LEV

LEV testing is a requirement that all employers are legally obliged to undertake to determine the effectiveness of their extraction plant. All our LEV surveys are carried out in accordance with the relevent COSHH regulations adhering strictly to Health and Safety guidance H&SG 258

Quantitative and qualitative tests are carried out to allow the engineer to make an assessment of the system. Engineers analyse the results and use invaluable experience to identify design flaws, defects and maintenance issues that might affect the performance of an LEV system. The subsequent report is written in strict accordance to regulation guidance detailing the findings of the survey and any comments and recommendations that are relevant, including remedial work which may be required to ensure the Extraction System continues to perform to design criteria.

• LEV systems remove airborne hazardous materials. They can range from an individual ventilation cabinet to a multi-point system that operates throughout the site.

COSHH regulations apply to every company that either uses or produces hazardous substances in the workplace, such as vapours from glue or paint or the fumes generated when soldering or welding. They apply to substances and materials that have already been classified as ‘very toxic’, ‘toxic’, ‘harmful’, ‘corrosive’ or ‘irritant’, and nuisance materials such as limestone and plaster of paris.

• Regulation 9 (COSHH) states that where a LEV system is in place there is a requirement to thoroughly examine and test the system at least once every 14 months to ensure that it is in good working order. The tests must be recorded and kept for at least five years.

Whoever carries out this work must be a competent person and have had sufficient training and experience. Ideally, the person who performs the inspection and tests should also be independent from the person who engages in regular maintenance of this equipment.