There are many kinds of health & safety risks found in workplaces. Some of them are related to local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems.
Employers must comply with the health & safety laws relating to LEV systems. If you ignore them, you could face work injuries, paying fines, and even potential closure.
In this guide, we'll look at what LEV risk assessments are, what the law covers, and how to manage the systems correctly.
What are LEV risk assessments?
LEV risk assessments are tests used to control hazardous substances found in the atmosphere of your business.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems help employers deal with airborne contaminants found in the air.
A LEV system cleans the substance and releases them back into the air safely. Hazardous exposure can come from dust, fumes, or other toxic gases.
The main point of the test is to help you manage gas-like substances you intended to make, as well as those you didn't.
What is the law on LEV risk assessments?
All LEV systems must comply with:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA).
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
HSWA laws cover an employer's legal requirement to promote a safe working environment. COSHH regulation covers controlling exposure to dust and fumes in the workplace.
All risk assessment findings must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They ensure your business is complying to the LEV testing regulation. And check the effectiveness of your risk assessment.
Employers and competent employees have a legal requirement to manage exposure to airborne contaminants. The best way to do this is through maintaining your LEV system correctly.
How to manage local exhaust ventilation risk assessments
Even if it's a considerably small test, you must manage LEV risk assessments properly.
By doing so, you'll be able to minimise the potential health risks of airborne contaminants found in your workplace.
According to the HSE, your local exhaust ventilation risk assessment must:
Identify local exhaust ventilation hazards
The first step you need to do is identify all LEV hazards.
Initiate a thorough examination and test on LEV equipment, like airflow indicators. These include things like ducts, hoods, and filters used in your system.
Also check whether employees are using the equipment properly. That way, you'll be able to spot any unmanaged areas in your LEV system.
Decide who might be at risk
Employers need to consider people who are at a higher risk of toxic contaminants.
Think about staff who have direct or daily contact with hazardous substances. For example, employees who are pregnant or new mothers. They’re at a higher risk of airborne contaminants which can be linked to infertility issues and birth defects.
New starters and young workers are also at a higher risk. This is due to their lack of experience and potential limited risk. Awareness.
Employers should also consider non-employees who may be at risk. For example, any customers and clients found on or near your workplace.
Evaluate risks and control measures
After this, you need to evaluate risks and implement control measures.
Employers should cover each risk and prioritise them accordingly. For example, think about the level of danger each risk may lead to. Initiate a thorough examination through your LEV control measures.
Record LEV system findings
You need to record all LEV system findings properly. These can be classified as low, medium, and high risks.
If some risks are more complicated, score them on severity or repetition. All these steps help eliminate LEV risks.
Review LEV risk assessments
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 states that a LEV system should be reviewed at least once every 14 months. But this may be reduced to six months depending on certain circumstances.
Serious work-related accidents or injuries must be reported to the HSE. They can also impose enforcement actions if required, like a thorough examination and test.
The HSE may even prosecute employers if they find serious non-compliance to health & safety laws.
Get expert advice on LEV risk assessments with Peninsula
Employers all have a legal duty to promote a healthy and safe workplace environment. And this includes making sure your LEV system is maintained properly.
If you fail to comply with health & safety laws, you could injure people and members of the public. Employers could even face criminal prosecution for breaching health & safety laws.
Peninsula offers expert advice on LEV risk assessments. Our HR team offers unlimited 24/7 health & safety service which is available 365 days a year. We also have fully trained counsellors who are ready to help.
Want to find out more local exhaust ventilation (LEV)? Call one of our HR consultants today on 0800 028 2420
