LEV Testing
Etek provide comprehensive Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing services on all fume extraction equipment to ensure it continues to adhere to current Health and Safety Executive Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) guidelines, which govern the LEV industry.
All Etek fume extraction engineers are trained to the latest P601 standard as set out by the Health and Safety Executive HSG258 guidelines and all LEV testing is carried out to C.O.S.H.H. Regulation 9 guidelines. You must have your LEV equipment tested by a qualified engineer for your certification to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the LEV system works?
When our engineers install your LEV system, they will test it to ensure it is working according to the specification. This is called ‘commissioning’ and shows that it has been installed properly and that it controls exposure. This will need your co-operation because it should be done when normal working is taking place. You and your employees will need training by the supplier in how the LEV works and how to check and maintain it.
What documents do Etek give me?
1. A user manual with a general specification of what the LEV system is designed to control and how it achieves control. It should include:
• a description of the system with diagrams
• performance information from commissioning
• a description of checks and maintenance and replacement schedules, including frequency
• a listing of replaceable parts (and part numbers)
• a detailed description of the specific statutory ‘thorough examination and test’ requirements and exposure targets
• signs of wear and control failure
• a description of how operators should use the system so it works effectively
2. A commissioning report that includes:
• diagrams and a description of the LEV system, including test points
• details of the LEV performance specification
• results, such as pressures and velocities at stated points
• calculations
• written descriptions of the commissioning, the tests undertaken, and the outcome.
• a description of how operators should use the system so it works effectively
What do I need to do once the LEV system is installed?
The law says that you need to make sure it carries on working properly. You will need to regularly check and maintain the LEV system over the year and have it ‘thoroughly examined and tested’. To do this you will need the user manual, logbook and training, which Etek will have provided when your system was installed.
Checking and maintenance
How often you check your LEV system and how you do it will depend on how complicated the system is, how likely it is to fail, and the consequences if it does. Complicated LEV that will have serious consequences if it goes wrong needs more frequent checks and maintenance. Your Etek engineer will advise you on this at the time of installation.
As you gain more experience in running the LEV system, you may need to change the frequency of your checks in the user manual. Checks and maintenance tend to cover four types of parts:
• moving parts that may wear, such as fan bearings or filter shakers
• non-moving parts, such as hoods, ductwork and seals (which can suffer physical or chemical damage and wear)
• parts that deteriorate with use, such as filters or flexible ducting
• items that need regular attention, such as filters that need replacing, or removing sludge from a wet scrubber.
If there is any obvious damage to the LEV system or it clearly isn’t working properly, employees should report this and you should have it repaired straight away.
What is the thorough examination and test?
It is a legal requirement that your LEV system is tested to ensure it is operating effectively and is serviced by skilled professionals every 14 months. Etek will provide a thorough examination which tests the LEV system against the performance recorded in the commissioning report. This includes airflow and pressure measurements, checks on control effectiveness and exposure measurements.
You will need to give the Etek engineer the following documentation at the time of the test:
• LEV commissioning report
• LEV user manual
The engineer will attach a ‘tested’ label to all hoods. This will include the name of the engineer who examined the equipment and the date of the next test. Etek will give you a report of the examination and test, which includes a prioritised action plan listing anything that you need to do.
If the examination and test show that the LEV isn’t adequately controlling people’s exposure to airborne contaminants, by law, you will be required to stop the work and repair the LEV system. If you want work to continue while you arrange repair, employees will need further protection, such as suitable personal protective equipment and respiratory protection. The system will carry the red ‘fail’ label until it has been repaired.
If the thorough examination and test report action plan contains long lists of repairs and poor performance, this tells you that your checking and maintenance is not good enough. Use the test report as an audit of your procedures and an
opportunity to review all your exposure control measures. Improve them if you can.
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Posted :: 18th April 2011
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Posted :: 18th April 2011
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Posted :: 18th April 2011
The UK's biggest team of regional engineers for fume extraction service and LEV Testing
Etek's regional team of Service & Support engineers provide comprehensive servicing and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing on all fume extraction equipment to ensure it continues to adhere to current Health and Safety guidelines and preform efficiently. All of our engineers are P601 qualified standard as set out by the Health and Safety Executive HSG258 guidelines.
