LEV testing and monitoring provider UK

Due to concerns over exposure to lead, the soldering industry has moved toward the use of lead free solders; these tend to be a tin/copper alloy. In order to compensate for the removal of lead another flux substance has to be used to aid the flow of the solder. One of the most commonly used fluxes is rosin or colophony. When heated, rosin creates fumes (known as Rosin Based Solder Flux Fume – RBSFF). This fume is composed of two fractions, the particulate fraction contains rosin sublimates and thermal decomposition products, which are predominantly a mixture of diterpentine acids, this fraction makes up approximately 90 % of the total fume. The remaining gaseous phase of the fume is composed of low molecular weight organic compounds including acetone, methyl alcohol, aliphatic aldehydes and other hydrocarbons.

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).

LEV Testing is a legal requirement in the UK for compliance with health and safety standards. LEV Test reports often form part of a company’s insurance policy. Inadequate testing can result in employers being prosecuted, insurance policies being invalidated and even employees becoming ill.

Equipment that draws pollutants from an operation or process in the working environment. Made up of an inlet like a hood, slit, arm, cabinet or booth. This will be located near to or close to the area of the substance release. All suchlike equipment needs to be connected by ducting and a fan to enable the movement of air. The removed air passed through a filter or is extracted to atmosphere away from the workplace. 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. See extra info at Local Exhaust Ventilation LEV Testing.

The employer must consider other control options and use them where appropriate (see HSE leaflets Working with substances hazardous to health1 and Clearing the air2) before applying LEV. In some circumstances, LEV may not be a reasonably practicable control as there may be many sources or extensive contaminant clouds that are too large for LEV alone to control. LEV suppliers provide goods (an LEV system) and may then act as a service provider. Designers interpret the requirements of the employer and advise on an effective LEV system which is capable of delivering the required control.