LEV testing is important for a number of reasons, including:
An LEV test will typically involve the following steps:
The tester will inspect the LEV system to identify any potential problems. This will include checking the hoods, ducts, filters, and fans.
The tester will measure the airflow and pressure at various points in the Local Exhaust Ventilation system to ensure that it is operating as intended.
The tester will check the effectiveness of the system at controlling exposure to hazardous contaminants. This may involve using smoke tubes or other testing equipment. Once the thorough examination and test is complete, the tester will produce a report that details the findings and any recommendations for improvements.
There are a few things that businesses can do to prepare for an LEV test:
There are a variety of different types of tests for each system. Each test assesses a different aspect of an LEV system. The most common types of tests include:
This type of test measures the airflow and pressure at various points in the system to ensure that it is operating as intended. Airflow and pressure testing is typically carried out using anemometers and manometers.
This type of test assesses the effectiveness of the system at controlling exposure to hazardous contaminants. Contamination exposure control testing may involve using smoke tubes, real-time monitoring equipment, tyndall lamps and other testing methods.
This type of test assesses the performance of the hoods on an LEV system. Hood performance testing may involve measuring the capture efficiency of the hoods or the airflow velocity at the face of the hoods. A static pressure is also taken immediately behind the hood. .
This examination assesses the condition of the ducts and filters in an LEV system. Ducts and filters testing may involve inspecting the ducts for leaks and damage, and testing the filters to ensure that they are still effective at capturing hazardous contaminants.
This type of test assesses the condition of the fans and motors in a system. Fans and motors testing may involve measuring the fan speed and airflow, and inspecting the motors for wear and tear.
In addition to these general types of tests, there are also a number of more specialized tests that Synergy carry out on specific types of Local Exhaust Ventilation. For example, there are tests specifically designed for welding fume extraction systems, spray painting booths, and laboratory fume hoods.
The main purpose of LEV Testing is to ensure that the controls that you have put in place continue to provide adequate control against hazardous substances. The only real way of showing this is by employing an occupational hygienist to carry out workplace air monitoring.
The type of LEV test depends on the specific system being tested and the nature of the hazards controlled. For example, a system used to control exposure to welding fumes would require a different type of test than a system used to control exposure to dust.
It is important to consult with qualified engineers, such as Synergy, to determine the type of test required for your specific system. Synergy’s engineers assess systems and identify the potential hazards that it needs to control. They will then be able to recommend the appropriate type of test to ensure that the system is operating as intended and is adequately protecting workers from exposure to hazardous contaminants.
Regular LEV testing offers a number of benefits, including:
This is because it helps to ensure that systems are working properly and are adequately protecting workers from exposure to hazardous contaminants. This can help to prevent occupational lung diseases, such as asthma, cancer, and silicosis.
The thorough examination and test is a legal requirement in many countries, including the UK. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in fines and other enforcement action.
Local Exhaust Ventilation can also help to reduce the risk of accidents, such as fires and explosions. By ensuring that Local Exhaust Ventilation is well-maintained and functioning properly, businesses can help to protect their workers and their assets.
Testing can help to improve worker productivity by reducing the amount of time that workers need to take off due to illness.
LEV testing can help to reduce costs by preventing the need for costly medical treatment and compensation claims.
Local exhaust ventilation testing is an important part of any business’s health and safety strategy. It helps to ensure that LEV systems are working properly and are adequately protecting workers from exposure to hazardous contaminants. LEV testing is a legal requirement in many countries.
To ensure that the Synergy’s tester conducts the test smoothly and efficiently, there are a number of things that companies can do to prepare
The first step is to gather all relevant information about the system(s) being tested. This should include the following:
This information will help the engineer to understand the system and carry out the test more effectively.
Before we conduct the test, the system should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. This will help to identify any potential problems and make the testing process easier.
The cleaning process should include the following:
The inspection should include the following:
Once the system has been cleaned and inspected, schedule the thorough examination and test with Synergy. The synergy engineer will be able to advise on the appropriate type of test and the best time to carry it out.
It is important to inform and train all employees involved in the testing process. This includes employees who operate the system, employees who work in the vicinity of the LEV system, and employees who are involved in the testing process itself.
The training should cover the following:
The engineer will need to have access to all parts of the system during the examination. This includes the hoods, ducts, filters, fans, and motors.
The company should ensure that the LEV system is clean and accessible on the day of the test. This may involve temporarily shutting down the system or moving it to a different location. Where there are high level ducts, a mobile elevated working platform must be provided.
Once Synergy’s thorough examination and test is complete, the tester will provide a report that details the findings and any recommendations for improvements. The report includes:
The company should carefully review the test results in the report and take any necessary action to address any identified problems.
If the thorough examination and test results show that your system is not performing as intended, you will need to take action to address the identified problems and comply with COSHH. This may involve:
It is important to work with a qualified LEV engineer to develop a plan to address the identified problems. The engineer will be able to advise on the best course of action to bring the system back into compliance with COSHH. If any of the LEV systems fail the test, then the system should be re tested once the repairs have been made.
By following these tips, companies can ensure that their Local Exhaust Ventilation systems are properly prepared for testing and that the testers conduct the test smoothly and efficiently. In addition to addressing any identified problems, you should also keep the test results on file. This will help you to track the performance of your LEV system over time and identify any potential problems early on.
LEV testing is an important part of any business’s health and safety strategy. It helps to protect workers from exposure to hazardous contaminants and can also help to reduce costs and improve productivity. By choosing the right type of LEV test and regularly testing your Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, you can help to ensure that your workers are safe and that your business is compliant with COSHH.
Ensure your LEV system is operating effectively and protecting your workers from hazardous contaminants with Synergy Environmental Solutions’ comprehensive testing service.
Our team of qualified engineers will:
Contact Synergy today to schedule your LEV testing.