Ensuring Effective LEV Systems: Expert Assessments and Compliance Recommendations
One of the most common control for reducing exposure to air borne hazards is Local Exhaust Ventilation (also known as LEV). These are extraction systems which capture the hazards before they enter the respiratory system of the worker.
With any control, the use and function needs to be assessed on a regular basis. Workers may be using LEV incorrectly or LEV may have deteriorated over time resulting in degradation of effectiveness over time. Both the HAS in Ireland and the HSE in the UK state that these systems should be inspected every 14 months.
It is therefore important that the LEV is monitored regularly to ensure it is working and used as intended. This will save your workers health and save your company time and money in the long run!
Environmental Efficiency is able conduct LEV Assessments to identify the failings in the use and construction of the system and recommend actions in order to bring the system into compliance.
Need for regular Local Exhaust Ventilation testing
LEV systems can lose their effectiveness over time due to many factors including drive belts for fans slipping, build-up of dust inside ducts, leaks in the ducting etc. Local Exhaust Ventilation systems should therefore be inspected regularly.
In Ireland and in the UK the maximum interval for LEV inspection is 14 months; HSE document HSG258 specifies the procedure. In Ireland, the HSA refers to the UK HSE document.
Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing methods
LEV Testing Inspection carried out by Environmental Efficiency are to The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations in Ireland or the applicable legislation elsewhere.
Our experts measure the velocity in the ducts and compare to the recommended velocity. The effectiveness of hoods will be assessed using a smoke test and measurement of air velocities. A comprehensive LEV Testing report is then issued with diagrams of the ducting and photographs to clarify the report.
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"George and his team supported the CBRE ESG Consultancy team on a number of commercial high profile WELL projects, targeting Gold or Platinum ratings within the UK and Ireland. Their knowledge and technical testing skills also supported us on BREEAM and Fitwel projects. It is always a pleasure to work with Environmental Efficiency as the team is very responsive, technically prepared and has years of experience in the testing industry.”
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Kerry Mechanical Engineering, Ireland
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Alert Packaging, Ireland
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