If your business is associated with dust-related risks, it’s important that you implement appropriate solutions to mitigate the health and safety risk to workers. An example of an effective solution is a dust extraction system. However, this can create further hazards if adequate procedures are not followed. It’s essential that you maintain your dust extraction systems to keep them in top condition and safe for use at all times. In this article, we will offer some tips on how you can best maintain your dust extraction system.
What Is a Dust Extraction System?
A dust extraction system is a product that is designed to improve air quality and ensure it remains breathable. These systems work by capturing and removing any airborne particles of dangerous substances, such as dust, wood dust and silica dust. Certain workplaces, particularly industrial environments, will handle materials and machinery that can form dust. When dust is formed and inhaled, it can cause health problems like respiratory complications, lung cancer, skin sensation, and eye damage. Therefore, it’s clear to see why businesses should go out of their way to reduce the risk to employees and site visitors.
There are several types of dust extraction systems that you can invest in, from filtration units to extraction arms and wet collectors. The solution that fits you best depends on various factors including budget, requirements, workspace, and activities carried out.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Systems Maintained
So you know why it’s important to have a dust extraction system, but why should you keep it well maintained on a regular basis? Systems are complex products that require care and close attention. They should be installed correctly, working in good condition, and used by a competent person with adequate skills and training. Systems that fail or are used inappropriately will render the dust extraction process useless and create additional health and safety risks caused by using the equipment. Regular maintenance is highly recommended to ensure people’s safety and avoid accidents and punishment.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, you must “maintain the LEV in efficient working order so it continues to provide the necessary protection.” A thorough examination and LEV test is also required regularly and at least every 14 months. If you don’t maintain or test your dust extraction system, you may face enforcement action down the road.
How to Maintain Your Dust Extraction System
First of all, the best step to maintain your dust extraction system is to follow the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance in thoroughly examining equipment every 14 months. This is a legal requirement and to maximise safety, we recommend increasing the number of times that a test is performed during this period. Records of an LEV test should be kept for at least 5 years. An examination should be carried out by a competent person to check whether the system works effectively as intended and is doing its job in protecting the health and safety of your employees. The testing report will provide peace of mind that the equipment works safely and is fine to use. Should the examiner identify any concerns or faults, then you can address the issues before an incident occurs.
Next up, you should look at LEV servicing. An LEV service is not a legal requirement like a test, but it’s a great way to maintain your system. The service will check for any faults and identify where improvements can be made. LEV servicing includes several tasks, such as checking correct operation, looking for blockages, cleaning existing filters, and checking for damages. Carrying out a service before a test can prevent you from failing the examination by acting in a proactive manner.
Another way that you can maintain your dust extraction systems is through a Planned Preventative Maintenance Program. These schemes are in place to minimise the risk of an LEV system failing and ensure that you can act before a breakdown occurs. The program will involve both LEV testing and LEV servicing, making sure that these services are carried out at regular intervals. This is an excellent choice for managing the planning and scheduling of what can be a complex process.
We Can Help Your Business
We’ve worked with businesses across a range of industries to ensure their working environments guarantee a clean and safe air space, and we can help you too. Whether you need a solution for dust extraction, welding extraction, fume extraction, or another service, we are on hand to assist. We also offer a range of services including LEV testing to ensure businesses remain compliant with laws and regulations. To start your journey with us today, simply get in touch with our team. We will listen to your requirements and offer a cost-effective solution that suits you.
Why Choose Auto Extract Systems?
We are the UK’s leading LEV company with over 20 years of experience offering dust extraction solutions. Our team has helped thousands of businesses in creating pollution-free environments and avoiding costly fines and other consequences.
We are experts in all things LEV and can help your business become COSHH compliant with a tailored LEV solution. We provide comprehensive design, installation, maintenance and certification services across a range of industry sectors. Find out more about us here.
