New institute aims to improve air quality

The objective of the newly-formed Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) is to improve workplace air quality and reduce the number incidents of work-related lung disease.

This will be achieved by identifying and recognising the competent practitioners in the LEV industry. Within the next few months, the first 150 members will be assessed and will be awarded a level of membership to reflect their level of experience and qualifications.

Every member will have agreed to abide by a professional code of conduct and to Continuous Professional Development and their names will appear on the ILEVE website from May 2012. Make sure your adviser is on the list!

The ILEVE is a subsidiary of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and has the support of all associated trade organisations and the Health &?Safety Executive (HSE). Its formation is seen as important because the quality of dust extraction advice and equipment provided to industry varies greatly and some companies and individuals can only be described as rogue traders. It is the duty of every employer to ensure that any person that carries out any work in connection with the CoSHH regulations is competent to do so.

The HSE has identified several areas that contribute to the incidence of lung disease and cancer in industry, including:

• sources of exposure being missed, particularly when the purpose of the extraction equipment has been missed and the belief is that it is for good housekeeping rather than to protect the health of workers;
• the “something is better than nothing” attitude where over optimistic outcomes are hoped for;
• poor maintenance and understanding of the controls measures lead to deterioration and lack of effectiveness;
• operators are not trained to use the equipment and have no way of knowing if they are being protected.

The ILEVE is holding an information day on January 24. For details contact wally@inst-lev.co.uk.

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