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Posted By Xander
We have a cyclone extractor on our powder-coating sprayline, a dryfilter spraybooth, and a wood dust extractor, all of which we need to 'thoroughly examine and test' under COSHH reg9 - and none of which have ever been tested until now.
Because they've been in place for so long (20 years or more), we have no information on the original intended operating performance of any of them for any test results to be compared with.
The manufacturer of the wood dust extractor no longer exists, the manufacturer of the cyclone isn't replying to us, and we haven't a clue who might have made the dryfilter spray booth.
Does anyone know if the testing can be done against some kind of generic performance figures for these kinds of LEV?
The ACOP says that "If there is no information available on this, it indicates a need for a further assessment in accordance with reg6 to show compliance with reg7." But our COSHH assessment has already gone as far as it can, and I'm not sure how to proceed.
Any ideas?
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Posted By garyh
Perhaps the aproach could be to ask the question "what is the LEV supposed to do" in terms of the number of air changes, level of dust etc achieved in workplace and so on.
Then measure to see if it meets this criteria? You could also record what physical criteria eg motor speed, air velocity etc is required to achieve that, then monitor it. Hope this helps.
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Posted By GWP
This will require specialist advice from an occ health hygenist. They will be able to advise on the efficiency of the system. Environmental monitoring will also be required to ensure that the system is effective.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
The HSE woodworking guidance series will give you some clues re extraction rates for machines and processes. Otherwise though, you are going to have to rely on the services of a competent consultant to assess and advise whether your current LEV systems are up to the job.
It might be worth asking via this forum if anyone could recommend someone in your area?
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Posted By Ron Hunter
p.s. your COSHH Assessment cannot be considered complete until you know all the answers!
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Posted By TBC
I had a similar problem whilst working with a engineering company some years ago. I had an anemometer - so all I did was measure the flow using a grid reading type method. We then had all the systems cleaned out - this included walls of the extraction where possible and the fan blades. I then took some more readings using the same method, logged the results and saw the improvements. The improved results were then used as the base readings and checked later (about 6 monthly intervals) to see if we had any deterioration. Depending on the process involved and how frequently the systems are used, you may wish to check more regularly. In the absence of any spec figures it was better than nothing. Of course you could for some expert to do the job for you.
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Posted By TBC
Meant to say - Of course you could 'pay' for some expert to do the job for you.
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Posted By Smurfer
I recommend you carry out personal and static air sampling in conjunction with measurements of the capture/face/duct velocities in order to demonstrate that the performance of the LEV meets the intended purpose.
Too many people just rely on velocity measurements which is all very well to prove the fan is still going round, but doesn't prove effective capture.
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Michael
I am an occupational hygienist as well as a safety advisor and I can provide the specialist services you require; call me on 01905 353500 if you need my help.
Paul
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