Local Exhaust Ventilation / LEV Testing
In its simplest terms, local exhaust ventilation is an engineering system to protect employees from exposure to hazardous substances by containing or capturing them locally, at the emission point. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is only one of many engineering control options that may be used to remove and prevent employee exposure to vapour, mist, dust or other airborne contaminants. To be effective in protecting the employee(s), it is important that it is of good design, is fit for purpose, is regularly maintained and the system’s performance is monitored. Failure to do so can lead to employees being exposed because they have the impression that the system is effective when it is not.
COSHH Testing / TExT Testing
In the UK, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) require a thorough examination and test (TExT). The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in the Republic of Ireland has various statutory instruments made under the Act, although nothing specific covering TExT. However, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have published guidance on LEV which includes the requirement for TExT.
TExT is a detailed and systematic examination sufficient to make sure that the LEV can continue to perform as intended by design and will contribute to the adequate control of exposure. The thorough examination would normally include such functional testing to provide sufficient evidence to indicate adequate control is being achieved. The thorough examination and test is carried out by a person who is competent and able to make an objective assessment of the LEV.
Frequency Of COSHH Testing / TExT Testing
Schedule 4 of the COSHH regulations details the frequency of TExT of local exhaust ventilation plant used in certain processes as:
Regulation 9 of COSHH in the UK requires LEV TExT at a minimum every 14 months. So too has the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in the Republic of Ireland, however certain other processes require TExT more frequently, for example:
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Processes in which blasting is carried out in or incidental to the cleaning of metal castings, in connection with their manufacture TExT at a frequency of 1 month
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Processes, other than wet processes, in which metal articles (other than of gold, platinum or iridium) are ground, abraded or polished using mechanical power, in any room for more than 12 hours in any week minimum TExT at a frequency of 6 months
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Processes giving off dust or fume in which nonferrous metal castings are produced minimum TExT at a frequency of 6 months
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Jute cloth manufacture minimum TExT at a frequency of 1 month
What We Offer
Based in Newtownabbey, Carn Engineering offer local exhaust ventilation testing (LEV testing) throughout Northern Ireland, ensuring that your business adheres to COSHH regulations.