathing in harmful dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants while in the workplace. The continued occurrence of occupational lung disease has resulted in more stringent guidelines and requirements for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems to be put in place to help clear the air.

Many jobs involve work processes which create dust and fumes. Without proper control, these hazardous airborne substances can be breathed in and consequently cause disease. The common method that is used to control dust and fumes is to use Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems.

Local Exhaust Ventilation machines help to control and reduce the exposure of harmful airborne substance to employees. They have the capacity to be extremely effective at controlling airborne substance, however it is important to understand how Local Exhaust Ventilation works in order for the correct equipment is bought and used effectively.

It is a legal requirement for employers to maintain safe working environments for their employees. Regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations states that LEV systems should be tested every 14 months; however, this interval can be even shorter depending on the systems intended usage. The regulation also requires documentation to be kept confirming that the test has been carried out and the Local Exhaust Ventilation system is providing protection.

What does LEV testing involve?  A general LEV test will involve thoroughly examining equipment and measuring the technical performance giving an indication of the effectiveness of the Local Exhaust Ventilation system. Recommendations will then be made if your equipment is not up to the required standard and what steps need to be taken.

Without testing the system could be working inefficiently, consequently making its purpose of clearing the air no longer effective.

If you would like to find out more information on Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing, please contact Jodie Abramski on 0114 272 2270 or email jodie.abramski@em-solutions.co.uk.