At Marlowe Environmental Services, we specialise in Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) inspections, a critical service to ensure clean, safe air in your workplace. LEV systems are essential for controlling airborne contaminants and protecting the health and wellbeing of your employees.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are designed to capture and remove harmful airborne pollutants at their source, preventing them from circulating throughout the workplace. These systems help control contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases that can pose significant health risks to workers. Regular LEV inspections are vital to ensure these systems are functioning efficiently and in compliance with health and safety regulations.
There are several different types of LEV systems, each designed to address specific workplace needs and types of airborne hazards. Here are some of the most common:
Regular Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing and inspections are vital to maintaining the safety and efficiency of your workplace. LEV systems are essential for protecting employees from hazardous airborne substances such as dust, fumes, and gases. Without proper maintenance and inspection, these systems can fail to operate as intended, posing serious health risks, potential regulatory violations, and impacting overall workplace safety.
LEV systems must be regularly tested and inspected to ensure they are functioning at their highest efficiency. Over time, filters can become clogged, ducts can develop blockages, and system components can wear out. A poorly maintained LEV system can result in inadequate air filtration, which could allow harmful contaminants to linger in the air, endangering employee health. Regular testing not only ensures that your system is working properly but also helps your company stay compliant with local health and safety regulations, avoiding fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Failure to keep your LEV system properly maintained can result in severe health consequences for your employees. Exposure to hazardous airborne substances can cause respiratory problems, lung diseases, and other serious conditions. Additionally, failing to maintain an effective LEV system could lead to breaches of occupational health and safety regulations, which can carry legal and financial ramifications. By scheduling regular LEV inspections, you can identify and fix any issues before they lead to costly health risks or legal trouble.
A poorly maintained LEV system can cause more than just health issues. It can also reduce productivity and efficiency. If an LEV system is not working properly, employees may be exposed to hazardous fumes and dust, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and decreased focus. This can ultimately affect their performance and overall productivity. Furthermore, workplace safety is compromised if harmful airborne contaminants are not adequately removed from the air. Ensuring that your LEV system is regularly inspected and maintained not only protects your employees’ well-being but also supports a more productive and safe working environment.
We take a comprehensive approach to Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) inspections to ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and efficient. Our LEV inspection process is designed to evaluate the performance of your ventilation system, identify any inefficiencies, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. Here’s how our process works:
1. System Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your LEV system to assess its overall effectiveness. Our expert air hygiene team will examine the ventilation setup, including the type of system you have in place, the positioning of capture points (such as fume hoods or extractor arms), and airflow characteristics. We ensure that your system is properly designed to target hazardous airborne substances and effectively remove them at the source.
2. Performance Testing
Next, a specialist member of the team will carry out detailed performance testing to measure the extraction rates of your system. We check how efficiently the LEV system is removing harmful airborne particles or gases from the workplace air. This includes evaluating airflow velocities, checking ductwork for leaks, and verifying that the system is maintaining proper suction at critical points. We identify any inefficiencies or areas where the system is underperforming, ensuring it operates at its optimal capacity.
3. Compliance Checks
Our LEV inspection process also includes a thorough review of your system’s compliance with industry regulations. We check to ensure your LEV system meets the required standards set by COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations. These regulations are designed to protect your employees from exposure to harmful substances. We also ensure that the system is aligned with best practices and the latest health and safety standards to avoid potential regulatory breaches.
4. Detailed Reporting
Once the inspection and testing are complete, we provide you with a detailed report. Our report includes a comprehensive analysis of your LEV system’s performance, highlighting any areas of concern or inefficiency as well as photographic evidence of the work required. We also offer actionable recommendations for system improvements, which could involve adjustments to the airflow, upgrades to equipment, or changes to the positioning of ventilation components. Our goal is to ensure that your system is not only compliant but also working as efficiently as possible to protect your workforce.
Those who supply, own, or use Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems have specific legal duties under UK regulations to ensure the health and safety of employees and the environment.
Employer Responsibilities:
Both suppliers and users of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems have legal obligations to ensure safety and compliance.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), employers are responsible for safeguarding the workers exposed to hazardous substances via LEV systems. Additionally, REACH regulations require employers to review safety data sheets (paragraphs 82–86).
LEV suppliers are also legally obligated to meet safety standards outlined in the HSW Act and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SMSR), which mandates adherence to essential health and safety requirements.
For workplaces handling substances that could create explosive atmospheres, employers must comply with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), while equipment suppliers must meet the requirements of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.
Service providers also have key legal duties under the HSW Act and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and safety standards for LEV systems.
At Marlowe Environmental Services, we are your trusted choice for LEV system testing, working with you and utilising the following to get the best results:
Our team of certified air hygiene experts brings years of expertise in LEV system testing. With in-depth knowledge of industry regulations and air quality standards, we ensure your systems are fully compliant and performing optimally.
We conduct thorough LEV inspections, identifying potential hazards and areas of improvement. Our detailed assessments ensure your workplace meets all necessary health and safety regulations, helping you avoid costly penalties.
We understand that every business is unique. That’s why we provide custom solutions to enhance ventilation performance, reduce risks, and ensure a safer working environment. Our recommendations are designed to address your specific needs and improve air quality across your facility
Our commitment doesn’t end with an inspection. We offer continuous support to help you maintain and improve your LEV systems over time. From regular maintenance reminders to expert advice, we ensure your systems remain effective and compliant for years to come.
Reinforce the importance of regular LEV inspections for workplace safety. Encourage readers to fill out the contact form for expert consultation.
Don’t wait for issues to arise, schedule your LEV inspection today to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your employees. Complete our simple form and a dedicated member of the team will be in touch within 24 hours.
