Local Exhaust Ventilation

Fume Cupboards, Extract & Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems

Legal Requirements Regulation

No. 7 of the Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1994, requires that the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health be either prevented or, where that is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. The regulation is supported by the COSHH Approved Code of Practise which list ways in which control can be achieved and makes specific mention of enclosure, partial enclosure with LEV and sufficient general ventilation. Fume cupboards and LEV systems are used to protect operatives from the release of hazardous airborne substances from a process into the workplace environment. It is therefore extremely important that regular maintenance be carried out to ensure that each system is performing to its required function. COSHH regulations require that inspection and maintenance of LEV systems should be carried out at intervals of no more than 14 months while BS 7258 recommendations advise that fume cupboards should be inspected and maintained every 12 months

What is involved in Inspection / Maintenance?

As most extraction systems are designed to remove hazardous fumes from the workplace, fully qualified and trained personnel should only carry out any maintenance and inspection works. This involves taking face velocity readings, mechanical checks, inspection of the ductwork for leaks and breakage, monitoring of performance indicators and alarms and the general plant maintenance. Any problems or anticipated problems would be highlighted and brought to the attention of the client within the relevant documentation provided by us.

Documentation / Certification

The full details of all checks and maintenance works are recorded, documented and made readily available for inspection. These documents will typically include face velocity readings taken, the designed average face velocity, description of plant, faults, rectification and general maintenance carried out (these records are kept by ourselves for a minimum of six years).