C.O.S.H.H Testing
What is C.O.S.H.H?
Requirements
These state the minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
- Regulation 9 of COSHH requires that any control measure taken to comply with regulation 7 must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
- LEV (local exhaust ventilation) systems should be tested at least every 14 months, subject to minimum frequencies for LEV systems used in conjunction with processes listed in Schedule 4 to regulations 9 {2} {a}.
- Regulations also specify that records shall be kept of the results of the tests including details of any repairs carried out as a result of the examinations and tests. These records have to be kept for at least five years.
The thorough examination and test represents a regular audit of the performance of the systems and comprises:
- A visual inspection of the plant.
- An assessment of its ability to perform the task assigned to it.
- A measurement of performance against its design. Where the design is unknown, against an acceptable parameter decided by a competent person.
The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations were introduced to control exposure of all substances hazardous to health arising from work activities. These may be classed as being toxic, very toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant – dusts and micro-organisms are also included.
Manufacturers and suppliers have to provide hazard data sheets for the materials they sell and the precautions required when handling or working on them in various forms should be detailed. The current issue of EH40 should also be referred to for advice on both Maximum Exposure and Occupational Exposure Limits.
It is the responsibility of the employer to assess the risks to their workers and others who might be affected by the way in which these hazardous substances are used. Appropriate control measures must be provided to reduce risks to personnel. One of the control measures commonly used is the installation of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), to ensure that the pollutants are effectively extracted from the work area and exposure limits are not exceeded.
Regulation 9 concerns the maintenance, examination and testing of control measures.
LEV plant has to be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. A visual check should be carried out every week and a Thorough Examination and Test must be made by a competent person at a maximum interval of 14 months.
Please note that certain processes require testing at more frequent intervals.
Duscovent Engineering Ltd have experienced staff who are competent and capable of carrying out such examinations and testing of all types of LEV systems and are able to advise on keeping them in full working order.
Duscovent can also arrange for personal sampling and air sampling to be undertaken to ensure that dust in air within workshops is within current legal limits and that individuals carrying out certain working practices not covered by LEV systems are not exposed to high levels of dust and fume.
Our Thorough Examination and Test report clearly shows the design and test data as well as giving comments on the plants condition and recommendations on any remedial action that may be needed when problems are found. These reports have to be kept on file by the employer for at least five years.
In addition to full airflow testing, we have developed individual programmes and training schemes for our clients` own staff, to help ensure that weekly inspections are correctly carried out and that scheduled maintenance is arranged.
Duscovent Engineering Ltd can also provide a complete maintenance and testing service with frequency of site visits varying to suit the type of production process involved.