LEV systems have long been part of the industry

Some see them as an important part of their business, protecting their staff from breathing hazardous fumes or dusts into their lungs.  Others see them as something that was installed years ago that seems to be working just fine.  Sadly some companies don’t see the need for them at all and just see them as an unnecessary cost

By law both employer and employee have a responsibility to look after all staff and the LEV systems.

As an employer, your main concern should be whether there are people within your company, inhaling fumes and dusts that could cause them long-term illnesses or, in some cases, far worse.

Employer and Employees Responsibility

Employers must look at the processes being conducted in the company and ensure that an LEV system is effectively protecting the operators.  This will ensure that the risk factors to your company and those within it are minimised to a level that is as low as possible.

Employees are responsible to adhere to the COSHH regulations when working with hazardous substances.  They are also responsible to advise the employer if the LEV system is no longer working properly.  Staff need to be provided with relevant training and risk assessment procedures to make them aware of the potential hazards and are therefore fully aware of how to check and how to report any failings.

Can You Afford to Take Risks?

By running systems that are not effective in protecting the staff, you could be in breach of both the law and the policy laid out by your insurance company.

Just because you use a company provided by the insurance company to complete an LEV test, doesn’t automatically mean that you have been provided with a Thorough Examination and Test.

Without a Thorough Examination and Test your documents may not be meeting HSE requirements and if a member of staff becomes ill you could be taken to court and your documents, even if they are regularly done, will not protect you.

From August of this year insurance companies will not be liable to help with compensation claims if the documentation is proved in a court to be sub standard.

Is a Failing LEV system Effecting Production?

But it’s not just about risk and responsibility – installing an LEV system can make good business sense too. It may be time to review exactly how much time is being taken off sick by staff and the reasoning behind it.  Having staff regularly off sick or increasingly off sick could be as a result of an ineffective system and can cost the company thousands of pounds through both sickness pay and extra cover.

LEV System Servicing Pays Off

Regular servicing and testing of your LEV systems will not only ensure they are working effectively, but ensure that as an employer you are following the COSHH regulations and reducing the risk and liability levels to the staff and the company.

At Vent-Tech our aim is to help you make the right decisions through expert advice and a professional service.

For further information please call us on 0117 9712163 or fill in the form to the right and we’ll give you a call back.