What is a LEV system?
The definition of a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is: an engineering control system to reduce exposures to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fume, vapour or gas in the workplace. Simply put it is something that sucks an airborne contaminant out of the workplace.
It is vital that the correct LEV is chosen for a particular task and kept correctly maintained. If a process or activity with which the LEV is associated is changed, then the suitability and specification of the LEV system must be re-assessed.
Most systems consist of the following:
- Hood – where the contaminant enters the LEV.
- Ducting ‐ to transport the contaminant and air.
- Fan – To power the system.
- Discharge – To release extracted air to a safe place.
- Air cleaner or arrestor – to filter or clean the extracted air (not all systems have this type).
Types of LEV System:
The process is totally enclosed, and the air extracted from the enclosure e.g. glove boxes/blasting cabinets/CNC machines.
The process is not totally enclosed, and the operator can access the process. Air is pulled passed the operator and into the enclosure e.g. spray booths and milling machines.
The process is not enclosed by the system; the contaminant is pulled into the system e.g. ventilated bench, down draft table, welding extract, solder tip extraction, low level room extraction for liquid nitrogen areas or solvent stores, integrated extraction on equipment such as saws and sanders.
The process is not enclosed by the system; the process provides the energy to deliver the contaminant to the hood e.g. canopy hoods over furnace or oven.
Why do you need LEV testing?
The Health and Safety at Work acts 1974 and regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health state that Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV’s) must be monitored and maintained to ensure it is in good working order including those that remove airborne dust and fumes. There is a statutory requirement for your system to be tested at least once in every fourteen months and, in certain situations more frequently.
What is involved in a LEV test?
An LEV test will involve a complete inspection and examination of the LEV equipment and will also look at the working practices that involve the use of an LEV system, Air flow measurements within the LEV system and hood capture velocities also the technical performance and an assessment of the working condition of the LEV system. All examinations will be carried to HSE regulations, and Klingman Ventilation will advise you of the recommendations needed should your LEV system not meet current regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a LEV System?
A Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is used to remove airborne hazardous substances from within a working environment.
Why do you need a LEV Test?
It is a legal requirement that all LEV systems are tested.
The Health and Safety at Work acts 1974 and regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health state that Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV’s) must be monitored and maintained to ensure it is in good working order including those that remove airborne dust and fumes.
There is a statutory requirement for your system to be tested at least once in every fourteen months and, in certain situations more frequently.
What are the LEV regulations?
The government body that is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations for related risks in the work place is the Health and Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk).
One of the key aspects of COSHH 2002 (Control of Substances Hazard to Health) regulations is dust and fume exposure. COSHH regulation 9 (www.hse.gov.uk/coshh) states that all companies must take steps to prevent, control, maintain and monitor for dust and fume exposure within the working environment.
What is the purpose of an examination and test?
The purpose of the examination is to ensure that your LEV system is working effectively & conforms to current H&S regulation.
All of our examiners are P601 accredited & have specialist knowledge, experience and skills to carry out a thorough examination and test of your LEV system.
What is your involvement during the test?
During the examination all we ask is that we are informed of all of your in-house H&S requirements, any hazardous areas & substances & that you perform your day to day tasks the same as any other day.
What will be contained in the LEV Report?
The law states that a record of your LEV examination and test report should be kept safely. Our examiners follow HSE Approved Code of Practice guidelines when writing out the report and it will contain information such as the systems level of performance related to its intended performance. This report will be enough to comply with the legal requirements of keeping a record of your examination and test.
If your system has been modified, will it require a re-test?
Yes
Do you need to contact us to book a re-test?
No – once we have completed an LEV examination we will contact you to inform you when the system is due for a re- test.