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Workers Have a Right to Expect to be Protected from Hazardous Substances

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Published: 26Feb2012
Word count: 540
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Our knowledge of the hazards of working in an enclosed environment with substances, like fine sawdust, gases and fumes from materials used in production processes is much more extensive in the 21st century than it was in the past.

It has led to some substances, such as particular forms of asbestos, being banned and to tighter control of the conditions people work in.

This includes installing appropriate protective extraction systems, known as LEV systems, to extract potentially dangerous substances from the air.

So it is distressing that such cases as the ones that follow still occur, even allowing for the length of time it takes to develop some conditions like those cancers that have been caused by from prolonged exposure to a substance.

A man who had worked as a welder for 16 years, had to stop work when he developed severe lung disease from breathing in too much fume. Effective LEV could have controlled the fume, and the risk, according to investigations by the Health and Safety Executive. This case was made public in the last two years.

In 2009 another case was identified following an inquest, of a carpenter who died of a cancerous tumour of the nose, despite having had tests on a sinus tumour that were found to be benign. Again the verdict identified the cause as industrial disease.

It is because of cases like these that the HSE continues to emphasise the importance of properly functioning LEV systems and that employers must by law make sure your LEV systems keep working properly.

This means they need regular LEV testing by what is called a competent person. According to the HSE one of the most common reasons for LEV extraction systems not working efficiently is because the air flow fails either because of a build-up of the extracted material in the ductwork or because of breaks in or damage to it.

This means that one effective way of measuring the system's efficiency is to measure the air flow and this can be done by installing airflow meters in the LEV hood, although there are other methods of checking that can be more appropriate for different types of system.

Identifying a competent person to carry out the testing involves a judgement of their combination of knowledge, skills and experience of different LEV applications that indicate that they can do an effective and reliable job.

Ask about relevant qualifications and training, experience and previous work. A competent supplier should have testimonials and it is worth asking if they can put you in touch with other satisfied customers.

There are a number of specialist professional cleaning companies that can offer all these indicators but also will be able to carry out regular checking, maintenance and LEV cleaning of the ductwork.

A preliminary consultation should be part of their service and it is also a good idea to obtain more than one quote for the work, although it does not necessarily follow that the most expensive is also the most competent so some close questioning and evidence is in order.

When workers are exposed to hazardous substances LEV systems may be installed to extract those substances from the air. Such systems need a regular LEV test. By Ali Withers.

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