Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing
TSS Facilities offer a comprehensive service for the assessment of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) across the South and South East of England.
These assessments are designed to help you protect yourself and those that you have a duty of care towards from airborne contaminants you or they may come into contact with.
Every year thousands of people in the U.K. die of lung disease or get asthma as a result of airborne contaminants that they have inhaled. The legal implications and responsibilities are clearly defined by COSSH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
What is LEV?
Local Exhaust Ventilation removes dust, gases, fumes, vapours or mists so they cannot be inhaled and assimilated by the body.
What sort of sites and applications require LEV testing?
All Secondary Schools, Universities, Colleges and Training Facilities will have, at the very least, fume cupboards. There may also be lasers, woodworking facilities, soldering, welding, solvent baths with lip extractors and furnaces for metallurgy.
Other users include bakeries (flour), garages, electroplating factories, sprayers and wash spray booths and shot blasting booths. This covers a wide range of factories, industrial units and laboratories.
How are LEV’s tested
In all cases, an initial risk assessment must be carried out to identify the risk. This includes schematic drawings of each LEV system, the nature of the risk and how to eliminate and/or manage the risk (in conjunction with any COSSH Health and Safety data). The suitability of the existing system is determined by measurement and observation to prove actual extraction rates. Various calculations are carried out to quantify the risk and recommendations are then made.
How often should LEV’s be tested?
Following the initial risk assessment LEV’s are normally tested every 14 months; however certain contaminants such as non-ferrous metals will require more frequent testing i.e. 6 monthly.
What are the recognised standards that must be achieved?
Our LEV testing is carried out in accordance with the following Health and Safety Executive documentation:
- HSG 37(2nd edition)
- An introduction to Local Exhaust Ventilation HSG 54 (2nd edition)
- Maintenance, examination and testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation
- The British Occupational Hygiene Society publication; Controlling airborne contaminants in the workplace –Technical Guide No.7
We will also utilise any available COSSH safety data.
How do I organise LEV testing?
Due to our unique position in the centre of Sussex we are able to offer a prompt and competitive service. Please contact TSS Facilities and talk to one of our specialists who will be able to advise you how to proceed and put together a plan specific for your requirements.
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