There could be a number of possible reasons why the booth was not being used correctly. Perhaps management and the workforce don’t fully understand the health risks and so don’t appreciate the importance of using the controls properly. Perhaps the workers haven’t been properly trained on how to use the booth. However, there could be a problem with the design of the booth. It is possible that carrying out the work inside the enclosure presents the operator with some practical difficulties. Perhaps the fine work required is difficult to complete properly if the casting is inside the booth or the booth dimensions, particularly the height, could cause the worker to adopt an awkward posture which causes discomfort and could lead to musculoskeletal problems. Solving one problem often creates another. Ergonomics is often neglected when designing engineering controls for chemical hazards. Ideally workers need to be consulted and involved in the specification and design of the controls and its good practice to build and test a prototype before finalising the design. Proper commissioning of the controls should also check for usability.
What does LEV testing involve? A thorough examination of equipment including hoods, filters and ducts, measurement of the technical performance using the appropriate equipment and assessment of the effectiveness of the LEV system. We will make recommendations should your system not be up to the required standard. All work is carried out according to HSE guidance which governs LEV testing.
A comprehensive LEV report will also be produced for each piece of LEV equipment tested. All of our LEV reports include photos and/or schematic diagrams showing all test point locations, which are also clearly identified on the ducting as required by the HSE. This includes the following in line with guidance from HSG258: Following an inspection, our professional LEV consultant will mark the LEV system as a pass or fail. We will also assist you in improving all control measures where necessary.
Equipment that draws pollutants from an operation or process in the working environment. Made up of an inlet like a hood, slit, arm, cabinet or booth. This will be located near to or close to the area of the substance release. All suchlike equipment needs to be connected by ducting and a fan to enable the movement of air. The removed air passed through a filter or is extracted to atmosphere away from the workplace. How Welding Supplies Direct can help ? WE will carry out a thorough tests in line with COSHH Regulation 9 as detailed in HSE Guide HSG258 Our levels of service can be tailored to your Companies needs. However, most clients choose to take advantage of by combining servicing with the LEV testing. Read extra details on HSE LEV Testing.
Health and Safety ExecutivePage 11 of 111Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)Health and Safety Executive?If an employer is using a substance that could form an explosive atmosphere they must consider their responsibilities under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR),8 and the supplier of equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere their responsibilities under the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.