The purpose of a LEV, or Local Exhaust Ventilation, system is to protect those in buildings such as industrial units, laboratories and factories from the dangers of potentially toxic or health-damaging substance.
This not only includes chemicals and fumes from various industrial processes but also the dust given off from processes like woodworking or the manufacturing and packaging flour for cooking, where inhaling quantities in the atmosphere can lead to breathing problems, including asthma, skin problems like dermatitis or in some cases even cancer.
The sorts of equipment that is being used, where a LEV may be necessary, include orbital, belt and disc sanders, disc cutters, circular saws and routers, lLathes, drills, abrasive wheels and polishers.
Processes that involve casting, furnaces. soldering, brazing and welding, or liquids, powders, or solids being transferred into a container, paint spraying. abrasive blasting and rock crushing are other examples.
Normally the system will consist of a hood or canopy placed over the area of the work and an extraction, ducted system to draw up the potentially hazardous substance and ensure the atmosphere is clean and free of these contaminants.
LEV systems need to be maintained in good working condition and regularly tested to ensure they are effectively removing pollutants from the workplace and disposing of them safely. They are regulated by Health and Safety and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.
A LEV system running inefficiently can also add to energy costs because blocked or partially blocked air ducts mean the system has to work harder to maintain air flow. It can also mushroom into other costs that could affect the profitability of a company.
In a recent case highlighted by the HSE inspectors visited a joinery company and found that its system was not working correctly. The company was given a deadline of three months to make the necessary improvements, but when the inspector returned the work had not been carried out and the company was taken to court.
Therefore, in addition to the increased energy costs, if a company fails to maintain its LEV system in good working order and is then found out and taken to court it faces a substantial fine and if any employees have suffered serious health consequences it could also face a claim for damages.
The frequency needed for LEV testing will depend on the type of hazardous substance the LEV is designed to protect people from. It could be daily, weekly or perhaps every six months or so, but any LEV test must be carried out by a competent person.
LEV testing, maintenance and cleaning are services that are often offered by specialist commercial cleaning companies and they should be able to provide evidence that their staff have been properly trained as well as having the correct equipment to carry out the task.
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Regular LEV testing to ensure an efficiently working LEV system can save a company from costly energy bills and court appearances. By Ali Withers. http://www.pro-ductclean.com/local-exhaust-cleaning.asp
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