In the UK, companies using Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems must adhere to the regulations in COSHH Regulation 9. To ensure compliance with workplace health and safety standards.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), workplace exposure to chemicals and dust can lead to over 12,000 deaths yearly due to inhaling various fumes, dust, and other hazards in the air while working. Therefore, the Local Exhaust Ventilation Regulations, also known as COSHH Regulation 9, were created to prevent such occurrences and promote a safe working environment.
What is COSHH Regulation 9?
Under COSHH Regulation 9, employers must safeguard their employees from exposure to hazardous substances. One way of achieving this is by utilizing Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment, which must be kept in excellent working condition. According to the regulation, a qualified individual must meticulously inspect and test each LEV system at least once every 14 months. The examination results and repairs must be recorded and kept for at least five years. Adherence to this regulation is not optional, as it is compulsory.
Importance of Local Exhaust Ventilation Regulations?
Keeping Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems in top-notch condition is crucial, as they can gradually lose their effectiveness due to various factors, such as wear and tear, blockages, leaks, or damage. To ensure these controls meet the required standards, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made Local Exhaust Ventilation Regulations mandatory. HSE notes that over 100,000 UK businesses use local exhaust ventilation to combat airborne hazards, safeguarding around 2.6 million workers. Nevertheless, roughly 1.6 million workers are still vulnerable to airborne hazards in workplaces that don’t employ local exhaust ventilation systems.
In the UK, LEV testing is a legal obligation that companies must fulfil to comply with COSHH health and safety standards. Test reports are often included in a firm’s insurance policy, and inadequate testing can lead to employers facing prosecution, invalidating insurance policies, and employees falling sick. Exposure to harmful dust and fumes can result in long-term effects such as respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, the ramifications of these illnesses are often not fully comprehended until symptoms manifest, which can be irreversible. However, diseases like COPD, silicosis, and cancer can be entirely preventable with proper controls and maintenance of LEV systems.
What steps should I take to adhere to the regulations for local exhaust ventilation?
If you’re an employer in the UK who works with hazardous substances, following the COSHH regulations is essential. One practical and affordable way to control these substances is by installing a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. Complying with Regulation 9 of COSHH, it’s necessary to have your LEV system examined and tested thoroughly at least every 14 months. Some exceptions may require more frequent examinations, as HSG258 specified. An LEV test is a detailed examination that ensures your system functions as intended and controls exposure effectively. It’s essential to have expertise in legal requirements, knowledge of standards, and proficiency in testing to ensure compliance.
Your LEV Regulations Experts
At a-mac Environmental, we can help you meet your local exhaust ventilation requirements by providing regular in-house checks, maintenance, and a thorough LEV system test at least every 14 months.
When testing and examining your LEV equipment, A-mac Environmental is trustworthy for ensuring staff safety and avoiding HSE fines. Rest assured that we handle everything with professionalism and efficiency. Let us help you meet your obligation to thoroughly examine and test your LEV equipment, keeping your staff safe and eliminating potential HSE fines. You can rely on us to care for everything, so you don’t have to worry.
If our LEV Tests uncover any equipment deficiencies, our team of Qualified P601 and P602 LEV engineers is ready to assist you in fully complying with HSE regulations. Their expertise and guidance will ensure that you can navigate the necessary steps with confidence and ease, ultimately achieving complete compliance.
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