What is LEV certification?

LEV certification is the process of verifying that a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is operating effectively and in compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 . It involves a thorough examination and test carried out by a competent, qualified engineer. Once the system has passed inspection, a certificate or report is issued to confirm that it meets the required performance and safety standards.

How often does an LEV system need to be certified?

According to COSHH Regulation 9 , all LEV systems must undergo a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months . However, in some high-risk environments—such as welding fume extraction or wood dust control—more frequent testing may be required. Regular testing ensures that your LEV system continues to protect employees and remains fully compliant with HSE requirements.

Who can issue an LEV certificate?

LEV certification must be carried out by a competent and qualified engineer with appropriate training and experience. At Clean Air 24 Seven , our engineers are BOHS-qualified with certifications in P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501 . These qualifications demonstrate professional competence in the design, testing, and maintenance of LEV systems, ensuring that your certification is valid and recognised by the HSE.

What does an LEV certification test include?

A thorough LEV examination includes several key checks, such as: Measuring airflow and capture velocity at each extraction point. Inspecting ductwork, hoods, and filters for damage or blockages. Verifying the performance of fans and control equipment . Assessing system effectiveness against its original design specifications. Producing a detailed LEV test report and certification outlining results, performance data, and any recommendations for corrective action. Clean Air 24 Seven provides comprehensive LEV certification reports compliant with HSG258 and COSHH Regulation 9.

What happens if my LEV system fails certification?

If an LEV system fails its certification test, it means the system is not effectively controlling airborne contaminants. This poses a health risk to employees and may breach legal requirements. In such cases, the issues must be corrected promptly – this could involve repairs, rebalancing airflow, replacing filters, or redesigning parts of the system. Our engineers at Clean Air 24 Seven will provide clear recommendations and support to bring your system back into compliance quickly and efficiently.

LEV Regulations

Understanding LEV Regulations

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are an essential part of maintaining a safe and compliant working environment in industries where airborne contaminants are present. Whether you operate a welding workshop, woodworking facility, automotive plant, laboratory, or pharmaceutical production line, LEV systems play a crucial role in protecting workers’ health by controlling exposure to hazardous substances.

At Clean Air 24 Seven, we specialise in the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of LEV systems in accordance with the latest LEV regulations and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements. Our BOHS-qualified engineers hold certifications in P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501, ensuring your systems meet both regulatory compliance and performance standards.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what LEV regulations are, why they matter, and how Clean Air 24 Seven can help you achieve full compliance.

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 Are LEV Regulations?

LEV regulations refer to the laws and standards governing the design, installation, use, and maintenance of Local Exhaust Ventilation systems in the UK. These systems are used to control airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases generated during industrial processes.

The primary legal framework for LEV systems comes from the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Under COSHH, employers are legally required to control exposure to hazardous substances to protect the health of employees and others who may be affected by their work.

LEV systems are one of the most effective ways to achieve this, as they capture contaminants at their source before they can spread into the workplace air.

Key LEV Regulations You Need to Know

COSHH Regulation 9. Maintenance, Examination and Testing of Control Measures

Under COSHH Regulation 9, employers must ensure that all control measures, including LEV systems, are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.

This means that:

LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months, or more frequently for certain high-risk operations.
Detailed LEV reports must be produced by competent and qualified engineers.
Employers must keep inspection records for at least five years.

At Clean Air 24 Seven, our engineers conduct thorough LEV testing in line with Regulation 9 to ensure your system is compliant, efficient, and safe.

HSE Guidance HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work

HSG258 is the HSE’s approved code of practice and guidance on LEV systems. It provides detailed advice on how to design, use, and maintain LEV systems effectively.

It outlines best practice in areas such as:

System design and hood selection
Airflow measurement and monitoring
Commissioning and performance testing
Training for LEV users and operators

Our engineers at Clean Air 24 Seven are highly experienced in implementing the standards set out in HSG258 to ensure optimal LEV system performance and full compliance.

Employer Responsibilities Under LEV Regulations

If you use an LEV system, you must:

Assess risks from hazardous substances in your workplace.
Design and install LEV systems that effectively control those risks.
Train employees to understand how to use the LEV correctly.
Inspect and maintain the LEV regularly.
Keep up-to-date records of testing, maintenance, and performance.

Failure to meet these legal obligations can result in enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution under COSHH.

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

Why LEV Regulations Matter

Protecting Worker Health

Exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants can cause long-term health issues such as lung disease, asthma, and cancer. Properly designed and maintained LEV systems remove contaminants before they can be inhaled, creating a safer and healthier workplace.

Legal Compliance and Avoiding Fines

LEV systems that do not meet regulatory standards can result in non-compliance with COSHH, potentially leading to fines or legal action from the HSE. Compliance with LEV regulations protects your business and reputation.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings

Well-maintained LEV systems operate more efficiently, saving energy and reducing downtime. Regular testing ensures that your systems perform as intended, minimising breakdowns and costly repairs.

Environmental Responsibility

LEV systems not only protect people but also the environment by reducing the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Industries That Require LEV Systems

Clean Air 24 Seven works with a wide range of industries where airborne contaminants pose a risk to worker health. These include:

Welding and Metal Fabrication – Controlling welding fumes and metal dust.
Woodworking and Carpentry – Capturing sawdust and wood particles.
Automotive Workshops and Manufacturing – Managing paint vapours, exhaust fumes, and grinding dust.
Laboratories and Chemical Mixing Facilities – Containing chemical vapours and toxic gases.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Ensuring clean air and product integrity.
Food Production – Controlling flour dust and other airborne particles.

Our BOHS-certified engineers have extensive experience working in all these sectors, ensuring each LEV system is designed and maintained to meet both regulatory and operational needs.

BOHS Qualifications – Why They Matter

Our engineers at Clean Air 24 Seven are fully qualified to the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) standards, holding certifications in:

P601 – Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems
P602 – Basic Design Principles of LEV Systems
P603 – Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems (Commissioning)
P604 – Performance Evaluation and Management of LEV Systems
W501 – Measurement of Hazardous Substances

These qualifications demonstrate our commitment to technical excellence, competence, and adherence to the highest professional standards in occupational hygiene and air quality management.

When you choose Clean Air 24 Seven, you’re working with a trusted team of LEV professionals who understand not only how to test your system but also how to optimise its performance and longevity.

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

Our LEV Services

At Clean Air 24 Seven, we provide a complete range of LEV services designed to keep your systems compliant and efficient.

LEV System Design and Installation – We design bespoke LEV systems tailored to your processes, ensuring maximum contaminant capture and energy efficiency. Our designs follow the HSG258 guidelines and COSHH requirements.

LEV Testing and Examination – Our BOHS-qualified engineers carry out full LEV inspections and tests, providing detailed reports that include airflow measurements, system performance data, and recommendations for improvements.

LEV Maintenance and Repairs – Regular maintenance is key to LEV compliance. We offer scheduled maintenance programmes to ensure your system remains in top working order throughout the year.

LEV Commissioning – After installation, every LEV system must be commissioned to verify that it works effectively. We provide full commissioning and certification services in accordance with COSHH Regulation 9.

Operator Training and Support – We also offer training for your team to help them understand how to operate LEV systems correctly and identify signs of performance issues before they become serious.

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

Why Choose Clean Air 24 Seven?

Fully Qualified Engineers – All our engineers are BOHS-certified in P601–P604 and W501.
UK-Wide Coverage – We provide LEV services across the UK, ensuring compliance wherever you operate.
Detailed Reporting – Our reports are clear, detailed, and compliant with COSHH and HSE requirements.
Industry Expertise – We work with clients in automotive, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and laboratory environments.
Customer-Focused Service – We prioritise safety, reliability, and ongoing support.

Stay Compliant with Clean Air 24 Seven

Staying compliant with LEV regulations is not just about ticking boxes – it’s about creating a safer workplace, protecting employee health, and maintaining operational integrity.

At Clean Air 24 Seven, we take pride in delivering professional, BOHS-certified LEV solutions that help your business stay compliant, efficient, and safe all year round.

Ventilation Regulation FAQs

What is LEV certification?

LEV certification is the process of verifying that a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is operating effectively and in compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. It involves a thorough examination and test carried out by a competent, qualified engineer. Once the system has passed inspection, a certificate or report is issued to confirm that it meets the required performance and safety standards.
How often does an LEV system need to be certified?

According to COSHH Regulation 9, all LEV systems must undergo a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months. However, in some high-risk environments—such as welding fume extraction or wood dust control—more frequent testing may be required. Regular testing ensures that your LEV system continues to protect employees and remains fully compliant with HSE requirements.
Who can issue an LEV certificate?

LEV certification must be carried out by a competent and qualified engineer with appropriate training and experience. At Clean Air 24 Seven, our engineers are BOHS-qualified with certifications in P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501. These qualifications demonstrate professional competence in the design, testing, and maintenance of LEV systems, ensuring that your certification is valid and recognised by the HSE.
What does an LEV certification test include?
A thorough LEV examination includes several key checks, such as:
- Measuring airflow and capture velocity at each extraction point.
- Inspecting ductwork, hoods, and filters for damage or blockages.
- Verifying the performance of fans and control equipment.
- Assessing system effectiveness against its original design specifications.
- Producing a detailed LEV test report and certification outlining results, performance data, and any recommendations for corrective action.
Clean Air 24 Seven provides comprehensive LEV certification reports compliant with HSG258 and COSHH Regulation 9.
What happens if my LEV system fails certification?

If an LEV system fails its certification test, it means the system is not effectively controlling airborne contaminants. This poses a health risk to employees and may breach legal requirements. In such cases, the issues must be corrected promptly - this could involve repairs, rebalancing airflow, replacing filters, or redesigning parts of the system. Our engineers at Clean Air 24 Seven will provide clear recommendations and support to bring your system back into compliance quickly and efficiently.