Common defects and potential outcomes that our engineers find when examining equipment

Local Exhaust Ventilation

No LEV indicator gauges fitted – it is advised that gauges are fitted to ducts within the system so the performance can be easily monitored
Filter blocked / poor condition – a blocked or filter in poor condition would considerably reduce the performance of the system potentially to the point where the system is not capable to adequately control the contaminants created
Centrifugal fans running the wrong way – if a centrifugal fan runs the wrong way it would still work as intended but the performance could be around 30 / 40 % down and would be an automatic FAIL during a thorough examination and test (TExT)
No commissioning report available at time of TExT. The LEV commissioning report will detail the key findings from the system commissioning. The report confirms that the system is performing to design specification and that it will deliver adequate control of exposure. It provides a reference point for all future thorough examinations
Blockages in the ducting can indicate the transport velocity is below what is required to move the contaminant through the duct and that the system is not adequately controlling at point of source

Welding torch tip blocked up – preventing the welding fume being controlled, regular checks on the condition stop the tip getting blocked
No commissioning report available at time of TExT. The LEV commissioning report will detail the key findings from the system commissioning. The report confirms that the system is performing to design specification and that it will deliver adequate control of exposure. It provides a reference point for all future thorough examinations
No Capture distance marked on hood – capture hoods are only effective when positioned specified distance away from the process. This distance is calculated by the Competent Person using the face velocities taken at the hood, the distance should be clearly marked so the user knows the effective distance
Contaminant leaking from the positive side of the ducting due to poor duct sealing or blockages in the exhaust
Unsatisfactory termination – termination outside should be above the apex of the roof and the exact height should comply with the environment agency guidelines depending on both the process carried out and the surrounding area

Pressure gauge (sometimes called a ‘Magnahelic’ gauge) faulty or not working stops an employee confirming the performance of the booth from the outside
No clearance time displayed – a clearance time should always be displayed on the outside of the booth to let employees know when it is safe to enter the booth upon completion of spraying activities
Objects in the fan area – reducing the overall performance of the fan
Lights in the booth not working
Unsatisfactory termination – termination outside should be above the apex of the roof and the exact height should comply with the environment agency guidelines depending on the process carried out and the area.
Filters contaminated reducing the effective performance of the system

Centrifugal fans running the wrong way – if a centrifugal fan runs the wrong way it would still work as intended but the performance could be around 30 / 40 % down and would be an automatic FAIL during a thorough examination and test (TExT)
Damaged hoods – damaged or deformed hoods could result in the velocity at the hood being reduced to an extent that the system performance is not capable or adequately controlling the contaminant produced
Hood clamps broken – the clamps which secure the hoods onto the exhaust faulty resulting in them potentially becoming dislodged during operation
Unsatisfactory termination of ducting – termination outside should be above the apex of the roof and the exact height should comply with the environment agency guidelines depending on both the process carried out and the area
Contaminant leaking from the positive side of the ducting due to poor duct sealing or blockages in the exhaust