Fettling normally involves the use of powered hand tools such as chippers and grinders. The operation presents a number of significant risks. Using power tools exposes the workers to high noise levels and hand-arm vibration. There is also a risk from exposure to the dust generated by the process. The dust will largely consist of metal particles, but this is usually of low toxicity. The main concern occurs where sand is used for the moulds in which the metal is cast. This is crystalline silica. Some particles of sand from the mould adhere to the metal and grinding during fettling can lead to the release of fine dust including particles of respirable crystalline silica. “Respirable” particles are smaller than 10 microns in diameter and can reach the deepest regions of the lung. Regular, repeated exposure to respirable crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, a serious, debilitating lung disease.

CoSHH regulations require most LEV systems to be thoroughly tested at least once every 14 months. This applies to all oil mist, welding fume, smoke and dust extraction units that you currently have on site. This examination must be undertaken by a competent person and the tests and reports must conform to HSE standards. HSG258 provides the recommended procedures to achieve these statutory requirements.

According to the HSE, around 13,000 workers in the UK die each year from historic work-related exposure to airborne contaminants at work leading to lung disease and various cancers. These figures are estimated to be attributed to past exposure, primarily to chemical and dust at work.

All Companies and Employers using extraction equipment have legal requirements they must undertake. All equipment must be examined and tested in order to comply with Regulation 9 of the COSHH Regulations. The Employer must make sure that equipment is maintained and in efficient working order and of good repair. A thorough test should be undertaken once every 14 months and in some cases far more frequently. It is also a requirement of the employer to keep a suitable record of the test. All for a period of at least 5 years. This record should also include details of repairs carried out as a result of the test. See more details on LEV Testing.

Health and Safety ExecutivePage 11 of 111Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)Health and Safety Executive?If an employer is using a substance that could form an explosive atmosphere they must consider their responsibilities under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR),8 and the supplier of equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere their responsibilities under the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.