Midlands manufacturers are facing up to an intensified focus on the elimination of harmful dust and fumes at work, and health and safety specialists at EEF West Midlands have devised a seminar to explain what is expected of them.

The topic of ‘local exhaust ventilation’ (LEV) has been brought into focus by the Health & Safety Executive, with three guideline publications recently issued and a new website being developed to provide advice.

Companies must ensure the efficient carrying away of potentially harmful dust, mist, fumes or gas in the air. Ineffective measures can cause occupational asthma and other lung diseases, and failure to provide effective ventilation systems can result in prosecution under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.

The seminar takes place at EEF West Midlands’ offices in Edgbaston on July 2, between 8.30 to 10.30am, with an optional breakfast from 7.30am. It is organised by SES, the specialist health and safety division of EEF West Midlands. EEF is a stakeholder partner of the Health & Safety Executive.

SES director Peter Garrett said: “While the HSE is developing extensive guidance on the topic, many companies will find it difficult to understand precisely how to respond.

“The seminar will focus on the key considerations, such as the right sort of equipment, the best methods of installation, and the training of staff to monitor performance properly.”

The seminar is likely to be useful to companies where dust and fume removal is a daily challenge, including those operating in the rubber, steel fabrication, surface coating, wood, furniture and motor body shop sectors.

It will include a presentation from the Health & Safety Executive’s LEV specialist, Ian Gardener, and practical demonstrations of the equipment that HSE inspectors use during their enforcement visits.

LEV is not a challenge that is restricted to the manufacturing sector, and organisations for other sectors have been invited to attend.
“Dust and fumes present a potential risk to staff and other people in many sectors – even including schools and colleges – and they should take equal care to understand what needs to be done,” added Mr Garrett.

The fee for the seminar is £80 plus VAT for SES members and £90 plus VAT for non-members. Bookings can be made, and further information obtained, by contacting SES on 0121 446 2222 or email: info@sesuk.org.uk.