The goal of COSHH Regulation 9 is to ensure that all of the controls that you provide, continue to act in the way that were meant to. In other words, that they continue to prevent the exposure of employees to hazardous substances in the workplace. Furthermore, you must identify the drop in performance in these controls and take actions to put them right.
How often you carry out LEV Testing will depend on how likely any part of the LEV System is to fail and what that failure would mean. In any event, you should check it at intervals of not more than fourteen months and after any incidents.
Anyone who checks how well of any part of an LEV system is working should have the competence to do so. The degree of theoretical and practical knowledge required will increase with the likelihood of system failure, the seriousness of the consequences, and the complexity of the measures to prevent exposure.
COSHH Regulation 9 says that you should check all controls (including LEV) visually at appropriate intervals and without undue risk to maintenance staff. In the case of LEV and work enclosures, this check should be at least once a week. The person carrying out the check should also record it in the LEV Logbook.
Procedures for servicing equipment to conform to COSHH Regulation 9 should specify:
- The control measures that need servicing.
- The work that each system needs.
- When to do the work.
- Who is to do the job and who is responsible for it.
- How to put right any defects found.
- You must ensure that whoever carries out maintenance, examinations, and tests is competent to do so. (see regulation 7 of the MHSW Regulations and Regulation 12(4) of COSHH).
People carrying out tests on controls such as LEV and PPE must have enough knowledge, training and expertise in examination methods and techniques. If they do not, then the requirements of COSHH Regulation 9 are not met.
Control measures subject to thorough examinations and tests
In all cases, the COSHH regulations state that you must get a competent person to thoroughly examine and test the engineering control measures that you provide to prevent exposure. This check must take place at suitable or specified intervals to ensure that they continue to perform as you intend.
A competent person should check all engineering controls after installation to ensure that they meet the specified technical performance. And, in combination with other measures, are capable of providing adequate protection.
This initial information information provides a benchmark for all of the following examinations and tests. You should check the results of each LEV test against the assessment carried out under COSHH Regulation 6 and the requirements of COSHH Regulation 7 regarding control.
Any defects found as a result of the examinations or tests should be put right as soon as possible.
Contact us to find out more about COSHH Regulation 9.
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