Respirable crystalline silica has a very low Workplace Exposure Limit of 0.1 mg/m3 as respirable dust. In fact, as the above chart shows, long term exposures to concentrations much lower than this can lead to some workers developing silicosis. There is also evidence that prolonged workplace exposure to crystalline silica can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, although this is only likely to occur in those workers who have already developed silicosis. Given the nature of the risk exposures need to be reduced as low as practicable.
What is LEV and why do I need it? Every year, thousands of workers in Britain develop occupational diseases from breathing in certain dusts, fumes or other airborne contaminants at work. Local Exhaust Ventilation, often called dust or fume extraction, can help clean the air, before people breathe in these harmful substances. (Excerpt from HSE web site).
A comprehensive LEV report will also be produced for each piece of LEV equipment tested. All of our LEV reports include photos and/or schematic diagrams showing all test point locations, which are also clearly identified on the ducting as required by the HSE. This includes the following in line with guidance from HSG258: Following an inspection, our professional LEV consultant will mark the LEV system as a pass or fail. We will also assist you in improving all control measures where necessary.
How Welding Supplies Direct can help ? WE will carry out a thorough tests in line with COSHH Regulation 9 as detailed in HSE Guide HSG258 Our levels of service can be tailored to your Companies needs. However, most clients choose to take advantage of by combining servicing with the LEV testing. Read more info at LEV Testing Companies.
The employer decides who to employ or consult and needs to be an ‘intelligent customer’ to get the best result. HSE has produced simple guidance to help the employer choose a supplier when they are considering installing LEV (see HSE leaflet Clearing the air). Suppliers need to prepare their information to respond to this approach.