What does LEV certification mean?

LEV certification is the formal process of testing and verifying a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system to ensure it effectively controls airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases. A valid certificate demonstrates compliance with the COSHH Regulations 2002 and HSE guidance HSG258 .

How often should an LEV system be tested?

Under COSHH Regulation 9 , LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months . However, higher-risk systems—such as those controlling welding fumes, carcinogens, or wood dust —may require testing every 6 to 12 months depending on the process and substance risk level.

Who can carry out LEV testing and certification?

LEV testing must be completed by a competent person with suitable training, knowledge, and experience. At Clean Air 24 Seven , all our engineers are BOHS qualified to P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501 , ensuring professional and compliant LEV certification services across the UK.

What industries need LEV certification?

LEV systems are essential wherever airborne contaminants are produced. Common industries include: Welding and metal fabrication Woodworking and carpentry Automotive workshops and spray booths Laboratories and chemical mixing facilities Pharmaceutical manufacturing Engineering and composite material processing Any business generating dust, fume, vapour, or mist should have an LEV system certified regularly.

What happens during an LEV test?

A thorough examination and test involves visual inspections, airflow and pressure measurements, smoke tests, filter assessments, and system performance evaluations. The engineer checks whether each extraction point effectively captures contaminants and whether the system meets design and regulatory standards.

What documents will I receive after LEV testing?

After inspection, you’ll receive a detailed LEV report and certificate that includes: Test results and airflow measurements System drawings and identification Photographs and observations Maintenance or repair recommendations This report serves as your official proof of COSHH compliance and must be kept for a minimum of five years .

What happens if my LEV system fails the test?

If an LEV system does not meet the required performance standards, our engineers provide clear, prioritised recommendations to restore compliance. We’ll explain the issues, suggest corrective actions, and can retest once adjustments have been made to issue a compliant certificate.

What are the legal requirements for LEV certification?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 legally require employers to ensure LEV systems are maintained and tested regularly. Failure to comply may result in HSE enforcement notices, fines, or prosecution , as well as risks to employee health.

How can I tell if my LEV system needs servicing before the next test?

Signs your LEV system may need attention include reduced suction at extraction points, visible dust or fume escaping, unusual noises, or damaged ductwork. Clean Air 24 Seven offers maintenance and inspection services to identify and resolve performance issues before they become compliance failures.

Why choose Clean Air 24 Seven for LEV certification?

We combine BOHS-qualified expertise with clear reporting, reliable testing, and national coverage. Our engineers are fully trained to assess all types of LEV systems and ensure they meet the highest HSE and COSHH standards. We make compliance simple, transparent, and dependable .

LEV Certification

At Clean Air 24 Seven, we specialise in LEV certification — ensuring your Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK regulations.

If your business uses extraction systems for processes like welding, woodworking, paint spraying, metal grinding, car repairs, or chemical mixing, LEV testing and certification are legal requirements under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

Our BOHS-qualified engineers, certified to P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501, deliver comprehensive LEV examinations and certifications designed to keep your workplace safe, compliant, and performing at its best.

We are here to help, if you require any advice, simply call 0203 6408 247

0203 6408 247

Call Us Now – We’re Here To Help

When calling it would be useful to have the following information:

Your Name
Company Name (If Applicable)
Email Address
Your Clean Air Requirements

Request A Callback

What Is LEV Certification?

LEV certification is the formal process of inspecting, testing, and verifying that your Local Exhaust Ventilation system effectively controls airborne contaminants. These contaminants may include dust, fumes, vapours, gases, or mists that are hazardous to health.

According to HSE guidance (HSG258), all LEV systems must undergo a Thorough Examination at least every 14 months, or more frequently for certain high-risk processes such as welding or wood dust extraction.

An LEV certificate serves as proof that your system meets the required performance standards and continues to provide adequate control of hazardous substances. It’s a key document for demonstrating COSHH compliance and protecting employee health.

Why LEV Certification Is Essential

LEV systems play a vital role in controlling airborne hazards at their source. Without proper inspection and certification, they can quickly lose efficiency, leading to serious risks such as:

Exposure to harmful airborne contaminants like welding fumes, silica dust, or chemical vapours.
Non-compliance with COSHH Regulations, which can result in HSE enforcement actions or fines.
Reduced air quality in the workplace, potentially leading to employee illness and absenteeism.
Increased energy costs due to poorly performing extraction systems.

Regular LEV certification ensures your system continues to work as designed, keeping your workforce safe and your business compliant.

For a FREE Quote or Any Advice Simply Call 0203 6408 247

Industries We Serve

Our LEV certification services support a wide range of industries where air quality and contaminant control are critical.

Welding and Metal Fabrication

LEV systems in welding workshops capture fumes and fine particulates generated during metal joining and grinding. Our engineers verify that extraction hoods, filters, and ductwork perform effectively to control welding fume exposure in line with HSE standards.

Woodworking and Carpentry

Wood dust poses a serious respiratory hazard. We test and certify extraction systems in joineries, furniture manufacturing, and sawmills to ensure safe dust control and compliance with COSHH.

Automotive Workshops and Car Manufacturing

From paint spraying booths to metal grinding stations, vehicle workshops rely on effective LEV systems to control fumes and particulates. Clean Air 24 Seven ensures that every extraction point performs as required for operator safety.

Laboratories and Chemical Mixing Facilities

Chemical fumes, solvent vapours, and particulate emissions in laboratories and R&D environments require precision-engineered LEV systems. Our LEV certification confirms their effectiveness in maintaining clean air and protecting laboratory staff.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical production involves powders, solvents, and active ingredients that can be hazardous when airborne. We test and certify your extraction systems to ensure stringent contamination control and compliance with GMP and COSHH regulations.

What’s Included in an LEV Certification

Our comprehensive LEV certification service includes everything required for full COSHH and HSG258 compliance:

Visual Examination – Our engineers inspect the physical condition of your LEV system, including hoods, ductwork, filters, and fans, to identify wear, damage, or poor installation.

Airflow and Pressure Testing – Using calibrated instruments, we measure airflow rates, static pressures, and capture velocities at key points in the system to confirm effective contaminant control.

Performance Assessment – Each system is tested against design specifications and benchmark values outlined in HSG258 to ensure it maintains sufficient control efficiency.

Smoke and Tracer Tests – These practical tests visually demonstrate how effectively contaminants are captured at the source.

Filter and Fan Condition Checks – We assess the state of filters, fans, and ductwork to confirm optimal performance and identify any need for maintenance or replacement.

Detailed Report and Certification – On completion, you’ll receive a comprehensive LEV test report and certificate, including all measurements, system diagrams, and recommendations for corrective actions if required.

BOHS-Qualified LEV Engineers

Clean Air 24 Seven takes pride in employing only BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) certified engineers, each qualified in:

P601 – Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems
P602 – Design, Commissioning, and Management of LEV Systems
P603 – Thorough Examination and Testing – Management of LEV Testing Programmes
P604 – Performance Evaluation and Management of LEV Systems
W501 – Measurement of Hazardous Substances: Airborne Contaminants

These qualifications demonstrate our deep understanding of LEV system design, performance evaluation, and health risk control. You can trust our engineers to provide accurate assessments and practical solutions that meet or exceed HSE expectations.

For a FREE Quote or Any Advice Simply Call 0203 6408 247

The LEV Certification Process

When you choose Clean Air 24 Seven, you can expect a clear, structured approach:

Initial Consultation – We discuss your LEV system layout, processes, and compliance history to tailor our inspection plan.

Site Visit and Thorough Examination – Our qualified engineer performs a detailed inspection and testing of each LEV system component.

System Performance Analysis – Test results are analysed against design data and COSHH requirements.

Recommendations and Guidance – If deficiencies are identified, we provide clear, prioritised recommendations to restore full compliance.

Issue of LEV Certificate and Report – You’ll receive your LEV certification report, which includes performance data, test methods, results, diagrams, and photographs.

This document serves as official evidence of your system’s compliance and is suitable for presentation to HSE inspectors or internal audits.

How Often Should LEV Certification Be Carried Out?

HSE guidance (HSG258) recommends annual testing for most LEV systems — every 14 months as a maximum.

However, certain applications require more frequent testing:

Welding fumes and metal dusts: Every 6 months
Carcinogenic or biological substances: Every 6 months
Wood dust extraction systems: Every 12 months
Chemical and solvent vapour systems: At least annually

Clean Air 24 Seven can help you establish a LEV testing schedule tailored to your operations, ensuring continuous compliance and system reliability.

We are here to help, if you require any advice, simply call 0203 6408 247

Benefits of Partnering with Clean Air 24 Seven

BOHS-Certified Engineers: Qualified to the highest industry standards.
Comprehensive Testing and Certification: Full HSG258 and COSHH compliance.
Accurate, Traceable Results: All instruments are calibrated and maintained to national standards.
Clear, Actionable Reporting: Easy-to-understand reports with practical recommendations.
UK-Wide Coverage: Rapid response across all industrial sectors.
Ongoing Support: Scheduled maintenance and re-testing to keep your systems compliant year-round.

Our goal is to make LEV certification simple, reliable, and fully transparent for every client.

Why Choose Clean Air 24 Seven?

Clean Air 24 Seven is a trusted name in workplace air quality management. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to compliance, safety, and service excellence.

Our clients range from small workshops to large-scale manufacturers — all benefiting from our meticulous attention to detail and professional standards.

Whether you manage a single extraction unit or a complex network of LEV systems, we ensure your operations meet the highest levels of air quality control and regulatory compliance.

Book Your LEV Certification Today

Don’t leave compliance to chance. Protect your workforce and your business with professional LEV certification from Clean Air 24 Seven.

LEV Certification FAQs

What does LEV certification mean?

LEV certification is the formal process of testing and verifying a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system to ensure it effectively controls airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases. A valid certificate demonstrates compliance with the COSHH Regulations 2002 and HSE guidance HSG258.
How often should an LEV system be tested?

Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months. However, higher-risk systems—such as those controlling welding fumes, carcinogens, or wood dust—may require testing every 6 to 12 months depending on the process and substance risk level.
Who can carry out LEV testing and certification?

LEV testing must be completed by a competent person with suitable training, knowledge, and experience. At Clean Air 24 Seven, all our engineers are BOHS qualified to P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501, ensuring professional and compliant LEV certification services across the UK.
What industries need LEV certification?
LEV systems are essential wherever airborne contaminants are produced. Common industries include:
1. Welding and metal fabrication
2. Woodworking and carpentry
3. Automotive workshops and spray booths
4. Laboratories and chemical mixing facilities
5. Pharmaceutical manufacturing
6. Engineering and composite material processing
Any business generating dust, fume, vapour, or mist should have an LEV system certified regularly.
What happens during an LEV test?

A thorough examination and test involves visual inspections, airflow and pressure measurements, smoke tests, filter assessments, and system performance evaluations. The engineer checks whether each extraction point effectively captures contaminants and whether the system meets design and regulatory standards.
What documents will I receive after LEV testing?
After inspection, you’ll receive a detailed LEV report and certificate that includes:
1. Test results and airflow measurements
2. System drawings and identification
3. Photographs and observations
4. Maintenance or repair recommendations This report serves as your official proof of COSHH compliance and must be kept for a minimum of five years.
What happens if my LEV system fails the test?

If an LEV system does not meet the required performance standards, our engineers provide clear, prioritised recommendations to restore compliance. We’ll explain the issues, suggest corrective actions, and can retest once adjustments have been made to issue a compliant certificate.
What are the legal requirements for LEV certification?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 legally require employers to ensure LEV systems are maintained and tested regularly. Failure to comply may result in HSE enforcement notices, fines, or prosecution, as well as risks to employee health.
How can I tell if my LEV system needs servicing before the next test?

Signs your LEV system may need attention include reduced suction at extraction points, visible dust or fume escaping, unusual noises, or damaged ductwork. Clean Air 24 Seven offers maintenance and inspection services to identify and resolve performance issues before they become compliance failures.
Why choose Clean Air 24 Seven for LEV certification?

We combine BOHS-qualified expertise with clear reporting, reliable testing, and national coverage. Our engineers are fully trained to assess all types of LEV systems and ensure they meet the highest HSE and COSHH standards. We make compliance simple, transparent, and dependable.