Employers in the UK have a legal duty to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. One of the most effective methods of controlling airborne hazards is through the use of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems. These systems capture dust, fumes, vapours and other harmful contaminants before they enter the breathing zone.
In this post, we explain what COSHH is, how LEV fits into compliance, and what you need to know about local exhaust ventilation testing under Regulation 9.
Learn the legal local exhaust ventilation testing intervals under regulation 9 →
Understanding COSHH Regulations - What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations require employers to prevent or control employees’ exposure to substances that could harm their health.
Key Requirements Under COSHH
It applies to nearly all workplaces and requires employers to:
- Identify hazardous substances in the workplace
- Assess the risk of exposure
- Prevent or control that exposure
- Maintain control measures and ensure proper use
- Monitor exposure levels where needed
- Provide health surveillance where appropriate
- Train and inform employees on the risks
For airborne hazards, one of the most common control measures is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).
View the full COSHH Regulations on legislation.gov.uk →
SAFETY REGULATIONS
Got questions about COSHH or LEV thorough examination? Visit our FAQ or simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.
The Role of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems
LEV is an engineering control system designed to capture airborne contaminants at or near the source, before they can be inhaled by workers.
Key Requirements Under COSHH
A typical LEV system includes:
- A hood or enclosure to capture the contaminant.
- Ducting to carry the contaminant-laden air away.
- An air cleaning device (filter or scrubber).
- A fan to move the air through the system.
- A discharge point to release cleaned air safely.
When properly designed, installed, commissioned, maintained, and regularly inspected and tested, an LEV system can be highly effective in protecting worker health.
What is Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection Under COSHH Regulation 9?
Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must undergo a Thorough Examination, Inspection and Test at least once every 14 months.
Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection - What does the test involve?
Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing test must be carried out by a competent person, such as Plant and Safety and should include:
- Visual inspection of all components
- Measurement of airflow and duct velocities
- Functional testing of hoods and filters
- Assessment of performance against design standards.
Records of Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection must be kept for at least 5 years, and performance data from the original commissioning must be available to compare results.
Why Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection Must Be Impartial
HSE guidance states that Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection should be impartial, with no vested interest in the outcome. This is why Plant and Safety operates independently from system designers, installers, or maintenance providers, in line with SAFed membership requirements and HSG258 recommendations.
This impartial approach ensures you receive an accurate, unbiased assessment of your LEV’s performance.
Why use a SAFed member for inspection and testing (Plant and Safety?) →
What is the purpose of a Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection
The purpose and importance is to check that your LEV is still working as effectively as originally intended, ensuring it is helping to protect workers.
The employer has the duty in law to ensure control equipment is always working properly/ LEV TExT is part of that.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with COSHH or LEV testing requirements can result in:
- Enforcement notices from the HSE
- Fines or prosecution
- Increased risk of occupational disease
- Long-term damage to worker health and company reputation
- Non-compliance can also lead to delays in operations or insurance issues if an incident occurs.
WHAT WE OFFER
How Plant & Safety Can Help
At Plant and Safety, we provide professional LEV Testing services carried out by BOHS P601 qualified engineers. We help ensure your systems are compliant, efficient, and fully documented.
Some of the things we can offer:
› Comprehensive LEV report and clear compliance guidance
› Secure inspection database with automated re-test reminders
› COSHH risk assessments
› Highly qualified, experienced engineers (BOHS P601)
› Operator training
All of our reports meet HSE and HSG258 standards.
How can we help?
To learn more or if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us. You can also request a call back using our online form.
T: 0330 113 7920
E: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
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