What Is the Purpose Of LEV?

COSHH regulations require employers to control workplace exposure to hazardous substances and to prevent or adequately control exposure using control measures such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems.

LEV systems play a pivotal role in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment by effectively capturing and extracting harmful airborne contaminants at the source.

This article explains the purpose of LEV and how it works to help you determine whether your workplace requires one.

How Does an LEV System Work?

An LEV system captures, contains, and removes airborne contaminants at their source to prevent their dispersion into the workplace environment. Here’s how it works:

A capture hood is placed adjacent to the source of airborne contaminants, and a fan or blower generates airflow through the LEV system, drawing contaminated air from the capture hood into the ventilation ductwork.

Ventilation ducts convey the contaminated air from the capture hood to the next stage of the LEV system. The ductwork is typically designed to minimise air resistance and maintain a consistent airflow velocity, ensuring efficient capture and transportation of pollutants away from the source and toward the filtration or extraction equipment.

As the air passes through, filters trap the contaminants. In some cases, contaminants may be diluted or discharged safely into the atmosphere after appropriate treatment through an exhaust vent, often located on the building’s exterior. This ensures that any remaining contaminants are safely removed from the workplace and do not pose a risk to workers or the surrounding area.

What is the Purpose of LEV?

The primary purpose of an LEV system is to protect workers’ health and safety by minimising their exposure to harmful airborne contaminants. These contaminants may include dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists, or other substances that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, occupational diseases, or long-term health effects such as cancer.

In addition, LEV systems help businesses comply with occupational health and safety regulations and standards, which mandate the control and mitigation of workplace hazards. Regulatory bodies often require employers to implement effective ventilation systems, such as LEV, to reduce exposure to harmful substances to acceptable levels.

How Do I Know If I Need an LEV System in My Workplace?

Determining whether you need an LEV system in your workplace involves assessing various factors related to the processes, materials, and activities conducted within your facility and considering relevant regulatory requirements and health and safety guidelines. Here are some indicators that suggest the need for an LEV system:

• Presence of Airborne Contaminants: If your workplace involves processes that generate airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists, or other harmful substances, you may need an LEV system to control and remove these pollutants.
• Health Risks to Workers: Consider whether exposure to airborne contaminants poses health risks to workers. This could include respiratory problems, skin irritation, occupational diseases, or other adverse health effects. Conducting air quality assessments and monitoring worker health can help identify potential risks.
• Workplace Assessments: Conduct workplace and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures. This may involve identifying sources of contamination, assessing exposure levels, and evaluating the adequacy of ventilation and other control measures.

What Are the Risks of Not Having An LEV System In Place?

Without an LEV system to capture and remove airborne contaminants, workers may be exposed to hazardous substances that pose significant health risks. These risks include respiratory problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational lung diseases (e.g., pneumoconiosis), skin irritation, eye irritation, allergies, and other adverse health effects.

Prolonged exposure to specific airborne contaminants, such as silica dust, welding fumes, or asbestos fibres, can increase the risk of developing occupational diseases. These may include silicosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other respiratory and systemic diseases, which can have serious long-term health consequences.

By effectively capturing, containing, and removing airborne contaminants at their source, LEV systems help protect workers’ health and safety, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and create cleaner and safer working environments. Proper design, installation, operation, and maintenance of LEV systems are essential to effectively achieving these objectives.

At LEV Engineering, we take pride in offering end-to-end LEV solutions tailored to your specific industry requirements. Our team of experienced engineers will collaborate with you to create a customised LEV system that addresses your unique challenges and is built to withstand the demands of diverse industrial environments.

Learn more about our LEV services, or speak to a team member to discuss your requirements.