What is LEV Testing and What is the Process?

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems are important for protecting workers. They help reduce exposure to harmful airborne contaminants in the workplace. The law says that any LEV system must work well. You must check and test it at least once every 14 months.

This article explains an LEV system test and defines the steps examiners take to perform one.

What is an LEV system?

An LEV system is a type of ventilation system. It captures and removes harmful particles from the air. These particles can include dust, fumes, vapours, or gases.

The goal is to reduce workers’ exposure to these dangers. This helps keep employees safe and healthy.

How does a LEV system work?

An LEV system collects dirty air at the source and sends it to a cleaner to remove the contaminants from the air. The filtration or scrubbing process usually releases the captured contaminants outside or removes them from the air. Then, they send the clean air back into the environment.

Workplace rules say that anyone using an LEV system must keep it in good condition for safety. They also need to have it tested at least once every 14 months to make sure it works properly. In short, the control of substances hazardous to health is the job of a lev system and lev testing is a legal requirement and an important part of health and safety if used in the workplace.

What is LEV system testing?

An LEV system test checks if the LEV is working properly. It protects employees from harmful exposure. The test confirms that the system functions as intended.

The LEV testing process explained

The law states that a competent individual must perform all LEV system tests. The HSE website says that ”competence means having the right training, skills, experience, and knowledge. It also means being able to use these to do a task safely.”

During an LEV test, an examiner will check and assess an LEV system. They will compare it to the commissioning report’s performance, industry standards, and HSE guidelines. Follow these steps to complete this:

• Visual examination and component testing: Filters and internal and external ducting will be visually examined and tested to ensure they are in good working order.
• Particle count test: We check the dust extraction system. We will test the particles it captures. This shows how well the system works.
• Reporting: The examiner will write up and provide a report outlining the test details and results, provide practical advice and outline any recommendations.

The results of the test and the report the examiner provides must be kept on file for a minimum of 5 years.

Are you looking for competent LEV testing services?

Our examiners are experienced in providing detailed and thorough LEV testing services. If you want to speak to a team member about testing your LEV system, please call 0116 2764522.