In a recent study conducted by researchers at Newcastle University, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) has shown to be scientifically proven to protect dental professionals and patients during ‘Aerosol generating procedures’ (AGP).
In a study that is being called ‘the first of its kind’, LEV also came out on top for helping control the spread of airborne viruses like Covid-19. The test results revealed that settled droplets reduced by 95% when using an LEV system paired with dental suction, compared with when dental suction systems were used in isolation.
Dental air extraction can be difficult to control through just using commonplace ‘suction systems’, meaning that patients and dental professionals are being exposed to airborne particles during and after treatments, despite wearing masks.
What is LEV?
Local Exhaust Ventilation, more commonly known as LEV, is an occupational control measure for reducing exposure to airborne contaminants such as:
- Dust
- Fumes
- Vapour
- Gas
- Mist
LEV systems will capture the emission of workplace particles at the source and transfer it to a safe point to be filtered. This protects your workforce from breathing in and potentially suffering ill effects from any airborne particles.
By law employers are required to provide safe working environments and protect employee health. This is outlined in the Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations and HSG258 guide to LEV.
You can find more information about our LEV services here. We have over 10 years experience operating in the health and safety at work industry, so to send an enquiry and speak to one of our qualified consultants you can find all of our contact details here.
