Development of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system performance test method and guideline for sustainable maintenance

Local exhaust ventilation system (LEV’s) is an engineering safety devices used to control hazardous airborne contaminant exposure to an acceptable limit. This study was performed to establish performance test method to determine performance of LEV’s. The LEV’s have potential to loss it performance if does not inspected and maintain regularly. Inadequate control of airborne contaminant in the workplace especially in enclosed space may cause poor and deterioration of lung. A significant configuration and regular documentation of current condition of exhaust system related to process involve is helpful to let management detect malfunction of the system and performing upgrading process. The outcome of this study helpful to make LEV’s user perform an inspection and maintenance of current employed LEV’s. There are 11 laboratories fume booth (LFB) in UTHM was assessed following recommended procedure and guidelines as in BS 5726, BS 7258, ASHRAE 110:1995, ACGIH and DOSH. From the result, inconstant face velocities was found when sash window open at different height at all measured LFB’s. Throughout tracer gas test, application of LFB during operation can reduce 50-60% concentration of CO2. A statistical analysis result shows only face velocity data have significant relationship with IP with r > 0.5 at all dynamic test. From the regression analysis, it was found that the most significant relationship between IP and FV is when data measured at full sash height with r = 0. 757. The equation consist of FV to determine IP value was developed by considering 100% sash height as standard measurement of face velocity of LFB. The equation then executed in LEV’s Smart Tools Analysis provided with new developed pocket guideline as in Appendix G and H. Meanwhile result for FES 1, FES 2 and FES 3 shows that proper usage of duct hood contribute to efficiency of exhaust system. For sustainable inspection and maintenance of LEV’s, it is recommended to do further research about development of analysis tool which able to record measured data in report format provided with graph analysis according to type of contaminant and process involve