Specialists in Local Exhaust Ventilation since 1980

P&J's LEV Report complies with the requirements of COSHH Regulations Regulation 9 and HSG 258 'Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work'. Our staff have all the knowledge, training, and expertise in examination methods and techniques to meet the stringent UKAS criteria.

 

Some of the LEV tests performed:

 

• check the condition of the filters

• measure rotational speed of the motor with a tachometer

• record the velocity pressure and static pressure of all test points

• record the pressure drop across the filters

• measure ambient dust level

• measure percentage of contaminant in the returned air

• measure the decibel readings 2 metres from each machine

• measure the dust level reading in the breathing zone of operators

• perform a smoke test (fume extraction)

• face velocity test (spray booth)

 

After the test has been completed, the data is analysed by our senior engineer. A comprehensive and detailed report will then be issued. 

 

Actions you need to take

 

Read the front page of the report which has a report summary and a list of any remedial actions. Any defects should be put right as soon as possible or within the time specified in the action plan. 

 

The COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended)

 

The regulations require that: employers must assess the degree of exposure and the risks to their employees, devise and implement adequate control measures and check and maintain them. Employees must use these control measures in the way they are intended to be used and as they have been instructed. The equipment necessary for control must be maintained in: 

• an efficient state

• an efficient working order

• good repair

• clean condition.

 

Employers must ensure that thorough examination and testing of their LEV is carried out at least every 14 months - this is usually treated as an annual requirement (certain processes have a shorter interval). Employers must 'review and revise' ways of working so that controls are being used effectively. The frequency of examination and tests should be linked to the type of engineering control in use, the size of the risk if it failed or deteriorated and how likely it is to fail or deteriorate. Employers and employees should give the person carrying out the thorough examination and test all the co-operation needed for the work to be carried out correctly and fully. 

 

Report Storage & Distribution

 

The report needs to be kept by the employer for at least 5 years and readily accessible in electronic or paper format. A copy must be kept at the site where the plant is located. You ought to disclose the report contents to your staff, your plant maintenance engineer and the person responsible for health & safety. You may also disclose the report to the Health & Safety Executive. Written consent from P&J Dust Extraction is needed before disclosing the report to anyone else. 

 

Qualitative Assessment Methods used to determine the efficiency of the plant

 

Observation - a thorough visual external examination of all parts of the system for damage, wear and tear. 

 

Visualisation of air movement with smoke to: simulate the size, velocity and behaviour of dust clouds; identify capture zones and boundaries; confirm containment; identify draughts and air currents; determine the direction of general ventilation in a workroom. Tyndall illumination is used to make particle clouds visible. 

 

Quantitative Assessment Methods used to determine the efficiency of the plant

 

Measurement of performance including measuring the flow rates, static pressures and pressure drop at various point in the system. Air sampling - proof of effective control is a critical test. If the Hazardous Substance is dust, static air sampling with a real-time particulate monitor is carried out in the operator's breathing zone to measure dust levels. This identifies any areas of concern or confirms that effective control is achieved. For fumes and vapours other methods of air sampling may be available, as an optional extra. Static air sampling is also carried out to check dust levels in any filtered air returned to the workplace and to establish general background dust levels. 

 

The Process

 

P&J Dust Extraction have been contracted by local and county councils, independent schools and colleges, joineries and foundries. We have carried out testing for solo operators through to international companies and market leaders. P&J undertake thousands of LEV tests each year for leading businesses, schools and colleges nationwide.

 

Our qualified LEV engineers use the latest precision equipment to produce a comprehensive report on LEV performance that complies with the legal requirements of the COSHH regulations, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice, and the latest HSE guidance publication HSG 258: 2008. The report must be kept for five years as part of your COSHH records and is guaranteed should it be inspected by authorised personnel such as a HSE representative or Local Authority Officers.

 

The P&J Dust Extraction LEV COSHH test report also provides additional health and safety advice that is not required by the COSHH regulations, but relates to other H&S Legislation.

 

Ambient noise level in the working area with the extraction system and the production machinery operating to give an indicative measurement which could identify areas of concern. (This is not a detailed noise survey).

 

Earth status of flexible hose containing a wire helix and note of improvements required to comply with BS EN 1127-1 Explosive Atmospheres- explosion prevention and protection.