LEV (LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION) TESTING
What is local exhaust ventilation (LEV)?
Local exhaust ventilation is an extract ventilation system that takes airborne contaminants such as dusts, mists, gases, vapour or fumes out of the workplace air so that they can't be breathed in.
LEV Testing
Under COSHH Reg 9, it is statutory for employers / LEV owners to ensure all controls are maintained in an efficient state, an efficient working order, good repair & in a clean condition. Furthermore the employer / LEV owner must ensure that thorough examination & testing is carried out at least once every 14 months (or more frequently dependent upon process).
For ROI, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires the employer to manage health and safety in the workplace, and to prevent and reduce risks to health and safety, through the provision of safe systems of work by completing a risk assessment and putting controls in place.
Elan Environmental LEV inspection and testing
Elan carries out LEV inspection and testing in the workplace to help companies ensure that they are fully compliant with COSHH & HSA regulations.
Our qualified consultants are experts in local exhaust ventilation systems. They will monitor and analyse system performance data, as well as perform qualitative evaluations on the control of potential contaminants. Measurements from the test results are compared with the original LEV specification and performance criteria outlined in HSG258.
Elan will produce reports and records that will assist your business in improving control measures, plus serve as evidence of your company’s compliance with COSHH regulations.
Additional LEV Services
LEV Awareness Training
Basic awareness training to outline the client’s full statutory requirements concerning LEV. E.g. on-going maintenance, routine checks etc. Can be tailored for the client’s specific needs and level of knowledge. clients who may not know their full roles & responsibility concerning LEV.LEV Management
HSG258 recommends that each LEV has a logbook & user manual. Often these are neglected or missing altogether. Elan Environmental can assist in producing these documents and formulating a full management plan.Smoke Clearance Testing
Use of smoke is standard during LEV testing however enclosure type systems may require the establishment of a smoke clearance time (minimum time for the enclosure to actually clear the contaminant). This test involves the use of a thermal generator and compressed CO2. The smoke produced is non-hazardous and provides a powerful visual test. Among other things, it can be used to study air eddies, containment effectiveness and test prototype systems.
