Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems competency checking

HSE enforcement notices on LEV (Local exhaust ventilation) systems

In the past 12 months, a number of enforcement notices have been served on companies testing LEV systems.

The test companies were providing false assurances to their clients, who were incorrectly led to believe that their LEV was capable of providing adequate control of exposure.

Here are details of the enforcement notices:

• An improvement notice was served on The LEV Man Ltd
• An improvement notice was served on HSE Testing Ltd (N.B the tester is not related to the Health and Safety Executive)
• An improvement notice was served on Quality Air Extraction Ltd
• A prohibition notice was served on Air Plants Dust Extraction Ltd

Competence checking

LEV test engineers should be able to demonstrate their competence and should have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and skills.

LEV trade associations and professional bodies have worked together successfully to produce an agreed position on ‘what good looks like’ in terms of LEV competency (the competency of those testing or maintaining LEVs should be checked by schools).

The LEV competency matrix can be accessed and downloaded free of charge.

Some useful links on the HSE website on LEVs:

• LEV guidance
• Information for workers and users
• Frequently asked questions