Anyone responsible for ensuring workplace air is safe knows that all Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are subject to a number of legal requirements.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 Regulation 9 states that in addition to testing by a competent person at least once every 14 months, ‘every employer shall keep a suitable record of the examinations and tests…and of repairs carried out as a result of those examinations and tests, and that record or a suitable summary thereof shall be kept available for at least 5 years from the date on which it was made.’
Filtermist’s Remedials Planning Manager Carolyn Roney gives us an insight into why detailed LEV reports are an essential part of your health and safety records:
Filtermist produces its comprehensive LEV Test Reports using a digital system. As well as meaning test results can be sent straight to the customer as soon as the report is finalised, digital LEV Test reports make it easy to retrieve the necessary documentation in the eventuality of a request from Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
HSE recommends including a wide range of information in LEV test reports to ensure an accurate record of both the LEV system and the examination results and our detailed reports give a clear indication of a system’s status at a glance using a traffic light system.
Green indicates that something is in good working order, amber highlights areas that are in working order at the moment but will require action soon, and red shows faults or defects in a system that need immediate attention. The reports also include comprehensive descriptions of any recommendations for work that are required to bring the LEV system up to standard. We even go as far as to provide a quotation for any remedials work required so repairs and improvements can be actioned as soon as possible.
Not all LEV Servicing companies provide information in the same way however, and we still hear from customers who have been given a one-page summary sheet as the outcome of an LEV test. If a problem does occur, these kinds of reports make it difficult to back-track and cross-reference with previous test results and prove compliance.
Filtermist has carried out LEV tests for some customers who have already had equipment tested, but felt the service was not as stringent as it might have been. Employers are often having to double-up on their LEV testing to ensure their systems are working properly. Often, they have received the initial test by a company appointed as part of their business cover through their insurer, but they still end up paying for a third party such as Filtermist to carry out additional tests for their own peace of mind.
All LEV Test Reports compiled by Filtermist include the following information:
- Initial risk assessment
- Safety policy
- Method statement
- Customer name and date examination took place
- Reference number for the system that the report relates to
- Substance / process being controlled
- A photo of the LEV system and product reference
- Details of the system’s intended performance
- Test point details
- Quantitative assessment readings and details of any repairs required
- Statement of competency for the Test Engineer
- Report observations and recommendations for improvement
LEV Test Reports play a vital role in ensuring the control measures taken by an employer are working as intended and safeguarding employees from potential exposure to substances hazardous to health. Filtermist has extensive experience in effective oil mist removal as well as dust, fume and smoke extraction, and its dedicated LEV team provides COSHH compliant LEV testing for all makes and models of LEV systems.
Get in touch today to find out more about Filtermist’s Aftermarket services, including LEV Testing, by filling out our enquiry form, emailing sales@filtermist.com or calling the team on 01952 290500 to book COSHH compliant LEV Testing from Filtermist’s P601 accredited engineers.
Useful resources
Download this HSE guide ‘Clearing the air - A simple guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV)’ for a plain English explanation of what employers need to do to ensure compliance with CoSHH regulations, or follow the link below to read CoSHH regulation 9 in full: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/regulation/9/made