The continued widespread occurrence of occupational lung diseases in the UK has led to increasingly stringent guidelines and statutory requirements for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).

In May 2008, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a new, comprehensive guide (HSG258) on LEV for designers, installers and examiners and detailed guidance for employers and their employees who depend on LEV to protect their health.

LEV systems must be tested every 14 months

The COSHH regulations require that all LEV systems are subject to a thorough examination. The HSE require LEV systems to be tested every 14 months, including all oil mist, welding fume, smoke and dust extraction units that you currently have on site.

This examination must be undertaken by a competent person and the tests and reports must conform to HSE standards. The HSG258 guideline on Controlling Airborne Contaminants provides the recommended procedures to achieve these statutory requirements.

Extractability provide a comprehensive LEV testing service on all makes and types of extraction equipment, working strictly in accordance with HSG258 guidelines.

LEV Testing is required for compliance with health and safety standards and test reports often form part of a company's insurance requirement.

Inadequate testing can result in employers being prosecuted, insurance being invalidated and employees getting ill.

Interpretation of the test results and subsequent recommendations concerning LEV equipment rely on the qualified expertise and practical experience of the LEV examiner.