The importance of ensuring compliance with the requirements of HSE 258(08) LEV Testing and Inspection:

Posted on: June 2, 2011

Recently a Bristol based joinery and staircase specialist has been fined £3750.00, plus ordered to pay costs of £836.50 after it was found that insufficient action was taken to improve a ventilation unit used to control exposure to wood dust after a visit by the HSE and failure to comply with a previously issued Improvement Notice.

After being taken to court by the HSE the company pleaded guilty to contravening the requirements of an Improvement Notice served under Section 21 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which is an offence under Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The thorough testing and inspection of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems or “LEV” is a mandatory requirement under Regulation 9 of the COSHH Regulations, Approved Code of Practice, with all testing and examinations carried out having to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG 258 (Second Edition 2011). A thorough test and inspection of LEV systems is required at least every 14 months, along with ongoing maintenance requirements throughout that period.
On completion of the court hearing the HSE stated that “Any company that does not take these steps will face enforcement action by HSE. Companies need to be aware that Improvement Notices are a last chance to get their house in order and we will normally prosecute if they have not been complied with by the set date.”

Environmental Compliance’s team of qualified occupational hygienists can undertake such tests and examinations in full compliance with HSG 258 (Second Edition 2011). This would typically include:
• measurement of face and capture velocities;
• measurement of duct pressure and velocities;
• measurement of differential pressure;
• calculation of volumetric flow rates;
• examination of system condition;
• identify and highlight any capture hoods that fail the requirements;
• review of suitability of the LEV System in line with the activities undertaken to ensure full
compliance with the COSHH Regulations;
• provision of a detailed report outlining compliance with the requirements as stated in HSG 258
(Second Edition 2011), plus suggestions for remedial actions to improve systems as applicable. All
our reports also
outline the maintenance requirements for each system to ensure ongoing compliance and good
practice.

Environmental Compliance’s workplace safety consultants, as qualified occupational hygienists (as recognised by the British Occupational Hygiene Society) provide added value and independent knowledge and expertise to each examination and test undertaken.