Local Exhaust Ventilation System Cleaning
A Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is used to extract fumes, particles, and gasses from the surrounding air in order to establish a working environment that is safer. LEV systems collect air that is particle-filled and that contains potential contaminants so only clean, safe air flows out the other end of the ventilation system. It is immediately clear that regular professional LEV system cleaning is vital to the work environment.
LEV System Cleaning Regulations
“Every employer that provides any LEV to meet regulation 7 shall ensure that it is maintained in efficient working order, in good repair, and in a clean condition – Regulation 9.1 COSHH.”
If engineered controls are used as part of the LEV system it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the controls are thoroughly examined and tested. An adequate record must be kept for at least 5 years, this includes LEV system cleaning. Additionally, regulations state:
“Any LEV system must be thoroughly appraised and tested at least one time every 14 months – Regulation 9.2. This is reduced to 6 months in certain circumstances.”
Each year in the UK, thousands of employees health issues on account of workplace airborne contaminants. We are all well aware that your employees’ health and safety is of the utmost importance. The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations maintain that where various chemicals and alternative substances are utilised as a part of an industrial or commercial process, those chemicals and alternative substances must either be dispersed or safely contained.
LEV System Cleaning Quote
We know that each location we work on has different requirements. At Deduct, we provide a no-obligation quote for our LEV system cleaning services. Working out-of-hours allows us to minimise disruption and we always maintain our professionalism.
Importance of Frequent LEV System Cleaning & Maintenance
As is the case with most types of equipment that needs to be tested, ensuring the system or machinery is maintained and professionally cleaned between testing dates will help in reducing any potential for extra costs. Closely monitoring the system allows you to quickly spot and then resolve issues prior to them escalating into something far worse.
LEV system cleaning and maintenance is a must and records should be kept to ensure the entire system, inclusive of the hood, the air filter, the ducts, and the fan are performing as they should – efficiently and effectively.
An LEV system that is not regularly cleaned and maintained could be the cause of unnecessary and costly downtime due to major repairs. In a worst-case scenario, the health of your workforce can be negatively impacted in the event that the LEV system is not working at full capacity.
