THE EFFICIENCY STUDY OF LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION (LEV) PERFORMANCE CONDUCTED IN THE WELDING WORKSHOP: A CASE STUDY AT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Author: Yurizman JAMIL and Nor Halim HASAN
Abstract: Students who carried out their study in welding workshop may be exposed to health risks from inhaling welding fumes. There are a total of 10 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the welding workshop which consists 6 sets – special types of arc welding and 4 sets – special types for welding of MIG / TIG. A total of 7 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation System that tested the effectiveness for (Capture Velocity) were used to measure the reading at a distance of 6 inches from the air openings and compared with standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). There were 3 sets of Local Ventilation system that cannot function due to damage to the circuits and equipment. Scope of the study revolved around the aspects focused on the measurement aperture (hood) where Capture Velocity data were taken and observations throughout the effectiveness of the system. Instruments used were Anemometer, Smoke Tube Tracer Set and Measuring Tape. There was an availability velocity measurement that fails when comparing to the standard that is set for the welding process. There were no maintenance records and test reports of Hygiene Technician II recognized by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as provided under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, Regulations – Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. According to this study, it is suggested to immediately perform maintenance/repairs to the ventilation system and run a full test of the entire system by Hygiene Technician II. Ensure suitable personal protective equipment is used for welding work. Compliance with the requirements of Regulation 17(1) (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 that mentions any engineering control equipment provided shall be inspected at each interval being no longer than one month by the employer; and examined and tested for its effectiveness by a registered hygiene technician at each interval being no longer than twelve months.
Keywords: Local Exhaust Ventilation System, Engineering Control Equipment, Welding Workshop, Capture Velocity, ACGIH, USECHH Regulations 2000