COVER STORY
ASSESS DUST LEVELS AND ATEX REQUIREMENTS WITH PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
A comprehensive assessment of the dusts generated within a workplace’s facilities should be undertaken to determine dust type and exposure levels. This is to ensure that the LEV systems in place are capable of safely controlling particulates to an acceptable standard. Some dusts can cause an explosion risk when mixed with air and so specialist dust extraction equipment is required in these situations.
Given the seriousness, legality and complexity of both occupational health and dust explosion risks, businesses should seek advice from competent specialists. Engaging professionals with recognised BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) qualifications, such as P601 (Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems), P602 (Basic Design Principles of LEV Systems) or P603 (Control of Hazardous Substances), can provide assurance that assessments and system testing are carried out to an appropriate standard. Where combustible dusts are involved, DSEAR and ATEX specialists should also be consulted to ensure explosion risks are properly evaluated.
CONTROL AT SOURCE
Under COSHH Regulations, employers are required to prevent or adequately control exposure to airborne hazardous substances such as dust and fumes. A preferred method is to control contaminants at source before particulates become airborne.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play a critical role in extracting contaminants directly at the point where they are generated, reducing exposure risk.
LEV REQUIREMENTS
Under COSHH regulation 9, it is mandatory that LEVs should be:
• Properly designed. • Commissioned. • Maintained. • Used Correctly. • Tested regularly.
Effective LEV testing and maintenance protect both employees, businesses and their assets. Properly maintained systems help prevent occupational illness, reduce sickness absence, and improve environments. In addition, equipment and machinery is protected from dust ingress and settlement.
Failure to maintain LEV systems can result in enforcement action, including Improvement Notices, Prohibition Notices and prosecution by the HSE. Routine maintenance checks should be implemented and documented, including any faults identified.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TESTING COMPANY
Selecting a competent LEV testing company is essential to ensure accurate assessment. Buyers should look for providers with appropriately qualified engineers, such as those holding BOHS P601 or P602 certifications, alongside practical experience within relevant industries. A good testing company should demonstrate strong knowledge of HSG258 guidance and current COSHH requirements.
The ability to provide comprehensive reporting is another important factor. The advantage of consistency can be achieved with a provider who offers maintenance, service and replacement parts.
UPHOLDING A PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION
As well as achieving legal compliance, effective LEV maintenance demonstrates a company’s professionalism and commitment to:
• Employee wellbeing. • Environmental responsibility. • Operational excellence.
As awareness of occupational lung disease continues to increase, robust LEV management is becoming an increasingly important part of workplace health and safety strategy.
In depth information on legislation and best practice can be found at the HSE website and the BOHS websites.
https://dustcontrolenvironmental.com 17
WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM
Further information can be found in the HSE, guidance document Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work.
Each component in an LEV must function correctly to provide the ultimate protection. Employers are required to provide employees with suitable information, instruction and training on the correct use of LEV equipment. Poorly maintained or incorrectly used extraction systems may provide little or no protection despite appearing to be operational.
LEV TESTING COMPLIANCE
LEV performance can gradually deteriorate over time due to blocked filters, damaged ducting, fan wear or changes to production processes. Without regular testing, these faults may go unnoticed, exposing workers to harmful airborne contaminants. That is why under COSHH regulation 9, it is a legal requirement to:
• Test LEV systems at least every 14 months. Some high- risk processes require more frequent testing.
• Records must be retained for at least five years. IMPORTANCE OF LEV TESTING AND MAINTENANCE
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