BESA has updated its best practice guidance for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to help reduce the risk of workers contracting serious and life limiting health conditions.
TR40 A Guide to Good Practice for Local Exhaust Ventilation was jointly produced by the Association and the Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) in 2020. It has been updated to reflect industry best practice and increased knowledge about the risk to workers of exposure to harmful airborne contaminants in the workplace.
The revised guide reflects the RIBA Plan of Works covering the requirements of an LEV project from conception, through to design, planning, and installation, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance. This includes details of the tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
This update uses the RIBA Plan of Works stages 0 to 7 to map the life cycle of an LEV project from strategic definition, through design, construction, handover, and use, and adds an extra stage providing guidance on dismantling and disposal of systems at the end of their life.
The guide points out that installed systems are often modified and that operating conditions can change as a workplace evolves. Employers should, therefore, ensure the LEV is regularly inspected to ensure it continues to be fit for purpose.
TR40 explains how to go about this and outlines common problems engineers may come across. For example, it explains how to use airflow indicators to demonstrate whether the performance of an LEV has deteriorated and needs remedial work.
Rebecca Crosland, head of health and safety at BESA, said: “This Guide to Good Practice plays a vital role in promoting competence and professionalism across the LEV sector to protect people from exposure to hazardous substances in a wide range of workplaces. Instances of occupational lung disease, including cancer, caused by dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants remain unacceptably high.
“Compliance with TR40 could help the construction industry save thousands of workers every year from succumbing to industrial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and life limiting respiratory conditions.”
