We provide BOHS P601-qualified LEV testing and inspections across the UK. Stay compliant with COSHH Regulation 9 through thorough, professional servicing.
Ensure compliance, protect your workforce, and stay ahead of regulations with our expert LEV testing and inspection services. At Plant & Safety, we support UK businesses in maintaining effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems—vital for controlling airborne contaminants and safeguarding employee health. We deliver full COSHH and HSE compliance as part of your broader engineering testing and certification strategy. Explore our HSE compliance services to strengthen your legal standing and create a healthier workplace.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Inspection and Testing systems are used to remove airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases from the workplace before they can be inhaled. LEV testing ensures these systems are working effectively and helps prevent harmful exposure to hazardous substances.
As required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Regulation 9, LEV systems must undergo a Thorough Examination and Test by a competent person at least once every 14 months.
Under COSHH Regulation 9, employers are legally responsible for ensuring all LEV systems are maintained in an efficient state and regularly inspected. These requirements are further detailed in the HSE’s HSG258 Guidance: Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work, which outlines best practices for design, maintenance, and testing of LEV systems.
Non-compliance can result in:
• Serious health risks to employees
• Breach of HSE regulations
• Potential legal consequences and fines
Our LEV inspections and Testing help you meet these obligations and demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety.
• Visual inspection of hoods, ducts, and filters
• Airflow and pressure measurements
• Smoke testing for capture efficiency
• Labelling of tested systems
• Issuance of a legal compliance certificate
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a control system designed to capture harmful airborne substances—such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases—at their source. These systems are commonly used in workshops, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and environments where hazardous substances are present.
To remain compliant with COSHH Regulation 9, employers must ensure their LEV systems undergo a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months. This process helps verify that the system continues to protect workers effectively.
LEV systems degrade over time due to wear, blockages, or poor maintenance. If a system fails to extract contaminants effectively, workers can be exposed to health risks like lung disease, asthma, and cancer.
That’s why COSHH regulations mandate periodic LEV testing and inspection by a competent person. The inspection includes performance tests, airflow measurements, visual assessments, and proper documentation.
Failing to inspect LEV systems regularly can result in HSE enforcement, fines, or liability in the event of a workplace incident.
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health—a set of UK regulations designed to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.
Under COSHH, employers must:
Identify hazardous substances in the workplace
Assess the risks to employee health
Implement controls like ventilation, PPE, or safe storage
Maintain records and monitor employee health if necessary
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing is a legal requirement under COSHH Regulation 9 in the UK. Key points:
It ensures extraction systems control airborne contaminants effectively.
Systems must be thoroughly examined at least once every 14 months.
The inspection involves airflow tests, hood function checks, and detailed reporting.
LEV systems are commonly required in:
Fabrication and welding workshops
Woodworking shops
Laboratories handling chemicals
Food production and packaging facilities
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing
If your work involves airborne dust, fumes, vapours, or mist—LEV testing is likely mandatory.
A proper LEV inspection includes the following steps:
Visual examination of hoods, ducts, filters, and extraction points
Airflow measurements using calibrated instruments
Smoke tests to detect capture performance
Assessment of system performance against the original design specifications
Labelling of equipment to indicate Pass/Fail status
Detailed written report with recommendations and test results
Every inspection is performed by a trained LEV competent person, ensuring full compliance with COSHH.
During a professional LEV inspection:
Engineers check airflow velocity and capture efficiency.
Hoods, ducting, filters, and fans are examined for wear.
A compliance report and test certificate are issued post-inspection.
Under COSHH Regulation 9, a thorough examination and test of LEV systems must be conducted at least every 14 months. Some systems (like those handling carcinogens or respiratory sensitizers) may require more frequent testing.
Employers are also responsible for:
Keeping LEV test records for at least 5 years
Acting on any defects or failures noted during the inspection
Ensuring all systems are clearly labelled with inspection dates
Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences, including enforcement action by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
LEV systems must be tested:
Every 14 months by law (minimum requirement).
More frequently for high-risk environments like welding, paint spraying, or pharmaceutical work.
After major repairs or changes to ducting or hoods.
Absolutely. Visual checks aren’t enough. LEV systems can lose efficiency silently—which means airborne hazards might be escaping control. Regular testing ensures:
Legal compliance
Workforce protection
Peace of mind for business owners
Our qualified engineers follow a structured, thorough testing procedure aligned with HSG258 and BOHS P601 standards. Each inspection includes:
We check the physical condition of hoods, ductwork, filters, and fans to identify visible damage, blockages, wear, or incorrect installation.
We measure airflow, face velocities, static pressures, and capture velocities using calibrated instruments to ensure the system is controlling contaminants effectively.
We use smoke tubes or dust lamps to visually demonstrate how well the system captures airborne hazards, ensuring the control measures are working in practice.
After completing the inspection, we provide you with a comprehensive LEV report, which includes:
› System performance results
› Test readings and observations
› Maintenance recommendations
› Photos and diagrams (where relevant)
› A Certificate of Thorough Examination
These records must be kept for at least 5 years and are essential for demonstrating compliance during HSE visits or audits.
We combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer service. With Plant & Safety, you get:
UK-wide coverage and flexible booking
Highly qualified, experienced engineers (BOHS P601)
A secure inspection database with automated re-test reminders
Fast turnaround of reports and clear compliance guidance
Find everything you need to stay compliant from LEV checklists and
HSE guides to expert blog posts and practical downloads.
› LEV Testing Checklist (Free PDF Download)
› Guide to LEV Thorough Examination
Don’t wait until an HSE inspector knocks on your door. Make sure your systems are safe, effective, and legally compliant.
*We may contact you occasionally with exclusive offers, promotional discounts, and company updates that may be of interest to you. By ticking the box above, you consent to Plant and Safety LTD storing and processing your personal data. To learn more about how to unsubscribe and how we protect and respect your privacy, please see our updated Privacy Notice.
Phone: 0330 113 7920
Email: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
Address: Strathleven House, Levenside Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PD
Phone: 0330 113 7920
Email: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
Address: Unit 2 Swaffield Park, Hysopp Close, Cannock, WS11 7FU
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
Useful Links
