Question 1

What is Local Exhaust Ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Local  Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are engineering controls that  extract/remove or reduce airborne hazardous substances from the  workplace to prevent human exposure. They typically consist of a hood  either enclosing the source of the hazard or positioned close to it.  This may be fume, smoke, dust, oil mist, which is carried away by a  fan,  through duct work and passed through a filter to clean the air  before being discharged.

Question 2

What is an LEV Test or TExT?

Accepted Answer

TExT  is short for Thorough Examination and Test. This is the statutory  inspection that must be carried out at intervals not exceeding a 14  month period as stated in the COSHH Regulations 2002 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l5.htm)(as  amended). This must be carried out by a competent person, a competent  person will have adequate knowledge, training and expertise in the  design of
processes, control measures, including ventilation and PPE and why these systems can fail to protect.

Question 3

Why do I need an LEV system?

Accepted Answer

Health  and safety law says you must assess the risks to your workers from  hazardous substances – dusts, fumes, vapours, etc. and take suitable  measures to use to protect their health. Where the hazard cannot be  eliminated or substituted other controls must be used, engineering  controls (typically LEV) is the next step in the hierarchy of control.

Question 4

What should I do with the reports?

Accepted Answer

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Heath (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l5.htm)Regulation 9 (4) states that "Every employer shall keep a suitable record of the examinations and tests
carried  out in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) and of repairs carried  out as a result of those examinations and tests, and that record or a  suitable summary thereof shall be kept available for at least 5 years  from the date on which it was made." . These can be kept electronically  or a hard copy.

Question 5

Do I have to fit airflow indicators?

Accepted Answer

There  isn't a specific legal requirement to have airflow indicators but you  must make sure your LEV is working properly and protecting your  employees. An airflow indicator is a quick visual method of assurance  that the system has airflow within its design parameters. Faults,  blockages or failure can quickly be identified. The HSE guidance  document HSG258 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg258.htm)recommends these are fitted.

Question 6

What guidance do I follow?

Accepted Answer

The main document is the HSE published document HSG258,(https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg258.htm) which gives an overview of LEV systems and design performance criteria.  Industry specific guidance can be found on the HSE's COSHH Essentials(https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/index.htm) page. Further guidance can be found via The Building Engineering Services Association (https://www.thebesa.com/knowledge/shop/products/50-off-was-120-tr40-a-guide-to-good-practice-for-local-exhaust-ventilation/)(BESA)  document TR40 - A Guide to Good Practice for Local Exhaust Ventilation.  It is always best to seek professional help when looking to design,  install and commission LEV systems.

Question 7

Can we just use dust masks?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory  protection equipment (RPE) is the last line control measure in the  hierarchy of control, all other steps further up the hierarchy should be  carried out first. If, after implementing all of the controls further  up the hierarchy exposure is till too high then RPE can and should be  used. It is worth remembering that although RPE protects the individual,  LEV protects the entire working environment

Question 8

How do I know if the LEV tester is competent?

Accepted Answer

People carrying out examinations and tests on LEV must have adequate  knowledge, training and expertise in examination methods and techniques.  Examiners will be able to show they hold, as minimum, qualifications  from the BOHS such as the P601 for testing systems. Training alone does  not make them competent, experience and knowledge are required too and  the tester should be able to  answer any questions you may have.

Question 9

What happens if my system fails the inspection?

Accepted Answer

If your extract system does not control the hazard it will be failed and a  red label attached, stating it has failed. The test engineer will be  able to advise on remedial works and temporary controls to keep your  business operating and agree a time frame with you to have the repair works carried out before having the system re-inspected. If the system is beyond economical repair a new system can be designed.

Question 10

Is LEV Testing a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, COSHH Regulation 9 states that where engineering controls are provided to meet the requirements of regulation 7, the employer shall ensure that  thorough examination and testing of those controls is carried out. In  the case of local exhaust ventilation plant, at least once every 14  months. There are other specific processes that require more frequent  testing intervals. as detailed in Column 1 of Schedule 4 of the COSHH regulations.