It’s easy to become used to the dependability of high quality equipment – however, how does it stay in good mechanical condition - and how can you ensure it remains effective? In this blog, we’re looking at why LEV COSHH testing is important for your business - and what you can do about it.
Mention COSHH to the majority of business owners with a fair idea of health and safety, and they’ll assume COSHH testing must relate somehow to determining which substances on site might be hazardous, through some sort of assessment process.
While it’s true, substances that may cause harm should indeed be assessed, this isn’t actually what we mean by LEV COSHH Testing.
You see, the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations, alongside their many, many, stipulations, also place a duty on employers to ensure their equipment used to control hazardous substances are maintained properly and function effectively (see Regulation 9 for full detail).
So, within the context of LEV systems, LEV COSHH testing refers to the rigorous testing of your extraction systems to ensure they work properly and continue to keep your workers safe.
Knowing what is included in your LEV COSHH test is important.
As there are many different types of LEV system, the test methods and criteria aren’t always identical.
However, there are elements which are likely to be common across them all.
These may include:
Regardless of the hazardous substances you’re working with, or the type of LEV system you have installed, it’s vitally important to carry out COSHH testing.
Here’s ten reasons why.
1. Health and Safety of Workers.
You wouldn’t have invested in an LEV system unless the processes underway in your workplace were in some way hazardous.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you continue to protect your workers from these substances.
Ensuring that your LEV system is functioning effectively helps to control their exposure and reduce the risk of them developing occupational diseases and illnesses.
2. Regulatory Compliance
As we mentioned earlier, the COSHH regulations make it clear that you, the employer, must ensure that your LEV systems are kept in good condition and work effectively.
Carrying out LEV COSHH Testing is a fool-proof way to ensure compliance with the law, helping you to avoid non-compliance fines and legal liabilities.
3. Reduction of Liability
When you take steps to maintain a properly functioning LEV system, you demonstrate your commitment to worker safety; this in turn can reduce your company’s reliability should you receive any claims or should accidents occur relating to employee exposure to hazardous substances.
4. Productivity Boost
It’s well known that employers see a boost in morale and efficiency and, therefore productivity, when they are confident that they are being looked after, and their health is being protected.
Ensuring that your LEV system is functioning efficiently demonstrates this to your workers, as well as creating a more comfortable working environment.
5. Protecting the Environment
LEV COSHH testing ensures that your LEV system is working properly.
Not only does this protect your workers, but also prevents any release of harmful substances into the environment around your workplace - and beyond.
When you carry out important LEV COSHH testing, you’re complying with environmental regulations as well as the COSHH regulations.
6. Cost Savings
As we mentioned earlier, a big part of the important LEV COSHH testing involves checking the mechanical condition and efficacy of the machinery.
A by-product of this is that you also identify costly inefficiencies which may be costing you money, for example where a fan motor has to work harder in order to generate sufficient airflow in a leaky system.
The associated reduction in maintenance costs, and prolonged lifespan of the equipment, will also help you to reduce operational costs associated with your LEV.
7. Preventative Maintenance
Linked to the previous point, LEV COSHH testing can also identify any issues with your LEV system before they develop into significant problems.
Being proactive with your inspection of LEV equipment can help to prevent breakdowns and associated downtime as well as ensuring optimal functionality.
8. Management of Change
Most businesses and associated work processes adapt and change over time.
Carrying out an important LEV COSHH test helps to ensure that the extraction system is still suitable and meets your operational requirements.
Effective extraction means more than simply removing substances from the work area; it also means properly safeguarding your employees - so it’s crucial that your LEV system is able to function properly should your processes change.
9. Documentation and Records
When your LEV system is inspected by a competent assessor such as Fumex Ltd, you’ll receive full documentation of the work carried out, findings, and remedial action taken.
These reports provide a valuable historical record which can be instrumental in ensuring the successful outcome of an audit, inspection, or even a legal dispute.
10. Peace of Mind
A proper COSHH test of your LEV system can provide peace of mind as you’ll be confident that your workers are safe, and you’re in a stronger position should you need to defend the company in court.
If you have an LEV extraction system in your workplace, it’s not enough to simply run it continually and hope that it continues to function properly.
LEV COSHH Testing is important for a number of reasons, which extend way beyond simple legal box ticking. If you need help with COSHH testing of your LEV system - whatever the type, size, or age - give us a call on 0114 2341114.
