The next step

To a copy of L5

[]

New guidance on local exhaust extraction

Update

In December 2013 the HSE issued a revision to the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002(L5) (see The next step ). This sets out how to comply with the Regulations and includes details regarding the management of LEV equipment.

Note. Regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 sets out the legal requirements for the “Maintenance, examination and testing of control measures.” Control measures include fume cupboards, safety cabinets, wood dust extractors, etc.

What’s required by Regulation 9?

When you install LEV to control exposure to hazardous substances, your job doesn’t stop there. There’s a need for ongoing attention to ensure that it continues to work effectively. Regulation 9 states that such machinery must be kept in good repair and inspected and tested periodically.

Note. This Regulation has not been changed since original publication but there have been some minor changes to the ACoP and guidance which supports it.

Tip. There’s no change to the requirement within Regulation 9 for a thorough examination and test of the LEV every 14 months. This can usually be completed by the same company that carries out your servicing programme.

What’s changed?

Weekly inspections of extraction systems are no longer required under the ACoP but, nevertheless, this frequency of check is still advised under the less formal guidance.

Tip 1. This change allows you to make a common sense judgement on the frequency of routine in-house inspections. For example, if your equipment is used infrequently, you might decide to carry out some basic checks before use instead of doing so every week. However, unless you have good reason not to do so, stick with the guidance and conduct a weekly inspection.

Tip 2. What’s expected from your weekly, or equivalent, in-house check is that: (1) the equipment seems to be operating correctly, i.e. air- flow indicators (where fitted) show the equipment is functioning correctly; (2) there are no evident defects, e.g. damage or joints which have become disconnected; (3) no signs of extraction problems, e.g. smells or dust; and (4) no unusual noise or vibration.

Set up

A new addition to the ACoP is an explicit duty for employers to “check all engineering controls when they are installed to ensure that they meet the specified technical performance and, in combination with other control measures, are capable of providing adequate control”.

Tip. If you have a new LEV system installed, make sure you obtain a commissioning certificate from the installers and that this includes a realistic test of the equipment in use. Keep the certificate in a safe place in case you’re ever required to produce it.

For a copy of L5, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 12.16.06).