LEV information for employees/users
Key messages for employees
- Get involved in LEV design or selection.
- Make sure you get training (in how the LEV works and how best to use it).
- The LEV you use should have an airflow indicator (or equivalent).
- The LEV should be easy to use properly; tell your employer if it isn't.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in your workplace should carry away any harmful dust, mist, fumes or gas in the air.
To protect your health:
- It needs to be the right type for the job.
- It needs installing properly in the first place.
- It needs regular checking and maintenance throughout the year.
- It needs testing thoroughly at least once every year.
- If you move LEV, make sure it still works.
- It needs an indicator to show it's working properly.
- You need to check that it works properly every time you use it.
- You need to use it properly.
Check for yourself to see how effective the LEV is where you work.
Daily checklist for LEV
- Does the indicator show the LEV is working properly?
- Is it taking away all the harmful dust, mist, fumes and gas? Remember, some
of these may be invisible.
- Are you close enough to it so it can do its job properly?
- Are there any signs it is not working properly, like smells or settled dust?
- Are there any unusual noises or vibration coming from it?
- Has it been thoroughly tested, with a 'tested' label that is within date?
- Have you told your supervisor about anything you think may be wrong?
These notes on good practice are not compulsory
but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.
Pocket card version of above guidance
