Page 114 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

23 Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Any materials which can be inhaled, e.g. gases, vapours, fumes
and dusts are a potential health hazard in the workplace. LEV
systems are designed as a control system to remove or at least
limit exposure to hazardous substances.
• An LEV system is a system that controls, captures or
contains airborne releases at or close to the point of
emission by means of ventilation and conveys the
pollutant to a point where it can be safely collected or
released.
• The Foreman will ensure that each LEV system has its own plant documentation and
that each system has a thorough test and examination by a competent person at least
once every fourteen months. In all cases the documentation must be kept for 5 years.
• Most systems will require additional maintenance such as cleaning of filters etc. This is
to be carried out under local arrangements as specified on COSHH Assessments. This
should be recorded in the plant document.
• A typical maintenance programme should include:

1. Regular disposal and emptying of collectors or filters
2. Weekly checks for signs of potential damage wear or malfunction.
3. Monitoring of any performance indicators e.g. air velocity, static pressure and electric
power consumption.
4. Routine replacement of parts known to have a limited life e.g. filters changes or
cleaning.
5. Prompt repair or replacement of components which are found to be worn or damaged.

Welding Fume from 2019 has been classified a Class1 Carcinogen meaning that full controls
need to be in place to include, LEV, Air fed welding helmet with a P3 filter or a close-fitting
respirator to P3.

23.1 LEV at Harrison Industrial Ltd

There are three types of LEV system used at Harrison Industrial:

• The Plasma System

• A high-level system through the roof with adjustable arms
• Mobile units

The reason we are using LEV is to prevent the particles from welding fume or hot cutting from
staying in our breathing zone within the factory as these elements are now classed as
Carcinogens. The particles are very fine and can rise up during the day in warmer thermal air
and then return back to ground or breathing level in cooler air. By using the LEV we are filtering
out these particles and preventing them from being inhaled into your lungs where they could
cause lung cancer.

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