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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Transformers are found in most industrial locations and can be ‘step down’ or ‘step up’ depending on voltage requirements. Electricity is carried across distances at high
voltage and ‘stepped down’ using a transformer where it is distributed at low voltage to various sources of application.
Switchboard
The switchboard is commonly the main control station for the distribution of electrical supply to a location. Switchgear is a heavy-duty switch designed to make and break the main electrical supply to a location or large item of machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What responsibilities do businesses have for electrical systems?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, contain a comprehensive list of legal requirements designed to prevent the risk of death or personal injury from the use of electricity in all places of work, regardless of size or number of employees.
The regulations require ‘all systems to be maintained so as to prevent danger’. Furthermore, HSE Guidance states ‘regular inspection and testing is an essential part of any maintenance programme.’
The main purpose of the examination is to identify serious defects likely to create an imminent risk of injury to any person.
The extent of the examination covers the accessible parts of the low voltage distribution system including power and mains lighting installations. Examination does not normally include fixed electrical plant or portable appliances, but you service provider may be able to quote for the inspection of such equipment.
The examination frequency is dependent on the type of business and the risks presented, but is typically once every three or five years.
LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION
Definitions;
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is equipment that controls, captures or contains airborne releases at ‘or close to’ the point of emission by means of ventilation and conveys the pollutant to a point where it can be safely collected or released.
Relevant Legislation;
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply to all work activities where substances hazardous to health are produced. The regulations state that, ‘every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health shall be prevented, or where it is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.’ Where a control needs to be applied, local exhaust ventilation is employed.
Examination frequency
The COSHH regulations require that LEV plant is examined by a competent person and this examination should be completed at intervals dependent on the trade / business and the application of the equipment.
For example:
• shot blasting (Mould cleaning) require an examination six months
• Buffing machines, preparation areas, rubber fume extraction and spray booths requires an examination every six months.
• All other applications require an examination every 14 months.
The examination frequencies apply to processes and substances specific to the industries. However, some LEV equipment may require more frequent examinations.
LEV Systems
LEV systems use extract ventilation to prevent or reduce the level of airborne hazardous substances from being breathed in by people in the workplace. They draw pollutants away from a process or operation that is likely to release a hazardous substance into the workplace and
consists of an inlet such as a hood, slot, booth or cabinet placed around or close to the point of release of the substance.
The inlet is connected to a fan or air mover and the extracted air is usually discharged into the atmosphere or returned to the workplace after having being cleaned to make it safe for release.
Fume Cupboards
Fume cupboards are partially enclosed workspaces that limit the
spread of fumes to operators and other persons in close proximity. Fume cupboards are fitted with a vertically sliding sash, which can be adjusted to vary the degree of the enclosure. Aerodynamic design is as important as the face velocity in ensuring that the contaminant is effectively controlled and released safely.
Spray Booths
Spray booths and enclosures are widely available. There are many
different designs depending on the type and size of the article being sprayed. Spray booths can be broadly classified by the method of ventilation (side or downdraught air flow) or the method of removing particulate from the exhaust air (water wash, baffles or dry filters).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does LEV equipment need an examination?
LEV plant is found in a range of trades from small garages and paint shops to major woodworking and metalworking industries and of course Retreading plants. The equipment is designed to remove the harmful vapour, dust or fumes from the work area identified after a COSHH assessment. The COSHH regulations require that LEV plant is examined by a competent person, this examination should be completed at dependant on the trade / business and the application of the equipment. For example, metal / shot blasting requires an examination every month but non-ferrous metal working equipment requires an examination every six months.
Q. What is the ‘Intended Operating Performance?’
The intended operating performance (IOP) is usually set at the time of the initial appraisal.
The initial appraisal serves two major functions. Firstly, to show that the plant works and meets its specified performance to control exposure. Secondly, to determine the operating parameters or ‘intended operating performance’ that will provide satisfactory levels of control. The initial appraisal will form part of the assessment of health risks to comply with Regulation 6 of COSHH.