Process Design and Fabrications Ltd LEV Report complies with the requirements of COSHH Regulations Regulation 9 and HSG 258 ‘Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work’. Our staff have all the knowledge, training, and expertise in examination methods and techniques to meet the stringent UKAS criteria.

Some of the LEV tests performed:

• check the condition of the filters
• measure rotational speed of the motor with a tachometer
• record the velocity pressure and static pressure of all test points
• record the pressure drop across the filters
• measure ambient dust level
• measure percentage of contaminant in the returned air
• measure the decibel readings 2 metres from each machine
• measure the dust level reading in the breathing zone of operators
• perform a smoke test (fume extraction)
• face velocity test (spray booth)

After the test has been completed, the data is analysed by our senior engineer. A comprehensive and detailed report will then be issued.

The COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended)

The regulations require that: employers must assess the degree of exposure and the risks to their employees, devise and implement adequate control measures and check and maintain them. Employees must use these control measures in the way they are intended to be used and as they have been instructed.

The equipment necessary for control must be maintained in:

• an efficient state
• an efficient working order
• good repair
• clean condition

Employers must ensure that thorough examination and testing of their LEV is carried out at least every 14 months – this is usually treated as an annual requirement (certain processes have a shorter interval). Employers must ‘review and revise’ ways of working so that controls are being used effectively. The frequency of examination and tests should be linked to the type of engineering control in use, the size of the risk if it failed or deteriorated and how likely it is to fail or deteriorate. Employers and employees should give the person carrying out the thorough examination and test all the co-operation needed for the work to be carried out correctly and fully.

The Process

PDFL have been contracted by local and county councils, independent schools and colleges, joineries and foundries. We have carried out testing for solo operators through to international companies and market leaders. PDFL LEV tests each year for leading businesses, schools and colleges nationwide.

Our qualified LEV engineers use the latest precision equipment to produce a comprehensive report on LEV performance that complies with the legal requirements of the COSHH regulations, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice, and the latest HSE guidance publication HSG 258: 2008. The report must be kept for five years as part of your COSHH records and is guaranteed should it be inspected by authorised personnel such as a HSE representative or Local Authority Officers.

PDFL LEV COSHH test report also provides additional health and safety advice that is not required by the COSHH regulations, but relates to other H&S Legislation.

Ambient noise level in the working area with the extraction system and the production machinery operating to give an indicative measurement which could identify areas of concern. (This is not a detailed noise survey).

Earth status of flexible hose containing a wire helix and note of improvements required to comply with BS EN 1127-1 Explosive Atmospheres- explosion prevention and protection.