INSPECTION, TESTING AND EXAMINATION LEV SYSTEM AT HYGIENE LABORATORY AT UITM BUKIT BESI

Abstract

Examination and testing of the LEV (LEV) system was conducted at the Hygiene laboratory of Universiti Teknologi MARA Kampus Bukit Besi to evaluate performance and compliance with safety standards. The inspection focused on a single fume hood (FH-HYGIENE) and followed guidelines from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health (USECHH) 2000 Regulations. Face velocities were measured at different sash heights, and duct transport velocities were assessed using instruments including a hot wire anemometer, pitot tube, digital manometer, and smoke tester kit. Results showed the fume hood had an average face velocity of 61.8 fpm at the recommended working height of 19.7 inches, below the 80-100 fpm range specified by ACGIH. Duct transport velocity was 1437 fpm, within the recommended 1000-2000 fpm range. The smoke test demonstrated excellent containment with no escape of smoke outside the hood. Comparison with the previous year's inspection revealed a significant decrease in performance, with face velocity dropping from 109 fpm to 40.2 fpm at full sash opening, and flow rate decreasing from 1008 cfm to 502 cfm. The LEV system was found to meet acceptable working conditions only at 1/3 sash opening based on ACGIH standards. Recommendations included implementing a regular maintenance schedule, limiting maximum sash opening to 19.7 inches, and conducting more frequent performance tests to address the decline in performance. This examination establishes updated measurements for ongoing monitoring of the LEV system's effectiveness in protecting worker health and safety in laboratory settings.