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Clearing the air

A simple guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

Date of publication:
2017
Series code:
INDG408 (rev1)

Download a free copy (PDF) [3]

Many employers buy local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to protect workers' health but find it doesn't work. This may be because it's the wrong type or because it's not properly installed, used or maintained.

This leaflet is for employers and those who purchase LEV. It gives you tips on selecting the right LEV and using and maintaining it properly.

It also lists some basics to include when training operators, supervisors and managers. The pocket card Time to clear the air! contains a useful checklist for operators.

Changes since the last edition

This revision emphasises the duties of employers in relation to LEV and the support that can be provided by others, eg suppliers and designers. There are no changes to the technical guidance provided.

Link URLs in this page

  1. Publicationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubnS/index.htm
  2. HSE Bookshttps://books.hse.gov.uk/
  3. Download a free copy - INDG408https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubnS/indg408.pdf
  4. Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHHhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubnS/indg136.htm
  5. Clearing the air: A simple guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubnS/indg408.htm
  6. Time to clear the air! A workers' pocket guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubnS/indg409.htm
  7. Local exhaust ventilationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm
  8. COSHHhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm
  9. Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)http://www.cibse.org/
  10. Building Engineering Services Associationhttp://www.thebesa.com/
  11. Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE)https://www.cibse.org/Institute-of-Local-Exhaust-Ventilation-Engineers-I
  12. British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)http://www.bohs.org/
  13. HSE Books +44 (0)333 202 5070https://books.hse.gov.uk/
  14. Translated leafletshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/languages/index.htm
  15. Legislationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/index.htm
  16. Statisticshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm
  17. Science and Researchhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm
  18. Subscribe - news and updateshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/news/subscribe/index.htm

Glossary of abbreviations/acronyms on this page

COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

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Updated: 2021-11-12