Local Exhaust Ventilation

October 29, 2021 By Kewaunee International Group Comments are Off , , , ,

Local Exhaust Ventilation – How to choose them?

A local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems is required to ensure that lab personnel are protected from dangerous fumes & contaminants. That being said, it’s a very user-specific equipment and must be made in accordance to their requirements. So, how does one go about that process? You can the criteria in the infographic down below and make better choices the next time you’re ordering an LEV.

If you’re looking to order an LEV, we at Kewaunee International can help you with the entire design, installation, and maintenance process. A list of our certified LEV systems can be found here.

Criteria Key pointers
Purpose of the LEV
  • What experiments will be conducted?
  • What is the process demands?
  • What contaminants will be present?
  • What is the utility of it for the employer & employees?
Design of the LEV
  • System must not be designed in isolation but account for other equipment too
  • For e.g. Are there any windows or ventilation systems nearby? What is the air movement in the room?
  • Ensure integration of the LEV with other components of the laboratory
Source & Type of contaminant
  • Where is the contaminant coming from? What is the nature of the contaminant?
  • For e.g. Is it buoyant like hot fume? Directional (grinding/cutting)?
  • Also need to consider whether it’s dispersed in air or propelled into the air
  • Ducting is installed accordingly – to ensure direct route for contaminant to reach the discharge point
Air cleaning & filtering systems
  • Install cleaning systems that are in line with the air movement
  • Accounts for discharge plume & topography of the area
  • Must be made in line with the commissioning party’s specifications
Performance indicator instruments
  • Mandatory to install performance indications to monitor performance at any point in time
  • E.g. manometer on hood ducts
  • Staff must be trained to use, install, and maintain the equipment

Source: LEV Guidance, Health & Safety Control

Kewaunee, the global leader in total laboratory solutions, empowers organisations to achieve competitive advantage through safe, efficient, and contemporary laboratories. In existence since 1906, Kewaunee powers the laboratories for over 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries.

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