September is traditionally a month for getting organised following a relaxed summer. If routine LEV testing for your oil mist, dust or fume extraction systems is something you need to arrange, there’s no better time to book a visit from one of Filtermist’s P601 qualified LEV test engineers.
All LEV systems must be routinely tested by a competent person at least once every 14 months to comply with COSHH regulations. LEV testing involves thoroughly inspecting and evaluating a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system against the commissioning report’s performance, industry standards, and HSE guidelines.
We spoke to Filtermist’s Field Engineering Manager, Rob Fullwood, earlier this year about ‘what to look for in an LEV Testing provider’ - we recently spoke to Rob again to find out how Filtermist’s team of LEV test engineers ensure LEV systems are COSHH compliant and capable of supporting production requirements with minimal downtime.
“Filtermist was first established in 1969 as a manufacturer of centrifugal oil mist filters. It extended its service offering to include LEV testing more than 25 years ago and now employs LEV engineers all over the UK to provide a local LEV testing service wherever customers are located.
“COSHH Regulations require all LEV systems to be regularly testing by a competent person – the word ‘competency is key in this phrase. All Filtermist LEV engineers hold a minimum of P601 certification, are experienced engineers, and work using approved test methodology and report writing - as recommended in HSE publication HSG258 ‘A guide to local exhaust ventilation’.
“All LEV tests are followed up with a thorough test report designed in accordance with HSG258 which includes recommendations to improve the LEV system if required. Much like an MOT test which lists ‘advisory items’ – Filtermist’s LEV test reports include details of any specific items which, although not significant enough to warrant a fail at the time of the test, will need looking at before the next LEV test is due.
“In cases where the LEV system fails the routine test and examination, the Filtermist LEV engineer will apply a prominent ‘fail’ label to warn machine operators that the extraction system should not be used until any issues have been rectified.
“All of our engineers carry stocks of the most common consumables and replacement parts on their vans, and they are also supported by an office-based aftermarket support team which quotes our customers for any replacement parts to ensure failed LEV systems can be up and running again with minimal delays. As a manufacturer itself, Filtermist recognises how important it is to minimise production downtime as much as possible.”
“Filtermist is accredited by Safe Contractor and Avetta for its high safety standards, and thorough risk assessments and method statements are an important part of every LEV test carried out. All Filtermist engineers regularly undertake health and safety training relevant to their roles including working at height, working in confined spaces and the importance of wearing necessary PPE.
Filtermist provides COSHH compliant LEV testing all over the UK – from Aberdeen to Plymouth and everywhere in between. If you’ve been meaning to book LEV testing near you, complete this short form now and one of our dedicated aftermarket team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
LEV test overdue? Let Filtermist look at it for you this autumn. Find out more about Filtermist’s comprehensive LEV testing service https://www.filtermist.co.uk/lev-testing/.