The importance of testing your local exhaust ventilation systems

The Importance of LEV Testing

Ensuring Good Air Quality in the Workplace

LEV Dust and Fume Extraction systems are crucially commissioned to extract, at source, harmful airborne particles such as gases, fumes or dusts, from the air before they spread into the workplace.

Extracting such substances protects workers and other building users from airborne contaminants that are produced from manufacturing or processing activities.

It is therefore imperative to check that LEV units are performing to their optimum keeping hazardous substances at safe levels.

A Legal Requirement

The Health & Safety at Work Act state it is a legal duty to perform LEV testing every 14 months – though this can be assessed as being required more frequently dependent on the process, age of machinery, and the level of risk implemented if the system were to fail.

The reassurance of using an Accredited Third-Party LEV Testing Company

A third-party LEV testing company will show results which can be trusted as they will have acted without bias to the manufacturer.

After LEV testing has been completed, a competent LEV testing technician, will transparently share the results highlighting areas that need improvement or repair/replacement to remain compliant to the Health and Safety Act, laying out any potential issues which may become a problem to safety.

Third-party LEV testers must be able to demonstrate their competence through company and personal accreditation with technicians having achieved BOHS P601 - a certification which provides the knowledge and skills to carry out TExT (thorough testing and examination) of LEV systems - instilling confidence that the testing has been carried out the highest of standards within the HSE HSG258 guidance. 

The Benefits of regular LEV Testing

Adhering to legal requirements.
Ensuring your business remains compliant.
Documented evidence of a current and robust testing regime.
Expenditure control – identifying problems before they become more costly to repair.
A preventative maintenance method – minimizes plant downtime.
Invoking health & wellbeing confidence within the workforce. 
Demonstrating to clients care for the environment. 
Peace of mind.
 
Money well Spent

Conducting regular LEV testing is not only a legal requirement, but as a preventive maintenance routine will lower the cost of repairs to machinery along with extending lifecycles.

It will also protect you from expensive fines and defense court costs by ensuring that your LEV systems remain compliant. 

Fines are issued by the HSE to companies who fail to protect their workforce from harmful airborne contaminants as can be seen in articles on their website such as a London Wood Working company who were £20,000 for failing to control wood dust .

Be Proactive

Don't get caught out by falling behind with system inspections. Look at your test due date today and make sure that your next LEV testing is booked in advance to ensure timely compliance. 

Get in contact for further information on LEV testing and compliance.

Find out more about DCE Dust Control Environmental Ltd on their member profile page here

Member-created content 5 months ago | From members

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