Requirements and challenges
The LEV testing and reports were carried out in a timely manner, to prevent HSE action.
Following this, Personal Air Sampling and real time dust monitoring was performed and an LEV initial appraisal provided.
Advice was also given on DSEAR and wood dust explosions with respect to their woodworking operations.
A further area of concern was secondary dust exposure created from operators blowing their clothing down using a compressed air line.
Solutions
Further recommendations were also made to improve the LEV system design and performance, including:
- Addition of Table saw top hood
- Enclosing and improving extraction on band saw, re-saw
- LEV hood design for a X-cut saw
- Addition of a ‘high pressure’ extraction, vacuum point branch. This enables:
- Fine dust to be extracted from the small spigots on the back of hand sanders, routers, morticers etc.
- Floor and crevice tool attachments for vacuuming around machines and floor areas.
- A round brush attachment can be supplied/fitted enabling the vacuuming of clothing. This prevents secondary dust release that is created by using compressed air to blow dust of clothing.
Outcome
Paul Gibson, works manager, stated ‘We are happy with the work R&B Industrial carried out, their advice and methods of achieving satisfactory (COSHH) control.’