What is an LEV test?
An LEV test involves a complete inspection and examination of your dust or fume extraction equipment, including the ducts, hoods and filters. It will also involve a measurement of the technical performance and an assessment of the working condition of the LEV system.
As well as checking exhaust performance rates, checks and maintenance of the complete LEV system are essential, especially moving parts that wear, e.g. fan motors/drives, gear wheels, fan belts, fan bearings, capture hoods, ductwork flanges and seals that can be corroded or damaged also need to be checked, along with any parts that may deteriorate with use e.g. filters, flexible ducting, and items that need regular attention such as dust collectors and cyclones.
Meeting Standards
All examinations conducted by us will be conducted by a competent and qualified engineer, in accordance with HSE regulation HSG258 – Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV). We will advise you of any recommendations to be made, should your LEV system not meet the standard required.
Log Book Provided
We will issue you with an LEV testing log book which should be kept. This will indicate the initial design criteria and required monitoring checks, actual records and dates of performance monitoring, maintenance, parts replacement or any modification to the system.
Maintenance Services
Maintenance records should be kept to demonstrate ongoing effectiveness of the system and to assist in determining any deterioration by way of comparison with previous results. Maintenance must be carried out by a person who is competent in the operation of the LEV system.
Any deficiencies found during system monitoring should be rectified to ensure the LEV system is effective when in use, and these interventions/modifications should be included in your LEV records.
LEV Testing
Why LEV testing is important…
An LEV system (or Local Exhaust Ventilation system) is used to control or capture airborne hazardous substances from the working environment. It typically consists of a capture hood (which is placed close to the source of the fume, dust, oil mist, vapour or gas to remove the hazardous substance before it can be breathed in by workers), ducting, filtration unit, fan and exhaust/vent.
Having an LEV system installed, with regular LEV testing and servicing, ensures effective and efficient removal of hazardous substances and peace of mind that workers are continuously protected and that you, as an employer, are compliant with COSHH regulations.