RR836 – Perception and understanding of how local exhaust ventilation (LEV) works and how effective it is

RR836 – Perception and understanding of how local exhaust ventilation (LEV) works and how effective it is

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is one of the principal methods used to control exposure to airborne contaminants that can cause work-related ill health, including respiratory disease. However, HSE inspectors have found that some LEV systems do not work effectively for a number of reasons. There is anecdotal evidence that poor design, application and performance along with misperceptions and overconfidence amongst employers and employees (that LEV systems perform better than they are actually able to) about how LEV hoods control exposure to airborne contaminants, are responsible for this apparent ineffectiveness.
HSE want to engage this audience group in order to counter any misperceptions and overconfidence. To do this, HSE required insight into employers’ and employees’ current understanding and perceptions of LEV use and effectiveness. HSE commissioned the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) to conduct a study to collect evidence as to employers’ and employees’ perceptions of LEV. HSL devised a methodology using a qualitative approach that consisted of semi-structured questionnaires and a set of 2D line drawings that were used in combination to determine the factors relating to current perceptions of LEV use and effectiveness from a purposive sample of UK businesses.

Aims
The aim of this study was to collect data on employers’ and employees’ (or users) perceptions and understanding of how different types of LEV systems1 work, and how they should be used to effectively control exposure to airborne contaminants.

To read this report in full click here to be re-directed to the HSE Website.