Processes in schools and colleges requiring LEV systems. 

Woodworking presents risks from the wood dust. It is essential that students and staff are protected by effective extraction of wood dust. This is because when inhaled it can cause asthma. Hardwood dust can also cause nasal cancer and working with some types of wood can lead to skin problems. The HSE says that exposure to all types of wood dust must be reduced as far below the workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 5 mg/m³ as is reasonably practicable.

3D printers and lasers are becoming increasingly common in schools and colleges. HSE studies have found significant emissions are given off from both plastic and metal applications. At present, some 3D printers come with a box featuring a fan at the back which just emits fumes into the room. The HSE recommend that 3D printers should have a full enclosure box. This should have a filter that captures the fumes from melting plastic and metal and prevents them from being released into the room.

Where students are undertaking metalwork, the brazing hearth will need venting efficiently and harmful substances removed from the environment. Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause dermatitis and other skin diseases. Mists from badly managed water-mix metalworking fluids can cause occupational asthma. Welding fumes need to be removed. Studies have demonstrated a link between welding and respiratory ill health. Welding fumes are also known to be a cause of fume fever and pneumonia.

HSE recommends that a vehicle extraction system is installed to control indoor air pollution and control exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Automotive extraction systems are typically comprised of a flexible hose that is connected to an exhaust nozzle to safely capture and remove fumes from the working environment. We offer a free site visit to discuss your requirements and current systems to ensure they comply with current legislation.

Serious health problems may arise from inhalation of fume from rosin (sometimes called ‘colophony’) or its derivatives contained in solder fluxes. Without effective control, solder fume rises vertically and, for manual operations, it will enter the breathing zone of the solderer.