Routine checks (daily, weekly and monthly) keep the LEV system running properly. The frequency of routine checks and their description should be set out in the system log book.
The thorough examination and test can be used by an employer as an audit of the past years system management.
The objective of testing is to detect significant defects and have them remedied to maintain control.
Thorough Examination and Test
A thorough examination and test is a detailed and systematic examination to ensure that the LEV can continue to perform as intended by design and will contribute to adequate control of exposure, as required by the COSHH Regulations.
The thorough examination and test must be carried out by a competent person who is able to make an objective assessment of the LEV.
Carrying out a Thorough Examination and Test
The examination and test procedure utilises information provided in the original commissioning exercise and can be considered to comprise three stages:
Stage 1:
A thorough visual examination to verify the LEV is in efficient working order, in good repair and in a clean condition.
Stage 2:
Measuring and examining the technical performance to check conformity with commissioning or other sources of relevant information.
Stage 3:
Assessment to check the control of worker exposure is adequate.
Armstrong Environmental Ltd. would then provide a detailed report complying with HSG 258 which included photographs and a schematic drawing of the system.
Frequency of testing
The maximum time between tests of LEV systems is set down in COSHH and for most systems is 14 months. In practice this is normally taken to be annually. If wear and tear on the system is liable to mean the systems effectiveness will degrade between tests then testing should be more frequent.
For some processes the testing frequency can be monthly.