09 Sep

All you need to know about LEV testing

Worker safety is a priority for all businesses – but especially those where workers could be exposed to hazardous substances. This includes dust and fumes created as a result of the tasks workers perform in areas such as stone masonry, welding, wood working and vehicle repair. Dust and fumes can cause serious health issues (asthma, cancer, lung scarring) so they need to be properly dealt with using the right ventilation.

This is where local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is so important. To ensure businesses have the right LEV and that the system is functioning correctly, they need to undergo regular LEV testing.

What is LEV testing?

If your business uses an LEV system, then that system needs to be checked, maintained and tested on a regular basis.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), if the measures put in place to protect workers’ health include LEV systems to remove dust, fumes and vapours, then the LEV must be maintained in efficient working order. Specifically, “A thorough examination and test is a detailed and systematic examination sufficient to ensure that the LEV can continue to perform as intended by design and will contribute to adequate control of exposure”.

Examples of LEV systems that need testing include:

  • Firing range systems
  • Fume cupboards
  • Paint spray booths - open fronted & enclosed
  • Powder spray booths - open fronted & enclosed
  • Soldering fume extraction systems (multi-leg & portable units)
  • Welding fume multi-leg systems - installed systems & portable units
  • Wood dust extraction - multi-leg systems & portable units

Who can conduct LEV tests?

These tests require specialist skills and knowledge which is why businesses look to third-party individuals or organisations with the required expertise – such as HESL and our team of fully qualified engineer surveyors – to carry them out. In addition, examiners will need your LEV commissioning report, user manual and logbook containing details of the checks carried out and maintenance activities.

Is LEV testing a legal requirement?

LEV testing is a legal requirement. According to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 Regulations (CoSHH), any LEV system that deals with hazardous substances must be thoroughly examined. Any breach of these regulations is a crime and punishable by an unlimited fine.

How often should LEV testing be done?

In addition to maintaining LEV systems and their components to keep them in working order, businesses should have them tested periodically. According to HSE, this means at least every 14 months with records regarding the tests kept for at least five years. However, the HSE also advises that more complicated LEV systems should be tested more frequently and checks and maintenance should cover the following:

  • Moving parts that may wear, such as fan bearings or filter shakers.
  • Non-moving parts, such as hoods, ductwork and seals (which can suffer physical or chemical damage and wear).
  • Parts that deteriorate with use, such as filters or flexible ducting.
  • Items that need regular attention, such as filters that need replacing, or removing sludge from a wet scrubber.

Next steps for LEV testing – how we can help

Hutcheon Examination Services (HESL) has more than 30 years of experience in conducting LEV system inspections. Our team of engineer surveyors has both the capabilities and qualifications – with all being BOHS IP601 certified – to ensure each inspection is carried out professionally and effectively. We work with you to determine the best time for these examinations to ensure there is little to no disruption to your business and follow up with full inspection reports that comply with the requirement of HSG258.

Get in touch with us today to find out how our engineer surveyors can help.

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I have had the pleasure of working alongside Hutcheon Examination Services for over a year now and I cannot fault their high end quality of work and professional attitude all mixed in with the personal time business approach to customer satisfaction. I have regular dealings with both Suzanne and Claire and my queries are always dealt with swiftly and efficiently. I know that I can rely on the admin team to ensure that the inspections are carried out within a timely manner and that we maintain compliance of our stock. I have also dealt with Peter and Lynne and every time an issue needs resolving, they have not disappointed. The feedback we have received from our residents is that the engineers are both friendly and informative about what they are doing. I would not hesitate in recommending HESL to any organisation. Thanks Team!
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