Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Freedom of information
SIM 03/2008/05
Author unit / section: HSE LEV Project
Target audience: All HSE and LA visiting staff
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.
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. This contributes to the Fit 3 Strategic Programme and specifically the Disease Reduction Programme, both the respiratory and cancer elements.
2 Over 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 in certain industries and processes increase the risk of cancers.
3 In around 10% of UK businesses theres some respiratory exposure risk. About a quarter of these businesses have LEV and 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:
5 Inspectors are asked to ensure, at premises where LEV is used to control exposure, that it is well designed, properly installed, properly checked and maintained and properly tested and examined.
6 Certain industries and processes are important to the FIT3 Respiratory Disease Programme (RPD) and Cancer Project (see Appendix 1) but all processes needing or involving LEV are suitable for assessment and inspection.
7 Visit approaches and requirements are covered in the training and the Topic Pack. Businesses to visit and targeting information will be provided by Divisional staff.
8 Make sure all dutyholders are aware of the revised and new guidance on LEV and the HSE Web address for further information.
9 Make sure that all supply-side stakeholders are aware of the revised and new guidance on LEV and the HSE Web address for further information.
10 A one-day training course for inspectors on LEV is being delivered in local offices throughout March and April 2008 by (SG) Field Specialist Inspectors. The course will introduce inspectors to the new guidance, good practice, use of new personal-issue equipment and explain and rehearse new approaches to on-site inspection. Inspectors will be able, and are encouraged to consolidate their new training and knowledge in joint-visits with Specialist Occupational Hygiene Inspectors. The Field Specialist Inspector resource for 2008-09 has been bid for and agreed.
11 As soon as the training has been completed inspectors can cover LEV at all relevant visits. This action will continue throughout the year.
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.
14 Enforcement action should be in line with the Enforcement Management Module (EMM), see Topic Pack for further details, draft notices and letters. Field Specialist (SG) support for enforcement action will be available if required.
15 Where supply-side stakeholders are not following the new guidance and standards please take appropriate action and inform James Wheeler in the Project Team (0151 951 3812 VPN 523 3812). james.wheeler@hse.gsi.gov.uk
16 COIN recording details will be described by FOD in the standard Operational Minute. In summary visits are recorded via a Service Order (IRF other) IRF ratings tab then complete the appropriate fields.
17 The Health and Safety Supplements relating to general site visits are available on the Intranet under Your Health and Safety.
18 This inspection and enforcement activity is a crucial part of the wider LEV Project work. The other Project activities include supply-side stakeholder agreements and training to improve industry standards of design, application, maintenance, testing and examination. Stakeholder activities will include supply-side roadshows, communication activities (including targeted activity within the woodworking sector), revised Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) written guidance, a new LEV introductory course provided by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and the new LEV Website which is due to be in operation by May 2008.
19 Inspectors will be issued with their own LEV test kit on 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.
20 The topic packs on Migrant Working [PDF 220KB]
, Duty to Manage Asbestos and Worker Consultation and Involvement [PDF 263KB] may be relevant and useful when engaging with this sector, and also the Diversity & Delivery pages on the intranet.
Directly relevant material to the LEV project can be found here:
21 Inspectors, etc, may also wish to consider other COSHH matters such as assessment, health surveillance, training, etc. Further information can be found in topic packs and in COSHH Essentials see below:
COSHH Essentials General Guidance Series; and COSHH Essentials General Guidance Series.22 Further information can be obtained from Mark Piney, Project Manager and Principal Specialist (Tel. 0121 607 6113; VPN 510 6113). Email: mark.piney@hse.gsi.gov.uk