The purpose of any Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system in your workplace is to protect people by controlling any substances hazardous to health. This can be in the form of dust, mist, gas or fume. During the ongoing pandemic, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems may have sat unused for weeks or months. Unless the correct checks are carried out regularly, there could be an increased risk to workers of exposure to airborne contaminants.
Duty-holders have a legal responsibility to ensure that their work equipment is maintained properly and ensure and that thorough examination and tests as well as statutory inspections are carried out. This helps to reduce the risks faced by failure of this equipment. Non-compliance with these duties significantly increases the risk of harm to workers and the public.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is not considering exemptions or relaxation of these requirements and state that businesses currently closed to meet COVID-19 advice or restrictions must still ensure that if LEV is required for the process, it must be thoroughly examined, tested and kept well maintained before the process can be carried out.
With the RCS team's support, you can ensure that when your establishment is reopened, it is a safe and healthy workplace. Learn how we can support you by clicking here to Contact Us.