We have an extraction unit which is an LEV unit. As part of our COSHH assessment we have to inspect the LEV unit. In line with PAT testing the equipment I reckon that checking for the areas on page 63 and 64 of this pdf guidance document. - http://www.hse.gov.uk/fo...lops/fod/inspect/lev.pdf

Would be a reasonable assessment to satisfy the COSHH regs of inspection.

This is the LEV: Ebac PF400 (110v)

Opinions on the above please as to the suitability of such an arrangement / assessment as it is a very basic LEV unit.

Have you seen the LEV unit though, its so basic. I was thinking of using an in line anenometer to measure the capture velocity, PAT check it and see it operate to see if it was suitable for the job of extracting.

May I suggest that there are two aspects to testing LEV. One is to test to confirm that the system is working to designed performance levels. The other is to check that the system is actually capturing and removing the contamination for which it was installed in the first place.

The two require different testing techniques.

IMHO the latter is by far the most important. I see many LEV systems that simply cannot be achieving adequate capture, simply because when specified the key factors were not included in the design. Classic is the elephant trunk with hood that is far too far away from the source to ever achieve adequate capture. I always remember my mentor on LEV (a very experienced and highly respected expert in this field) many years ago saying to me: "Chris, as a consultant I rarely make any money designing a new LEV system. Most of my income arises from modifying existing systems that could never work as designed." Years later, having seen more LEV systems than can count I can understand what he was getting at!

Chris

Having just looked at a picture of the unit, it's like no other LEV I have ever seen. Perhaps PUWER and the Electricity at Work Regs would be more applicable.

LB

If there is need for LEV, then there is need to confirm that it operates effectively.

The face velocity must be tested, with some meaningful assessment of the efficacy in capturing whatever is the substance of concern be it dust or some chemical vapour etc. LEV should reduce the ambient airborne concentration at or close to the worker to a level that is reliably within safe limits.

The fan should be robust, and an alarm fitted to alert the user to fan failure. Ideally, an audible and visible alarm should be supplemented with equipment isolation and shutdown of the process or procedure that requires this LEV, though that automated shutdown is sometimes inappropriate and occasionally unsafe.

If you have a hazardous operation, you will probably need a negative pressure enclosure or room. Low pressure prevents escape through doors and windows (doors should be tight fitting and windows sealed. The fabric of the room may also need to be sealed) but a make-up air supply will be required.

For work with whatever this potentially hazardous substance is, the relative isolation of a work in a closed room will probably require an effective alarm system.

All alarms and other performance indicators must be checked and recorded at regular intervals. Users must be trained in startup and shutdown procedures - a considerable overrun may be required, and possibly an emergency power supply to the fan(s).

The ductwork must be tested for leaks and bypass that can result in inappropriate escape of pollutants or inflow of ambient air that can reduce extract efficacy without alarm activation.

Where is the outflow? If is safe, and legal, to discharge to atmosphere without treatment? Who might be at risk from or otherwise affected by the outflow? If you have traps or filters in the system, these must be checked continuously, usually be manometry. Prefilters may be required, and checked/changed regularly, with periodic KI testing of the filter substrate by a UKAS approved testing service.

To do all this properly is not an easy matter. Best to contact a professional - there are many companies offering this type of service, take your pick

I've just looked at a picture of the thing, and I'd classify it as a "glorified fan cooler".

Hi - Having looked at the equipment - it says that it is for air moving - it certainly has the appearance of one of the industrial heat or cool air blowers. LEV is used for extraction - what context is this being used in? What substance is it supposed to be removing?