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LEV Definition? Gas appliance extraction canopy?
Rank: Forum user 
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Hi,
This is prob a silly question but would a extraction unit fitted above an LPG gas oven in commerical kitchen be regarded as a LEV and subject to 14 monthly statutory inspections?
Cheers
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Regular checks to support a periodic cleaning regimen are prudent as there systems get coated with dust and debris and saturated with oil and fat residues. There have been many fires associated with poor maintenance.
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Rank: Super forum user
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safetyman: YES! The hood is there to remove carbon dioxide - your COSHH assessment should identify the by-products of gas combustion as a hazardous substance, and the cooker hood as one the controls... So it is LEV, and it shoudl be inspected every fourteen months... But depending on useage (a lot of frying is worse than a bit of baking), you may find that more frequent inspection (and cleaning) is necessary to minimise blockage (due to grease build up in the filters) leading intially to increased condensation (water vapour is the other main by product of gas combustion) , increased co2 levels - and potential fire, as Ian says...
Steve
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Rank: Forum user
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Interesting question!
I have never seen general mechanical extraction counted as LEV in a kitchen environment.
Extraction hoods are used to provide general ventilation of smells/ heat and the tiny amounts of the by products of combustion.
I have seen then tested for efficiency after installation but know of no commercial kitchen that tests them on a 14 month basis.
Cleaning and having filters changed on a regular basis is important but as Gas appliances deemed to emit high levels of CO2 are flued rather than relying on overhead extraction I would not expect Gas ovens to have overhead mechanical extraction subject to statutory inspection.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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I don't think it is classed as LEV, however, adequate maintenance should be in place.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Interesting that the hse doc quoted above doesn't mention CoSHH just general ventilation to reduce smells and heat.
IMHO not LEV and no 14month inspection.
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Rank: Forum user
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Speaking as an LA enforcement officer, we do not treat ventilation canopies above kitchen appliances as LEV and therefore do no seek documentary proof of statutory testing. We do, however, check cleaning regimes and view the systems as a possible fire hazard, therefore also advise duty holders to have the ducting professionally cleaned to avoid oil build-up and efficient operation.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Depends why it is there. If it is there solely to get rid nuisances such as bad smells, steam etc then it is not LEV. If it is there to get rid of anything that might be described as a substance hazardous to health, then it needs it needs check AT LEAST every 14 months.
Even if it not LEV it is work equipment ( not just lathes and things) and needs to be properly maintained and of course the build up of fats and grease makes it a fire hazard, so maintainence should be included in the fire risk assessment.
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LEV Definition? Gas appliance extraction canopy?
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