Respirable crystalline silica has a very low Workplace Exposure Limit of 0.1 mg/m3 as respirable dust. In fact, as the above chart shows, long term exposures to concentrations much lower than this can lead to some workers developing silicosis. There is also evidence that prolonged workplace exposure to crystalline silica can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, although this is only likely to occur in those workers who have already developed silicosis. Given the nature of the risk exposures need to be reduced as low as practicable.
What is LEV and why do I need it? Every year, thousands of workers in Britain develop occupational diseases from breathing in certain dusts, fumes or other airborne contaminants at work. Local Exhaust Ventilation, often called dust or fume extraction, can help clean the air, before people breathe in these harmful substances. (Excerpt from HSE web site).
As LEV is a control measure under COSHH Regulations it must be regularly and thoroughly inspected and tested. As stated above, LEV regulations outline that any employer who uses local exhaust ventilation to control hazardous substances must ensure that it is operating effectively. Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing is a legal requirement in the UK. All equipment must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months to ensure employees are safe.
Equipment that draws pollutants from an operation or process in the working environment. Made up of an inlet like a hood, slit, arm, cabinet or booth. This will be located near to or close to the area of the substance release. All suchlike equipment needs to be connected by ducting and a fan to enable the movement of air. The removed air passed through a filter or is extracted to atmosphere away from the workplace. How Welding Supplies Direct can help ? WE will carry out a thorough tests in line with COSHH Regulation 9 as detailed in HSE Guide HSG258 Our levels of service can be tailored to your Companies needs. However, most clients choose to take advantage of by combining servicing with the LEV testing. See more info at LEV Testing.
The employer decides who to employ or consult and needs to be an ‘intelligent customer’ to get the best result. HSE has produced simple guidance to help the employer choose a supplier when they are considering installing LEV (see HSE leaflet Clearing the air). Suppliers need to prepare their information to respond to this approach.
