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What is LEV?
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is a type of ventilation system used to remove airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, and vapors from a specific area or process. It is typically used in industrial and manufacturing settings to control exposure to hazardous substances and improve air quality.
An LEV system typically consists of an exhaust hood, ductwork, an air cleaning device (such as a filter), and a fan or blower. The hood is positioned near the source of the contaminants, and the fan or blower creates negative pressure, which draws the contaminants through the hood and into the ductwork. The air cleaning device removes the contaminants before the air is discharged outside or recirculated into the workspace.
Effective LEV systems can help to protect workers from harmful airborne contaminants and improve overall indoor air quality. However, it is important to ensure that the system is properly designed, installed, and maintained to ensure its effectiveness. Regular inspections, maintenance, and testing can help to ensure that the system is operating as intended and providing the necessary protection.
How often should you have your LEV System tested?
In the UK, there are no specific legal requirements for how often local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems should be tested. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that LEV systems should be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months to ensure they are working effectively and providing adequate protection to workers.
This examination and testing should be carried out by a competent person, who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to assess the effectiveness of the LEV system. The competent person may be an in-house specialist or an external contractor.
In addition to the 14-month examination and testing, the HSE recommends that LEV systems should be visually inspected by a competent person at least once every week or at the start of each shift to ensure that they are in good working order and there are no obvious defects.
It is important to note that these are only recommendations, and the frequency of LEV system testing may need to be increased or decreased depending on the specific circumstances of the workplace and the level of risk involved.
What qualification do you need to test a LEV System?
To test a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system, you need to have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to assess the effectiveness of the system and identify any potential problems or hazards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that anyone who carries out LEV system testing should be a "competent person."
The term "competent person" is not defined by law, but it is generally understood to mean someone who has:
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Sufficient knowledge of the specific LEV system being tested, including its design, operation, and maintenance requirements;
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Appropriate training and experience in carrying out LEV system testing and maintenance;
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Knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;
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The ability to identify any hazards or potential problems associated with the LEV system and take appropriate action to address them.
There is no specific qualification required to become a competent person for LEV system testing. However, many organizations choose to provide their staff with training and certification through organizations such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). BOHS offers a range of courses and qualifications related to LEV system testing and maintenance, including the P601 and P602 qualifications, which cover the testing and examination of LEV systems.
How much does LEV testing cost?
The cost of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) testing can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the system, the location and accessibility of the system, the type of testing required, and the qualifications and experience of the testing company or individual.
In the UK, LEV testing typically costs between £300 and £500 for a basic examination and performance test of a single LEV system. However, this price can increase significantly for larger or more complex systems that require more extensive testing or maintenance.
It is important to note that the cost of LEV testing should be considered as an investment in worker health and safety, as well as compliance with relevant regulations. Failure to properly test and maintain LEV systems can result in health risks to workers, fines, and legal action, which can ultimately cost much more than the initial testing and maintenance expenses.
When choosing a company or individual to carry out LEV testing, it is important to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications, experience, and insurance to carry out the work safely and effectively.
how is LEV performance tested?
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) performance testing involves assessing the effectiveness of the system in controlling hazardous substances and protecting workers from harmful airborne contaminants. The testing process typically involves the following steps:
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Visual inspection: The LEV system is inspected visually to check for any obvious defects or damage that could affect its performance.
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Airflow measurements: Airflow measurements are taken at various points within the LEV system using an anemometer or other airflow measurement device. The measurements are used to determine whether the system is providing the necessary airflow to control the hazardous substances.
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Capture velocity measurement: The capture velocity is the minimum air velocity required to capture and control the hazardous substance. It is measured using a capture hood, which is placed in the airflow close to the source of the hazardous substance. The capture velocity is compared to the minimum required capture velocity to ensure that the system is providing adequate control.
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Face velocity measurement: Face velocity is the velocity of the air passing through the hood face or opening. It is measured to ensure that the air velocity is not too high or too low, as this can affect the efficiency of the LEV system.
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Particle concentration measurement: Particle concentration measurements are taken at various points within the LEV system using a particle counter or other similar device. These measurements are used to determine whether the system is controlling the hazardous substances effectively.
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Assessment of maintenance requirements: The LEV system is assessed to determine whether any maintenance is required to ensure that it continues to perform effectively.
The testing process may vary depending on the specific type and complexity of the LEV system being tested. The testing should be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to assess the effectiveness of the system.
What is LEV certification?
LEV certification typically refers to the process of having your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system tested and certified as meeting the necessary performance standards and regulatory requirements.
LEV certification involves the testing of the LEV system to ensure that it is effective in controlling hazardous substances and protecting workers from harmful airborne contaminants. The testing is carried out by a competent and qualified individual or company who will assess the system's performance and determine whether it meets the necessary standards.
If the LEV system meets the necessary standards and regulatory requirements, it can be certified as compliant. The certification typically includes a report detailing the testing results and any recommendations for maintenance or improvements to ensure continued compliance.
Having your LEV system certified can provide assurance that it is operating safely and effectively, and can help to demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations and standards. It is important to ensure that the testing is carried out by a competent and qualified individual or company to ensure that the certification is valid and reliable.
what is included in a LEV inspection?
A local exhaust ventilation (LEV) inspection typically involves a comprehensive assessment of the LEV system to ensure that it is operating effectively and in compliance with relevant regulations and standards. The specific details of the inspection may vary depending on the type and complexity of the LEV system, but it will generally include the following:
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Visual inspection: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the LEV system, including the ductwork, hood, filters, and other components, to check for any damage, wear, or other issues that could affect performance.
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Airflow measurements: The airflow within the LEV system will be measured at various points using an anemometer or other airflow measurement device to ensure that it is providing adequate airflow to control the hazardous substances.
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Capture velocity measurement: The capture velocity will be measured using a capture hood, which is placed in the airflow close to the source of the hazardous substance, to ensure that the LEV system is providing adequate control.
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Face velocity measurement: The face velocity will be measured to ensure that the air velocity is not too high or too low, which can affect the efficiency of the LEV system.
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Particle concentration measurement: Particle concentration measurements will be taken at various points within the LEV system using a particle counter or other similar device to determine whether the system is controlling the hazardous substances effectively.
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Assessment of maintenance requirements: The inspector will assess the LEV system to determine whether any maintenance is required to ensure that it continues to perform effectively.
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Inspection report: Following the inspection, the inspector will provide a report detailing the results of the inspection, any areas of non-compliance or issues identified, and recommendations for maintenance or improvements to ensure continued compliance.
It is important to ensure that the inspection is carried out by a competent and qualified individual or company to ensure that it is valid and reliable.
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