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How Synergy can help with your LEV system
Synergy provides expert COSHH advice and testing to industry in the UK. In particular, these include Workplace Air Monitoring and LEV Testing. As a result, we help our clients to comply with COSHH Regulation 9.
Our LEV engineers are P601, P602 and P603 qualified and equally important, competent LEV experts. Moreover, not only have they carried out LEV Testing for a wide range of industries but also a wide variety of LEV system types.
What is an LEV?
An LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) system is an engineering control designed to reduce workers’ exposure to airborne hazards. In particular, it removes hazardous substances away from process operators. In addition, it stops these substances from re-entering the workplace air. It therefore also protects operators working away from the process. With this in mind, LEV owners should Complete regular LEV Testing, so that they can be sure that the system continues to protect the workers.
Types of LEV
There are many types of systems:
- Total Enclosures.
- Partial Enclosures.
- Fume Cupboards.
- Down Flow Booths.
- Walk-in Booths.
- LEVs that Capture the contaminants.
- Systems with Receptor hoods to receive hazards.
Many extraction systems can have a combination of hoods and booths. Usually, LEVs will have the following parts: Hoods, ducting, an air cleaning device, an air moving device, and a discharge point.
Things you need to know to run an LEV system effectively
Testing LEV Systems
All LEV Systems need regular testing. Furthermore, there are three different stages to an LEV Test. Firstly, a visual and structural test. Secondly a technical test and finally a test of its effectiveness. It is important that these tests are carried out by a competent person.
LEV Competence
The people that you choose to carry out the LEV Test of your systems should be able to prove they are competent. For example, a P601 certificate from the BOHS.
COSHH Regulation 9
COSHH Regulation 9 is designed to ensure that all of the controls you provide, still work as initially intended. In other words, they continue to help prevent the exposure of employees to hazardous substances. Also, you must identify any deterioration in these measures and take any necessary corrective steps.
LEV System Logbooks
All LEV systems should have logbooks. Furthermore, LEV Logbooks should show testing frequencies along with the forms required to record the checks. For example, the checks should cover the extract hoods, the ductwork, the dampers, the filters and fans.
LEV System User Manuals
The LEV supplier or the company that made the system should also supply a user manual. This should be part of the commissioning process. In particular, it should include details on how to run, maintain and check the LEV.
How often should you test your LEV System
In the first place, you should link how often you test your LEV systems to the type of work that you do. You should also judge it by the risk that its failure or deterioration causes. In addition you should judge it by the likelihood that failure or deterioration will occur. Sometimes you will need to increase the frequency with the age of the engineering control concerned.
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Complying with COSHH Regulation 9
To ensure LEV systems are working correctly and to comply with Regulation 9 (COSHH), companies must undertake routine LEV testing. Employers must carry out this test once every 14 months. But some, systems require testing more often. How often depends on the process and the substances they control.
Why Choose Synergy to test your LEV System?
LEV testing should be carried out by a competent person.
When choosing a supplier it is important to choose a company with competent staff. The testing, is otherwise known as a Thorough Examination & Test (TExT). The word “Thorough” is the most important word in this sentence.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 States that companies must use a competent person to look after their health and safety. For example, where they expose workers to hazardous substances, it advises that a competent person should undertake the LEV Testing. The person that comes to do the assessment should have a certificate of competence to carry out the work.
Contact us to find out more.