Client Overview
A secondary school in Gloucestershire required a thorough examination and testing of the Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems installed across its Design and Technology (DT) classrooms and preparation areas.
These systems support a range of woodworking, metalworking, and laser cutting activities, helping to maintain a safe learning environment for both students and staff.
The Challenge
The facility operates multiple LEV systems serving various processes, including woodworking dust extraction, laser fume control, brazing, and metalwork extraction.
Over time, usage levels and equipment changes have varied across departments, prompting the need for an updated assessment to ensure continued compliance with COSHH requirements and safe air quality throughout the DT areas.
Our Solution
We conducted a full LEV Initial Thorough Examination and Test across six systems within the department, including:
- Multi-point wood dust extraction system serving multiple classrooms
 - Laser cutter fume extraction unit with BOFA filtration
 - Brazing hood and extraction system for metalwork activities
 - Several band facer extraction and filtration units, managing dust from sanding and finishing tasks
 
Each system was inspected and tested to ensure it performed effectively, maintained proper airflow, and safely controlled hazardous substances, such as fine wood dust, Perspex particles, and metalwork fumes.
The Result
All systems were found to provide satisfactory control, confirming effective extraction and filtration performance across the site. Recommendations for minor improvements were outlined in a detailed report to help improve system efficiency and ensure ongoing compliance.

												

