Rank: Forum user 
|
An underground car park under our control has an air extraction system to remove exhaust fumes etc. I'm unclear as to whether this system would be defined as LEV - it's not really very "local" as it's a large car park.
We will be having it serviced, inspected and tested annually anyway, so will meet the thorough examination and test requirements for LEV, but am just curious as to whether any of you would deem this to be LEV?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
the definition I have (cant queote source) is:
"LEV can be defined as any fixed or portable powered air extraction system, whose function is to control, or contribute to the control of, harmful airborne substances, by drawing them away from the worker's breathing zone.
The definition of LEV does not include room extractor fans, open vents providing passive air changes, or removing heat from ovens, nor vacuum cleaners (except where the vacuum cleaner is a dedicated engineering control measure stipulated under a COSHH assessment)."
So question - is it being used to control exposures, rather than to aid natural / general ventilation? From what you said above I think it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Tim,
with respect to the previous poster, I disagree that it is LEV. The components of an LEV system include a hood and ducting at the point where contaminants / fumes etc are generated (see HSG 258) and where they may be breathed in by a worker.
However enclosed Car Park ventilation is specifically covered by the Building Regulations, Part B, Fire Safety, Section 11.6. This requires six air changes per hour and ten in the event of a fire.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks PH2 - that would have been my conclusion, too.
Do you know if there is any standards that cover the ongoing maintenance/test etc of such extraction units?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Tim,
I'm not aware of any specific requirement, as there could be so many variables, (frequency of use, volume throughput, size and type of units etc.) but would of course recommend maintenance and testing per manufacturers recommendations.
PH2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Tim,
I have managed to locate a possible British Standard - BS 7346 part 7 Components for smoke and heat control systems for covered car parks. I don't have access to the document, but a main library / university usually has access to the full set of standards.
Good luck!
PH2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks PH2 - I'll dig out the BS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I think that this is what my old mentor on LEV would have called 'dilution ventilation'.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
If U evaluate COSHH properly U will see that it applies
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
BS7346-7 basically states the system should be "maintained and tested in accordance with BS5588-12 (Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings) as well as in accordance with the suppliers documentation".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
I think that this is what my old mentor on LEV would have called 'dilution ventilation'.
Or as my old LEV mentor would have said "dilution is no solution"
Not sure COSHH applies - surely parking your car is not a direct at work activity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Broadvalley
But what about the car park attendant (if there is one) etc?
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.