Why is fume extraction maintenance important?

Fume extraction maintenance is important for a number of reasons. The primary function of an LEV extraction unit is to remove potentially hazardous fumes from the air such as ABS filament fumes and Laser fume or solder fumes. Proper maintenance of fume extraction systems helps to ensure they are functioning properly and effectively removing hazardous fumes from the air.

In this guide, we’ll explain what fume extraction maintenance is, why it’s important and what the risks are if you don’t perform regular maintenance.

What is LEV fume extraction maintenance?

LEV fume extraction maintenance is the process of regularly cleaning, inspecting and servicing a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system. How regularly you should carry out general inspections depends on a range of factors, including how long your ventilation system is run continuously. To find out how to maintain your LEV fume extraction system read our simple guide. It’s also important to remember that COSHH requires that your LEV system is serviced at least once every 14 months.

Why is LEV fume extraction maintenance important?

Not only will regular maintenance of your LEV fume extraction system help to extend the lifespan of your fume extractor, it will also help you save money on costly repairs and replacement parts. It is important to ensure your machine is in good working order as it ensures that hazardous fumes are removed from the air. This can help to prevent health issues from breathing in toxic fumes such as:

• Long-term respiratory issues like asthma and lung disease
• Headaches
• Coughing and wheezing
• Irritation of the eyes or nose

Essentially, fume extraction maintenance contributes to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.

What does basic LEV maintenance include

Specifics of the maintenance that needs to be carried out on your machine will vary depending on the make and model. However, basic maintenance will typically include basic tasks such as;

• Checking filters
• Inspecting ductwork for leaks or blockages
• Testing the performance of the system

Other maintenance tasks could include calibrating and inspecting any sensors or controllers used for regulating the system. For specific tips on maintaining your LEV system, read our guide.

What happens if you don’t perform maintenance on a LEV system?

If you fail to perform regular maintenance on your LEV system, it can lead to a number of problems. For example, a lack of maintenance can cause the system to become less effective at removing harmful fumes from the air. This can cause an increased risk of exposure to poisonous fumes for workers, which can lead to serious health issues.

However, it’s not just risks from poor ventilation that can become a problem, but a poorly maintained system can potentially cause a fire or can contribute to other safety hazards. For these reasons, it is important to perform regular maintenance on LEV systems to ensure that they are working properly.

How can Purex help?

Our team here at Purex are on hand to provide you with helpful advice and guidance on how to correctly maintain your LEV system. We also provide LEV testing to ensure your equipment is in good working order. It is a legal requirement to test your equipment at least once every 14 months, simply fill out a booking from and we’ll arrange a site visit.

Our LEV products are innovatively designed, and our digital systems will warn operators when their filter needs to be changed. We provide ventilation systems for a wide range of industries. For more information view our product range or contact our helpful team today.