The Health and Safety Executive released a document (HSG258) that calls all employers to ensure their LEV systems are tested, but what exactly does that mean?
Contents:
What does LEV stand for?
What is an LEV system?
What are the principles of LEV?
What is a LEV test?
How often should LEV be tested?
Who should I get to complete my LEV tests?
What should the LEV testing company do?
Do I have to fit airflow indicators?
Do LEV systems have to be labelled by testers?
What are my responsibilities as a business owner?
What are the different components of LEV systems?
What are the factors that reduce the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system?
What does LEV testing involve?
Why do I need LEV testing?
How much does LEV testing cost
What will be contained in the LEV examination report?
What are the LEV health and safety laws and regulations?
What is the HSG-258 Guidance?
Why choose us for your LEV test?
What if I have another question?
LEV testing is an important part of ensuring a business is compliant with health and safety laws, and more importantly, that it’s employees are working in a safe environment. In order to save employers undue worry & to give clarity, we have written an article that aims to answer some of the most common questions regarding LEV testing.
What does LEV stand for?
LEV is an acronym for Local Exhaust Ventilation, often known as extraction or fume control.
What is an LEV system?
An LEV system is an engineering control system to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fume, vapour or gas in the workplace. This would typically be made up of ducting, a fan, an inlet and an outlet. More often that not, your LEV system will also have a filter.
What are the principles of LEV?
The main principle of LEV is to remove contaminants from the air so that they cannot be breathed in. Properly designed LEV will collect air that contains the contaminants making sure that they are taken away from people. The air will then be cleaned (if necessary) and contaminants safely disposed of.
What is a LEV test?
Over time an LEV system’s performance will diminish due to blockages, wear, damage and leaks. The COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulation 9 states:
Where the regulation is met through the use of engineering controls, the employer shall ensure that thorough examination and testing of those controls are carried out. In the case of local exhaust ventilation plant, this will be at least once every 14 months.
As an LEV system can deteriorate over time, whether it be due to filters reaching the end of their lifespan, improper use of the system, or general wear and tear. For this reason, it must be tested to investigate whether it is still maintaining airflows within HSE guidelines.
How often should LEV be tested?
LEV regulations say that you should arrange a thorough examination and test your LEV at least every 14 months.If any modifications are made to the system (such as the layout or hood redesign), the previous report would not be valid and the system would need to be recommissioned. In some cases, an LEV test needs to be performed every six months, or even every month. This depends on the processes in place, so please speak to your LEV engineer to how often you need an LEV test.
Who should I get to complete my LEV tests?
As you are legally responsible to ensure that exposure to dust & fumes for your workforce is minimised and controlled, you need to ensure that your LEV testing company is reputable.
You should look for references or testimonials of your Local Exhaust Ventilation testing company. HSG258 says that a “competent person” should carry out the tests. We strongly feel that this person should be P601 accredited. This is a UK qualification on Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems. The company you choose should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the law & of the COSHH regulations & Approved Code of Practice.
What should the LEV testing company do?
An LEV tester will check the airflows of the ducts, check face velocities of hoods, perform smoke tests to find the maximum capture distance, perform visual inspection of the filters and system in general, and investigate the processes being used to determine if the system is used correctly.
All of this information and more will be compiled into a comprehensive LEV report, which you should keep on record for a minimum of five years.
In the event of a system being deemed unsatisfactory, a good LEV engineer will advise you of the necessary steps that need to be taken to return it to an acceptable condition.
Do I have to fit airflow indicators?
Airflow indicators (or LEV indicators) are recommended but are not mandatory. We have seen an increased amount of scaremongering in this regard from businesses looking to take advantage of uninformed LEV owners. Your decision to purchase airflow indicators should not be based upon this but rather on the risk of exposure, whether the operator has to set the hood airflow, whether it’s possible or practical to perform other checks and the cost to the business.
Do LEV systems have to be labelled by testers?
Yes. All hoods should be labelled when tested, clearly stating whether they have passed or failed. There is no legal requirement to label ducts, but it is advisable to do so.
What are my responsibilities as a business owner?
Your responsibilities are to ensure that your business and its systems are compliant. You should ensure that the employees that use your
LEV equipment are competent & that they have the knowledge, skills & experience necessary to do the job safely. You need to ensure that your systems are tested and that they are compliant every 14 months. Records of your LEV tests must be kept for at least 5 years. There is increased attention around LEV equipment and it is increasingly becoming an important touchstone for employee safety. It is vital that you stay compliant.
What are the different components of LEV systems?
There are several components of an LEV system, with each one playing a vital role in the process of providing good air quality. These include:
- Enclosing hood: which surrounds the area where contaminants or particles arise;
- Receiving hood: it is situated just above the source of emissions, receiving the contaminants through a high rate of airflow;
- Capturing hood: this draws in contaminated air and removes it by “pulling” the air and the hazardous particles into the hood;
- Ducting: this is the “passageway” through which contaminated air travels to reach the air cleaner or filter;
- Air cleaner/arrestor or filter: the component which clears the air of hazardous air particles;
- Air mover or fan: the fan is used to move the contaminated air through the LEV system, carrying the air from the hood(s) to the ducts and then the exhaust stack.
- Exhaust stack: this is the part of the LEV system which takes the contaminated air outside and this should be done in a way that conforms with regulations.
What are the factors that reduce the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system?
An LEV system’s efficiency and performance can be reduced owing to several factors. These include blockages, wear and tear, damage, leaks and cracks and improper use of the system. Or Poor design
What does LEV testing involve?
LEV testing includes an in-depth inspection and examination of all the parts that make up the LEV system including the hoods, ducts, filters, fans and exhaust stacks. Their technical performance will be measured through the use of certified equipment and the system’s overall effectiveness will then be evaluated. In addition, recommendations will be made in the event that the LEV system is not performing optimally.
Why do I need LEV testing?
LEV testing is not only carried out to ensure the health and safety of your workforce. It is also a legal requirement that is set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974. As such, LEV testing should be carried out at least every 14 months, although in some cases, there will be a need to perform such tests on a more frequent basis. The aim of this is to ensure that the system is working optimally and safely. Failure to comply with these legal requirements could result in the issuing of a fine.
How much does LEV testing cost?
There is no set fixed cost for an LEV test because this will depend on a number of different factors. These include the number of LEV systems your business uses and where your site is located in the country. However, with Ducting Express, you can not only expect a fast and efficient service, but a service that’s performed at competitive industry rates.
What will be contained in the LEV examination report?
The LEV examination report will contain all the information that is related to the performance levels of the LEV system in question. This will include an analysis and examination of each of the constituent parts as well as an overall evaluation of the system and the effectiveness of its performance as a whole.
What are the LEV health and safety laws and regulations?
The government body that is responsible for regulating and enforcing work-related risks to people at the place of employment is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations or the COSHH, as it is better known, contains Regulation 9, according to which employers must prevent their employees from exposure to substances that are hazardous to their health, including hazardous gas and particles. Some of the steps necessary to attend to this legal requirement and prevent hazards include:
- Proper identification of hazardous sites
- Taking steps to prevent harm
- Administering health controls to reduce harm
- Effective implementation of solutions
- Ensuring that measures taken work effectively
- Informing and training employees
- Regular monitoring of employees’ health
- Ensuring effective planning for cases of emergency
Under COSHH, employers and businesses are required to take steps to “prevent, control, maintain and monitor dust and fume exposure in the workplace.” This is set out in Regulation 9.
What is the HSG-258 Guidance?
The HSG-258 Guidance is a book that was created for employers who currently use or are intending to use an LEV system. It is also directed at suppliers of LEV equipment.
It describes the principles related to deciding, commissioning, designing and effective testing of LEV systems. Apart from this, it mentions the various legal responsibilities and roles that are required by employers and suppliers. Furthermore, it also contains information on “competence, proper design practices and classification, air cleaners, ducts, air movers, and system documentation.” Finally, the Guidance provides checking and maintenance schedules in addition to guidelines on how to accurately identify defective equipment.
Why choose us for your LEV test?
Professionals in the industry with many years of experience behind our back, we know all the requirements of an expertly carried out LEV test and deliver results of the highest quality standards. We know the ins and outs of LEV systems and guarantee a professional service each and every time.
What if I have another question?
You are welcome to contact us for some practical, no-nonsense advice. We will happily help you to ensure that you have taken the steps necessary and advice you of LEV services needed in order to become or remain compliant. Please feel free to contact us.