The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has updated and improved its best practice guidance for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to help reduce the risk of thousands of workers contracting serious and life limiting health conditions such as industrial asthma and pulmonary disease.
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 now 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.
Principles
BESA is also offering an online awareness course which provides an overview of TR40, helping learners understand the key principles and requirements.
Details of the inspection and testing measures necessary during the operation of an LEV system have also been enhanced and the importance of only appointing suitably competent and qualified individuals to carry out any aspect of LEV work is emphasised at all stages.
The guide is aimed at the full LEV supply chain including owner/operators; designers; suppliers; project managers; commissioning engineers; and technical trainers. Updated examples of the supporting documents required for use with LEV systems are provided in the appendices.
“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,” said BESA’s head of health & safety Rebecca Crosland. “Instances of occupational lung disease, including cancer, caused by dust, fumes and other airborne contaminants in the workplace 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,” she added.
TR40 can also play an important role in helping employers meet their statutory obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
It should also be used in conjunction with the HSE’s guidance HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work. This reminds employers that they have a legal responsibility to ensure that employee exposure to dust/fumes etc. is minimised and well controlled.
The HSE also calls for periodic examination and test (at least once every 14 months) of LEV systems and the keeping of inspection records for at least five years. “In addition, you should have information on the installed LEV system to confirm it provides adequate protection, which should be kept for the life of the equipment,” its guidance says.
The new BESA guidance and awareness course reflects the fact that LEV has many niche specialisms and TR40 gives detailed guidance on all elements and types of the technology. Sectors like woodworking, foundries, stonemasonry, welding and other construction activities are regarded as ‘high risk’ and the HSE has encouraged the production of focused industry-produced guidance like TR40 to help responsible employers manage risks in these environments.
Modified
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.
“TR40 will help clients and project managers ensure the LEV requirements of new construction projects are efficient and cost effective, by involving appropriate specialists from design to handover,” said BESA technical director Kevin Morrissey. “This will help avoid the use of ‘off the shelf’ solutions, which are costly, ineffective and put the client at risk of breaching their statutory obligations.
“FM companies are often unaware of their own legal obligation to ensure that an LEV effectively controls hazardous substances, and the test reports they submit to clients fail to include this crucial information,” he added.
“By requiring their contractors to comply with TR40, FM organisations can ensure they are provided with a fully compliant service. A competent LEV engineer will be able to recommend low-cost modifications that enable the LEV to meet statutory requirements.”
BESA TR40 ‘Guide to Good Practice for Local Exhaust Ventilation’ can be accessed from the BESA website.