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Installation

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems are essential for protecting workers from harmful airborne contaminants in the workplace. Proper installation ensures that these systems are effective, safe, and compliant with health and safety regulations, helping to reduce workplace exposure to harmful airborne pollutants.

LEV TESTING: Ensuring a healthy, safe and compliant work place

LEV installation refers to the process of setting up a ventilation system designed to capture and remove hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases from the air.

What is a good LEV system installation?

  1. Assessment of Workplace Hazards: Before installing an LEV system, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out to identify the types of contaminants in the air and determine the best method for their capture. This could include:
  • Dust from sanding or grinding
  • Fumes from welding or soldering
  • Vapours from chemicals or solvents
  1. Designing the LEV System: The design phase involves planning how the LEV system will capture and filter contaminants. This includes determining:
  • The type of ventilation required (e.g., fume extraction, dust collection)
  • The placement of extraction points (e.g., hoods, arms, ducts)
  • The sizing and layout of ducts, fans, and filters
  • The power and airflow requirements for the system
  1. Selecting the Right Equipment: Choosing the right components is critical for ensuring the LEV system’s efficiency. This includes:
  • Extractors and Hoods: To capture airborne contaminants at the source.
  • Filters: To clean the air before it’s released back into the environment.
  • Ductwork: To transport contaminated air to the filters and exhaust system.
  • Fans: To create sufficient airflow for contaminant extraction.
  1. Installation Process: Once the design is finalised, the installation process can begin. This typically involves:
  • Positioning Extraction Points: Hoods, arms, and other extraction points should be placed close to the source of the contaminants to ensure maximum capture efficiency.
  • Setting up Ductwork: Ducts should be installed to transport the contaminated air to the filtration system, ensuring that they are securely fastened and free from leaks.
  • Installing Filtration Units: Filters should be correctly sized and positioned to clean the air before it is expelled from the system.
  • Fan Installation: Fans are installed to ensure proper airflow and to maintain the necessary suction power for the system.
  1. Commissioning and Testing: After installation, the system should undergo thorough testing to ensure it is operating effectively. This includes:
  • Airflow Testing: Measuring airflow velocity at various points in the system to ensure it meets the required levels.
  • Pressure Testing: Ensuring the system is airtight and that the fans are generating sufficient suction power.
  • Performance Testing: Verifying that the system effectively captures contaminants and meets safety standards.
  1. Compliance and Certification: The LEV system must meet industry standards and be tested for compliance with regulations such as HSG258 (Health and Safety Guidance for LEV Systems). Once testing is complete, a certification should be provided to confirm that the system is fully compliant and operational.

Examples of poor design

A poorly designed Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system can lead to ineffective contaminant removal, non-compliance with safety regulations, and health hazards for workers. Here are some examples of what can go wrong in LEV system design:

  1. Incorrect Placement of Extraction Points
  2. Inadequate Duct Sizing
  3. Poor Airflow Distribution
  4. Improper Fan Selection
  5. Poorly Designed Filtration System
  6. Inadequate Ventilation or Exhaust Points
  7. Improper System Balancing
  8. Failure to Account for Maintenance
  9. No Proper Leak Testing
  10. Non-Compliance with Health and Safety Standards
  11. Excessive Noise Levels
  12. Ineffective or Overcomplicated Controls