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LEV is an extract ventilation system that captures dusts, mists, gases, vapour or fumes from work processes to prevent them entering into the workplace air so that they can’t be breathed in.
One type of LEV is a ‘recirculating’ system, where a filter cleans the air and recirculates it back into the workplace. If the filter is not working correctly then harmful contaminants can be returned into the workplace, potentially causing significant exposures that may result in ill health.
Every year, thousands of people in Great Britain die of lung disease or get asthma because of airborne contaminants they have inhaled at work.
For LEV to work effectively it must be regularly maintained and routinely checked.
Research is being carried out, in collaboration with LEV industry professional bodies and trade associates, to increase HSE’s knowledge of what recirculating LEV systems are currently being used and how they are being tested and maintained.
We are asking you to help by providing information through a short questionnaire that will identify if your LEV is a recirculating system and how you use it.
Complete the questionnaire.
The deadline for completion is 17 May 2021.
The information gathered will help us to understand what the key factors are for the safe use of this type of LEV system. The immediate benefits of carrying out this research are:
- to give HSE a better understanding of the standards the LEV industry use to design and test recirculating LEV systems and their reasons behind their use
- to gain a better understanding of the types of systems being used by the LEV industry
Investigation of critical factors for the safe use of recirculating LEV
Facilitated workshop of industry experts will be organised for 2021 to focus on themes such as:
- filter and device standards
- commissioning
- testing and maintenance
- use of safety filters and alarms
- training in the use and maintenance of devices
Potential areas for discussion include:
- ILEVE LEV TC01 commissioning and thorough examination and test report templates
- TC01 is proposed as a standard report format that covers thorough examination and test (TExT) and commissioning that meets the need of the duty holder/purchaser and LEV engineers of the equipment.
- The guide is published on the Institute Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) website. The report format requires input through a competent LEV engineer.
TR/40 Guide to Good Practice - Local Exhaust Ventilation
The purpose of TR40 is to assist everyone involved in the procurement and design of LEV. It's based on a flow diagram setting out the various stages from initiation to handover that explain the roles, responsibilities and competence requirements.
For Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) members TR40 establishes a quality threshold against which all providers of LEV solutions will be assessed.
Inspections
Inspectors will be out visiting businesses across the country between May and September 2021 to ensure duty holders know the risks, plan their work and have adequate control measures in place to protect workers’ health.
HSE has sent letters to dutyholders of fabricated metal businesses across the country informing them of the upcoming inspections.
If your business has received a letter please respond by 24 March.
Online conference
The ILEVE and BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) Virtual conference is taking place on 29 April 2021.
For more information visit the BOHS website.
More information and guidance
For further detailed information and guidance visit our LEV guidance, which also includes answers to frequently asked questions.
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