Legislation places a requirement on employers to maintain safe, healthy working environments and to minimise risks to workers and the public, and employers should be aware of how to manage the risks that can be presented by local exhaust ventilation systems (LEVs).
LEV inspection is the essential first step towards compliance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice ACOP L24 is a legally binding requirement for individuals and organisations responsible for health and safety in buildings.*
What is local exhaust ventilaton (LEV)? These are systems engineered to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fumes and vapour.
Large or small, all LEV’s use air to push the dust or fumes into a filter to removes them. Their design, use and maintenance is covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. HSG 258 Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV) provides detailed guidance on the operation of LEV’s and specifies that thorough LEV testing should be carried out by a competent person at least every 14 months. More frequent testing may be required for specific activities including blasting, jute cloth, hand sanding/polishing and casting of non-ferrous metals.
Airmec Essential Services’ comprehensive range of LEV and Fume Cupboard testing, inspection and maintenance services include:
- LEV system surveys and asset registers
- LEV and fume cupboard inspection and testing
- System maintenance, upgrade and refurbishment
- Supply of spare parts and consumables
Airmec Essential Services surveyors hold the British Occupational Hygiene Society P601 or higher qualifications, as recognised by the HSE, and have a range of security and DBS clearances to enable work in healthcare premises, schools and high-security establishments. We are also an accredited member of BESA.
Find out more about our ventilaton hygiene and air quality services.
