Welcome to Synergy Environmental Solutions
Securing Your Workplace with HSE-Compliant LEV Testing
UK Wide
We provide sampling and consultancy services throughout the UK and Ireland
Affordable
We are happy to provide you with an obligation free estimate for work
How it works
With Synergy Environmental Solutions, Your LEV Testing is in Safe Hands
Our comprehensive Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing solutions can be delivered throughout the UK, ensuring your systems are efficient and compliant with current Health and Safety standards. Our experienced engineers are committed to enhancing workplace safety, providing timely assessments and implementing effective risk-reduction strategies.
Rely on Synergy Environmental to guide you towards full LEV Testing compliance, offering peace of mind and robust protection for your workforce.
Your Complete Guide to LEV Testing in the UK
UK Health and Safety laws say you must assess the risks to your workers from hazardous substances, making periodic (at least every 14 months) examinations and testing of your LEV system mandatory. Our experts’ priority is to make sure you remain compliant while your employees stay safe.
- What Is the Purpose of LEV Testing?
- What’s Involved?
- How Often Should LEV be Inspected?
- What Systems Need More Regular LEV Testing?
- Condition Monitoring and Pre-Use Checks for LEV Controls
- Is LEV Testing a Legal Requirement?
- Who Can Conduct LEV Testing?
- How Do You Check the Competence of LEV Testers?
- LEV Logbooks
- LEV User Manuals
- Other LEV Testing FAQs
- LEV Servicing
What Is the Purpose of LEV Testing?
Like most other workplace equipment, LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems are heavily regulated to ensure ventilation systems effectively remove harmful substances from the air, protecting workers’ health in the workplace. It’s a critical part of maintaining compliance with Health and Safety regulations, specifically the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
Regular LEV Testing verifies that these systems are functioning correctly, identifies any necessary repairs or adjustments and helps to prevent occupational diseases by controlling exposure to hazardous substances.
What’s Involved?
LEV Testing involves a comprehensive examination of the ventilation system to ensure it meets specific performance benchmarks.
The process includes visual inspections for wear, damage and cleanliness, as well as functional checks of airflow indicators, noise levels and alarm systems. The testing further assesses mechanical integrity, checks for leakages and evaluates environmental factors such as illumination and water quality.
Our experts will then produce a detailed report, documenting the system’s performance, any deviations from expected standards and recommendations for improvements or repairs to maintain optimal operation and compliance.
How Often Should LEV be Inspected?
In accordance with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, LEV systems should be inspected and tested at least every 14 months to ensure they continue to operate effectively and comply with the ongoing updates to health and safety regulations.
This frequency can vary depending on the specific operations and the substances used, with some systems requiring more frequent checks.
As an employer, you should tailor LEV testing intervals to the engineering control type and the associated risk of failure, considering the likelihood and potential severity of such failures. Adjustments to the frequency may also be required as controls age or if there are significant changes in the operational environment.
What Systems Need More Regular LEV Testing?
While the minimum frequency of testing of most LEV systems is set in The COSHH Regulations 2002 as 14 months, the list below highlights the exceptions to this rule:
- Blasting Processes incidental to the cleaning of metal castings in connection with their manufacture – 1-month minimum LEV Testing frequency.
- Jute cloth manufacture – 1-month minimum LEV Testing frequency.
- Processes, other than wet processes, in which metal articles (other than gold, platinum or iridium) are ground, abraded or polished using mechanical power in any room for more than 12 hours a week – 6-month minimum LEV Testing frequency.
- Processes giving off dust or fume in which non-ferrous metal castings are produced – 6-month minimum LEV Testing frequency.
Condition Monitoring and Pre-Use Checks for LEV Controls
For occasional-use controls, it’s important to verify functionality before each operation.
Continuous condition monitoring, such as the use of airflow sensors in the system ducts, is critical and should be alarm-linked for immediate alerts. Some systems may also need air sensors that detect hazardous substances and raise the alarm on the breach of a pre-set limit.
These safety protocols must be derived from a comprehensive risk assessment. Collaboration between employers and employees is essential to facilitate accurate testing, directly impacting LEV testing intervals.
Is LEV Testing a Legal Requirement?
Yes, LEV Testing is a legal requirement in the UK under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002 Regulations.
These regulations obligate employers to prioritise the health and safety of their workers by controlling exposure to hazardous substances, which includes maintaining and testing LEV systems to ensure they function effectively.
Who Can Conduct LEV Testing?
LEV Testing must be carried out by competent individuals or companies with the proper qualifications and experience.
This includes occupational hygienists and engineers who specialise in ventilation and are familiar with the specific requirements for controlling airborne contaminants. They should hold certifications such as BOHS P601-P604, which signify a comprehensive understanding of LEV systems.
While in-house maintenance staff can perform preliminary checks, it’s crucial for certified professionals to conduct the official tests to ensure the system’s compliance and efficiency in protecting workers.
How Do You Check the Competence of LEV Testers?
It’s important to ensure you’re hiring a competent LEV tester when looking to have your ventilation units examined and properly evaluated. The technicians should at least have:
- A strong understanding of LEV system components and functions.
- Awareness of the legal requirements for LEV system testing.
- Ability to identify damage visually on LEV parts.
- Knowledge of available tests to gauge LEV effectiveness.
- Proficiency in using measuring equipment and interpreting data.
- A selection of appropriate equipment for each measurement type.
- Familiarity with requirements for different LEV system parts.
- Skills in creating clear, usable LEV testing reports.
- Experience in conducting safe testing procedures and recognising potential hazards.
- Understanding of test frequency, and the use of user manuals and logbooks.
At Synergy Environmental, our qualified and experienced technicians are committed to providing timely assessments that guide you towards full LEV testing compliance.
LEV Logbooks
COSHH Regulation 9 specifies employers are required to keep suitable records of LEV testing examinations (i.e. a logbook), along with any repairs carried out as a result of the tests.
They should also contain testing frequencies and any relevant forms required to record the regular checks.
Along with recording any damage to parts of the system, companies should also use the LEV logbooks to record any other checks that are routinely carried out, including:
In particular, the logbook should identify all of the types of daily, weekly and monthly checks for damage to the parts of the system. In detail these should include:
- Hoods, airflow indicators, damage, and blockages.
- Along with any damage to the ductwork or any blockages.
- If the dampers are set correctly, and also if they are damaged.
- Air cleaners – the filter condition, and the pressure drop across it.
- Failure of any alarms on the systems.
- Air mover noise, vibrations, power usage.
- Any repair work carried out.
- Workers should use the logbook to record when they replace LEV parts.
- Repairs.
- The operator’s use of the system. Moreover, do they use it correctly?
Companies should also use the LEV logbooks to record any other checks that are routinely carried out. Such as:
- The time to clear both booths and enclosures.
- The positions of receiving hoods and capture hoods.
- Capture hoods – capture zone still covering the working zone?
- Enclosures – is the contaminant source still kept within the enclosure?
- Operators working sideways on to the airflow in a walk-in booth.
- Removal of obstructions in the LEV Hood.
- Checking of fan noise.
- Cleaning of fan blades.
- Fan bearings.
- Filter material replacement.
The LEV logbook should also include
- Space to report the results of each test.
- Signature and date.
Where there are no logbooks or User Manuals, the owning company should contact the manufacturer for information. If the manufacturer is unable to supply one, then Synergy is able to produce a logbook template for its customers that meets the requirements of HSG 258. We can also undertake your LEV Test for you at the correct testing frequency.
Contact us to find out more.
- The time to clear both booths and enclosures.
- The positions of receiving hoods and capture hoods.
- Capture hoods – is the capture zone still covering the working zone?
- Enclosures – is the contaminant source still kept within the enclosure?
- Operators working sideways onto the airflow in a walk-in booth.
- Removal of obstructions in the LEV Hood.
- Checking of fan noise.
- Cleaning of fan blades.
- Fan bearings.
- Filter material replacement.
If you don’t have a LEV Testing Logbook, Synergy Environmental can produce a logbook template for customers that meets HSG 258 requirements.
LEV User Manuals
As part of the commissioning process, the LEV supplier or manufacturer should supply a user manual. The manual should include details on how to run, maintain and check the LEV correctly.
In addition, all user manuals should clearly state the name and address of the company that made it along with the details of a primary contact.
The user manual should also contain the designation of the system (this doesn’t have to be the serial number but should include its EC Declaration of Conformity).
The diagram in the LEV user manual must identify the parts that it’s made of. Such as:
- Position of hoods.
- Flexible and Rigid ductwork runs.
- Bends and junctions.
- Duct contractions and expansions.
- Dampers and Valves.
- Monitoring equipment such as manometers.
- Positions of test points.
- Sampling positions.
- Air cleaner.
- Air mover.
- Discharge to atmosphere and also the workplace.
- Alarms.
The LEV User Manual should contain advice about its use and operation, such as:
- Adjustable controls like dampers.
- The position of adjustable hoods because they can affect the systems performance.
- Dampers Hood position Sash opening heights.
- How the operator should use it.
- The position of process equipment.
- Methods of working.
- Other factors such as draughts from open doors and workplace fans.
The User Manual should consist of details for the LEV Test, such as
- What to check, where to test and when to test (COSHH Regulation 9).
- How to complete the test.
- Commissioning information so that a comparison can be made.
Technical performance
If available, the technical performance test will compare against
- The design static pressure at each of the hoods and ducts.
- The design face and duct velocities.
Synergy can also carry out workplace air monitoring at the correct frequency to ensure that you LEV is providing effective control.
Contact us to find out more.
Your LEV user manual should clearly state the system’s function and control method, and must also include:
- System purpose and control techniques.
- Specifications of LEV components, including materials and serial numbers.
- Designed velocities for face and ductwork.
- Arrangement for makeup air provision.
- Test points, necessary checks, and alarm verifications.
- Water testing protocols if applicable.
- Illumination levels at the workstation.
- Maintenance schedules for filters, fans, and ductwork to prevent clogging.
- Guidelines to mitigate dust accumulation.
- Training essentials for operators, such as proper capture distances.
- Waste disposal procedures from the system.
Where companies don’t have the correct user manual(s), they should first contact the manufacturer or supplier for more information.
Other LEV Testing FAQs
- How Long Does LEV Testing Take? – The duration of LEV Testing varies depending on the complexity and size of the system, as well as the specific requirements of the workplace. Typically, an inspection and testing process can range from a few hours to a full day.
It’s important to schedule these tests during times that minimise disruption to business operations.
- Will LEV Testing Affect Business Operations? – LEV Testing is designed to be minimally intrusive to business operations. The testing process is typically scheduled to minimise disruption, ensuring that it does not significantly impact your daily activities.
However, some temporary measures/adjustments may be necessary during the testing period to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the examination.
- How Long Should I Keep LEV Testing Records? – Under COSHH regulations, businesses operating LEV systems must keep detailed records of all LEV tests conducted for a minimum period of five years. These records are crucial for demonstrating compliance with Health and Safety standards, facilitating regular system assessments, and ensuring that the LEV systems continue to protect worker health by effectively removing hazardous substances from the workplace environment.
Maintaining these records helps businesses track the performance and efficiency of their LEV systems over time, identifying trends or issues that may require attention.
- How long should I keep LEV Testing records? – LEV Testing records should be retained for at least five years, as required by COSHH regulations. This period ensures compliance with health and safety standards, enabling effective monitoring and assessment of the LEV system’s performance over time.
- What are the Additional Benefits of LEV Testing? – LEV Testing offers several additional benefits beyond compliance, including protecting worker health by reducing exposure to hazardous substances, enhancing workplace productivity through improved air quality and offering long-term cost savings by mitigating health-related expenses and legal risks.
It enables customised risk management tailored to specific industrial environments, supports sustainability by preventing pollutant release and ensures adherence to health and safety regulations, safeguarding both employee well-being and company reputation.
- What Happens if our LEV System Fails its Test? – If an LEV system fails its test, it indicates the system isn’t effectively controlling hazardous substances, posing a risk to worker health. The immediate steps include identifying and rectifying the issues, which may involve repairs, adjustments, or upgrades to the system.
It’s essential to address these faults promptly to ensure the system meets safety standards and protects employees from harmful exposure, thereby maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
- What Industries Require Testing? – Industries that require LEV Testing primarily include those involving woodworking, metalworking, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food production and any sector where workers are/may be exposed to hazardous substances like dust, fumes or vapours.
- What Happens If We Don’t Test? – Failing to conduct effective LEV Testing can result in legal repercussions, health risks to employees and potential financial liabilities from non-compliance with health and safety regulations.
It’s crucial to ensure that LEV systems are regularly tested to maintain a safe working environment and adhere to all UK legal standards.
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Available COSHH services
We’re happy to answer any questions you have, or provide you with an obligation free estimate for work. Just send us a message!
01782 614236 or [email protected]
Workplace Air Monitoring
LEV Testing
COSHH Regulation 9
Breathing Air Testing
Face Fit Testing
Hand Arm Vibration
Whole Body Vibration
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Synergy Environmental Solutions provide
sampling and consultancy services
throughout the UK and Ireland
We’re happy to answer any questions you have,
or provide you with an obligation
free estimate for work.
Just send us a message!
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01782 614236
