What is LEV

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Essentially an LEV system consists of 

A contaminant – a substance you wish to remove

An extract point – there are many different designs including hoods and canopies

A ductwork system - to transport the air and contaminant

An air cleaner – typically a filter to remove the contaminant (not always required)

A fan – that moves the air and contaminant

An outlet – discharging the air and contaminant to a safe place

A system should be able to effectively capture released hazardous airborne substances, remove them from the workplace and safely dispose of them. 

If you’re unsure if your system is Local Exhaust Ventilation contact us and discuss it with our Technical Engineers 

If you have a process that releases hazardous airborne substances you need to have an effective control measure to remove them from the workplace and safely dispose of them.

You should carry out a COSHH assessment which is an effective way of assessing exposure levels.

The HSE also publish EH40/2005 a list of work place exposure limits which can be a useful initial guide 

*You must refer to the HSE website for the latest version of EH40/2005 'Workplace exposure limits'* 

A more comprehensive method is to carry out occupational air monitoring

If you’re unsure if you require a Local Exhaust Ventilation System contact us and discuss it with our Technical Engineers 

 A list of workplace exposure limits can be found in the HSE Environmental Hygiene Guidance Book: EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure limits.
 

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002) COSHH Regulation 7, requires that the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health be either prevented or, where not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled (refer to EH40/2005).
 

COSHH Regulation 9, requires that any control measure taken to comply with regulation 7 MUST be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
 

LEV systems should be examined and tested at least once every 14 months. However, there are minimum frequencies for the examination and testing of LEV plant used in certain processes as detailed by the HSE in publications HSG193, HSG37 and HSG54.
 

Records of the LEV test results and details of any repairs or alterations to the system must be kept for at least five years.
 

Failure to comply with the COSHH regulations 2002 puts employees' health at unnecessary risk and can result in criminal prosecution. 

What is LEV Testing?

LEV testing is legally required by employers and others who operate local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. The aim is to ensure that LEV systems, which are intended to control substances hazardous to health, continue to operate as originally intended. 

A system should be able to effectively capture released hazardous airborne substances, remove them from the workplace and safely dispose of them. 

This then protects the health of the people indoors and outside.
 

For this purpose legislation requires that LEV systems should be well maintained, thoroughly examined and tested at regular intervals. 

You should always remember that effective maintenance is essential for the continuing provision of an efficient system.

 

Each of our LEV testing engineers has a minimum of 20 Years industry experience.

Our test engineers all hold as a minimum the level 4, BOHS P601 qualification which ensure a practical and theoretical understanding of best control practice for hazardous substances, the role of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in this regard; and how to test and maintain LEV systems to a standard which reduces occupational ill-health.

Our design engineers hold as a minimum the level 4, BOHS P602 qualification the industry standard for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) design.

Our head LEV testing engineer holds

P601 Thorough Examination & Testing

P603 Control of Hazardous Substances - PPE

W201 Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene