Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are essential in industrial environments where hazardous fumes, dust, vapours, or mists are generated. They are the first line of defense in protecting employees, reducing airborne contaminants, and ensuring compliance with Malaysian occupational safety laws under the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Many assume a once-installed LEV system will function properly indefinitely; however, this is not true. Like any mechanical system, LEV components degrade over time due to duct blockages, corrosion, fan wear, reduced airflow, and filter clogging. Neglecting maintenance risks exposure above permissible limits, operational disruptions, legal non-compliance, and severe financial or reputational consequences.
Malaysian regulation via the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 (USECHH 2000) clearly mandates:
LEV systems must be maintained, examined, and performance tested at least once every 12 months by a competent person registered with DOSH (Hygiene Tech II).
Detailed inspection and testing reports must be retained for a minimum of 5 years.
Non-compliance attracts penalties including fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment up to 2 years, suspension of operations, and civil liabilities for occupational illnesses. OSH Act 1994
A proper LEV maintenance program follows recognized international and DOSH standards such as HSG258 and includes:
Visual inspection of ducts, hoods, and system integrity.
Static pressure and airflow measurements to ensure required capture velocities.
Smoke testing to confirm correct airflow direction.
Filter and baghouse performance checks with pressure drop data.
Fan and motor inspections for wear, vibration, and noise.
Issuance of certified reports for compliance audits and DOE submissions.
A food processing plant in Selangor experienced blower fan efficiency drop to 60%, duct corrosion, and exceeded occupational exposure limits after two years without LEV maintenance. Resulting DOSH inspection led to a RM25,000 fine and a 3-week production suspension, damaging reputation and financial standing.
Industries where airborne contaminant exposure risk is high and LEV maintenance is mandatory include:
Manufacturing & assembly (e.g., automotive, electronics)
Petrochemical, oil & gas
Palm oil and biomass processing
Wood, rubber, and furniture manufacturing
Laboratories and R&D facilities
Welding, sandblasting, and spraying operations
DOSH-registered inspectors (Hygiene Tech II)
Comprehensive on-site inspections and testing
Certified reports prepared for DOSH/ DOE compliance
Proactive maintenance scheduling and advisory support
Ensures safety, compliance, and uninterrupted business operations
Regular LEV maintenance is a legal responsibility in Malaysia and critical to safeguarding worker health, avoiding legal penalties, and ensuring smooth production. Scheduling annual LEV inspections by qualified professionals before audits or complaints is highly recommended.
LEV Maintenance Malaysia, LEV Inspection, DOSH LEV testing, USECHH 2000 compliance, LEV performance test
Malaysia
