What is competence?

Competence is a combination of knowledge, skills and application experience that enables a person to do an effective and reliable job.

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Why do I need to employ or use competent people?

You have a legal responsibility to ensure that employee exposure to dust/fumes etc. is minimised and well controlled. LEV is an excellent way of doing this. People who supply, examine and maintain LEV need to be competent otherwise your LEV may not work properly, putting people’s health at risk.

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How do I know someone is competent?

Competent people have the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to do a good job. Ask about relevant qualifications and training, experience and previous work. A competent supplier will be able to supply references or testimonials - ask for them. If the cost is high, it might be worth visiting other sites and viewing other LEV installed by the supplier. A good supplier should also be able to train your staff to maintain the LEV.

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How do I find a competent person?

Some trade associations keep lists of members who claim LEV competence - see the HSE LEV Website “Links” page. Prepare a simple description of the work you want the person to do and give it to them. Ask them what qualifications, experience and types of LEV system they have designed or supplied before. Always get more than one quote.

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Does a training course make a person competent?

No. A training course by itself will not make a person competent. Competence comes from a combination of knowledge, skills and experience. Some people with lots of experience, but with no formal qualifications, may be competent.

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Does HSE require certain LEV-related qualifications?

No. HSE mentions certain training courses in its guidance, as examples, but does not require suppliers to have these qualifications.

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