Author unit / section:

HSE LEV Project

Target audience:

All HSE and LA visiting staff

Summary

This SIM describes the HSE LEV Project. It provides advice to inspectors who are visiting premises where local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is present or required and describes the actions to take in line with the new LEV guidance and enforcement expectations. This SIM is supported by a Topic Inspection Pack which contains more detailed information and advice.

Aim

1  The Project aim is "To bring about a significant and measurable improvement in the coverage and effectiveness of engineering exposure controls, particularly LEV, in Great Britain" by making stakeholders and dutyholders aware of the new guidance, defining and improving good practice, facilitating the introduction of a new LEV design and application course. The project was initiated under the ’Fit 3’ Strategic Programme, specifically the Disease Reduction Programme’s respiratory and cancer elements, and it contributes to delivering a reduction in risk relating to occupational long-latency respiratory disease and asthma.

Background

2  Up to 1500 people contract occupational asthma (OA) each year in the UK. Although smoking is the most important risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), occupational exposures to fumes, chemicals and dusts may together account for around 4,000 deaths each year. Exposures to airborne contaminants and processes, in certain industries, increase the risk of cancers.

3  In around 10% of UK businesses, there is some respiratory exposure risk. Around a quarter of these businesses have LEV, and only about 40% of these carry out a 14 month thorough examination and test. The standard of examination and test is often poor.  Far fewer LEV systems are routinely checked and maintained by employers between thorough examinations.

4  The main problems with risk control and LEV are:

• Employers often don’t appreciate the extent of exposure risk from their processes;
• Employers and employees, are often over-optimistic about LEV capabilities;
• LEV buying – There has, in the past, been no guidance and employers are often mislead and mis-sold;
• LEV design – Often the LEV hood is not matched to the process and source(s) causing exposure;
• LEV commissioning – this is rarely done thoroughly, often done mechanically and control effectiveness, matched to need, is usually missed out;
• LEV checking and maintenance – suppliers provide little guidance and employers don't do it frequently or systematically enough; and
• LEV thorough examination and test – is often not done and when it is it is often incomplete and uncritical (it's not "thorough").

Action required

5  The training provided to HSE inspectors in 2008/09 and the Topic Inspection Pack (TIP) cover visit approaches and requirements. Divisional staff in HSE will provide businesses to visit and targeting information.

6  On visits to premises that use LEV to control exposure, inspectors should verify that dutyholders are taking steps to ensure that it is well designed, properly installed, checked and maintained and thoroughly examined (all actions required by COSHH Regulation 9).

7  Inspectors should also ensure all dutyholders are aware of the revised and new guidance on LEV, and the HSE LEV website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm

8  In 2009/10, emphasis is also being placed on the actions and responsibilities of supply-side stakeholders, particularly suppliers and examiners. Inspectors should check, when appropriate, that they are aware of the revised and new guidance on LEV and the HSE LEV website. Use the further guidance, letter etc. in the TIP.

9  Certain industries and processes are likely to be targets for addressing long-latency disease and asthma but all processes, needing or involving LEV, are suitable for assessment and inspection.

Training

10 SG Field Specialist Inspectors delivered a one-day LEV training course for HSE inspectors, between March and May 2008. The course introduced inspectors to the new guidance, good practice, use of new personal-issue equipment, and explained and rehearsed new approaches to on-site inspection. Inspectors, who could not attend, should discuss their training needs with their line managers. Local SG specialists will run lunchtime road shows to provide inspectors with further help. Inspectors are encouraged to consolidate their new training and knowledge in joint-visits with Specialist Occupational Hygiene Inspectors.

Start and completion dates

11 Inspectors should undertake critical assessment, and where appropriate enforcement, with regard to LEV management by dutyholders, and the quality and competence of supply-side stakeholders, throughout the year.

Sector support

12  Sectors can offer advice on good practice standards for particular industries and processes. Some currently accepted standard LEV systems may not be suitable, for instance “truss saws” in the woodworking industry.

13 The new kit supplied to inspectors may not be suitable for use within certain premises (for instance smoke tubes in food factories) in these cases the relevant Sector can advise.

Enforcement

14  Enforcement action should be in line with the Enforcement Management Module (EMM) - see the TIP for further guidance and details, including draft notices and letters. SG support for enforcement action will be available if required.

15 Where supply-side stakeholders are not following the new guidance and standards please contact the local Specialist Occupational Hygiene Inspector and take appropriate action. Please also inform James Wheeler in the Project Team, and send him the details of the action taken; 0151 951 3812 VPN 523 3812 james.wheeler@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Recording

16  The FOD standard Operational Minute will describe the COIN recording details. In summary, record visits using a Service Order (IRF other) – IRF ratings tab – then complete the appropriate fields. It helps if you include “LEV” in your title and text.

Health and safety

17 The Health and Safety Supplements relating to general site visits are available on the Intranet under ‘Your Health and Safety’.

Context

18 This inspection and enforcement activity is a crucial part of the wider HSE crosscutting work, on improving the control of exposure to substances that cause long-latency and other diseases. The other centrally managed Project activities include supply-side stakeholder agreements and training, to improve industry standards of design, application, maintenance, testing and examination. See the ‘Events’ page of the LEV website for training and other event details. Road shows, piloted in 08-09, will run on a wider scale in 09-10.

Replacement kit and consumables

19 HSE Inspectors received their own LEV test kit at the training event. Further smoke tubes can be obtained via the Divisional HSL Field Scientist. Calibration of equipment and any repairs will also be arranged by the Field Scientist.

Diversity

20  Inspectors should be aware of who (in terms of diversity e.g. men, women, disabled etc) is the target group in the sector they are dealing with. Give consideration to, and factor into the approach, any issues that may surround this audience such as literacy issues, English as a second language and disability (access needs).

The Diversity pages give more information on these areas.

Further information

21 Inspectors may also wish to examine whether health surveillance is appropriate and taking place. For further information see:

• Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica – G404 COSHH Essentials General Guidance Series [56.8 KB]
• Health surveillance for occupational asthma – G402 COSHH Essentials General Guidance Series [38.9 KB]

22 HSE Asthmagens Topic Inspection Pack [68.6 KB]

23 LEV Topic Inspection Pack ‘Local Exhaust Ventilation: Assessment and Inspection’

24 Priced HSE guidance HSG258 ‘Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work – A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)’

25 Free leaflets, INDG408 ‘Buying Using LEV – an employers’ guide’ and INDG409 ‘LEV – a guide for employees’ are available at the website together with further information

26 COSHH Essentials Publications

Project contacts

27  Further information can be obtained from Mark Piney, Project Manager and Principal Specialist; 0121 607 6113 VPN 510 6113 mark.piney@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Appendix 1

Long-latency disease and occupational asthma target industries and processes

• Molten metals manufacture (foundries);
• Surface engineering (electroplating);
• Welding;
• Plastics manufacture and fabrication;
• Rubber goods manufacture;
• Stonemasons;
• Quarrying;
• Brick making;
• Chemicals import, decanting and repackaging operations;
• Construction activities involving exposure to respirable crystalline silica and other dusts etc.;
• Soldering;
• Woodworking;