The purpose of LEV testing is to demonstrate that the LEV remains in an efficient state, in efficient working order, in good repair and in clean condition, therefore all significant failings should be reported.
HSE routinely sees instances of LEV systems that engineers have passed or deemed ‘Satisfactory’ despite the presence of significant failings or defects.
Significant failings may include:
- inadequate contaminant capture or containment
- enclosing hood failing to contain the contaminant cloud;
- receiving hood failing to intercept or contain the contaminant cloud;
- capturing hood failing to capture the contaminant cloud, e.g. the capture zone does not encompass all of the working zone where the contaminant cloud is generated
- inadequate air flows (i.e. reduced or no detectable airflow)
- badly damaged ducting and hoods
- blocked ductwork
- damaged or missing filters
Unless the systems are explicitly marked as failed or ‘Unsatisfactory’, action is unlikely to be taken to rectify the problem, putting worker health at risk.
As a regulator, HSE may become interested in the actions or inactions of the test engineer. Not failing an unsatisfactory system provides false assurance to those using the system and allows unsafe conditions to persist. As a specialist, it is the test engineer’s role to alert the LEV owner to any deficiencies identified in their systems.
In the past 12 months, a number of enforcement notices have been served on companies testing LEV systems.
The test companies were providing false assurances to their clients, who were incorrectly led to believe that their LEV was capable of providing adequate control of exposure.
In addition, appropriate enforcement was also taken by HSE against the employer responsible for the LEV tested.
Improvement Notices were served because each company had failed to appoint a competent person to thoroughly examine and test the LEV plant.
Find out more details at the below links:
A company that tests ventilation systems was fined for putting hundreds of workers at risk of serious lung diseases.
HSE's investigation found that the company provided its customers with inaccurate test results, potentially leaving staff in those businesses unaware of the risks they faced.
Read more about this prosecution
LEV test engineers should be able to demonstrate their competence and should have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and skills.
Employers should be checking the competence of anyone they engage to provide specialist assistance.
LEV trade associations and professional bodies have worked together successfully to produce an agreed position on ‘what good looks like’ in terms of LEV competency.
The LEV Competency Matrix can be accessed and downloaded free of charge.
The Matrix is aimed at anyone involved in LEV design, installation, commissioning and thorough examination and testing, and shows ways to demonstrate competency. It also offers guidance to employers.
Competence in health and safety should be seen as an important component of workplace activities, not an add-on or afterthought.
If you work with LEV, make the time to ensure you keep yourself and others healthy.
Here are some useful links on the HSE website to help you do so:
|
