Local Exhaust Ventilation Inspection

A Local Exhaust Ventilation inspection is a thorough examination and performance test of an LEV system used to control airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, and vapours. The inspection ensures that the system is functioning effectively and complies with HSE and COSHH regulations.

Most LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months, as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. However, some systems—such as welding fume extractors or wood dust systems—should be tested every six months due to higher risk levels.

LEV inspections must be carried out by a competent person with appropriate qualifications, experience, and equipment. At Clean Air 24 Seven, all our engineers are BOHS-qualified with certifications in P601, P602, P603, P604, and W501, ensuring inspections are carried out to the highest professional standard.

An LEV inspection includes:

1. Visual and functional examination of hoods, ductwork, filters, and fans.
2. Performance testing of airflow and pressure.
3. Smoke or tracer gas testing to check contaminant capture.
4. Filter, duct, and fan assessments.
5. A detailed LEV report and test certificate confirming compliance and performance results.

Under COSHH Regulation 9, employers are legally required to ensure LEV systems are maintained in efficient working order and thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals. The results must be recorded and kept for at least five years.

If your LEV system fails an inspection, our engineers will provide a comprehensive report highlighting the issues, the likely causes, and practical recommendations for corrective action. Once repairs or adjustments are made, a retest can be scheduled to confirm compliance.

The duration depends on the number of extraction points and the complexity of the system. A small workshop may take just a few hours, while large industrial facilities may require a full day or more. We always aim to minimise disruption to your operations.

After every inspection, Clean Air 24 Seven provides:

1. A LEV test certificate confirming compliance.
2. Detailed test results including airflow readings and performance data.
3. Recommendations for maintenance or improvement. This documentation serves as legal proof of compliance for HSE audits or insurance purposes.

Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing is a thorough examination and performance check of your extraction system to ensure it is effectively removing harmful airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases. The process includes airflow measurements, visual inspections, and efficiency assessments to verify that the system is protecting workers’ health and meeting COSHH legal requirements.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002), LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months. However, certain industries require more frequent testing:

1. Welding fume and metalwork extraction: every 6 months
2. Wood dust extraction systems: every 12 months
3. Laboratory fume cupboards and chemical extraction: every 6–12 months depending on usage

A qualified engineer will:

1. Inspect the system for wear, damage, or blockages.
2. Measure airflow rates and pressure to check extraction efficiency.
3. Perform smoke or airflow visualisation tests.
4. Assess the condition of filters, fans, and ductwork.
5. Produce a detailed LEV Test Report with performance data, photos, and recommendations. Once completed, you’ll receive a LEV Test Certificate to demonstrate COSHH compliance.

LEV testing should only be carried out by competent, BOHS-qualified engineers. At Clean Air 24 Seven, our team hold the following BOHS certifications:

1. P601: Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems
2. P602: Design, Commissioning and Testing
3. P603: Management of LEV Systems
4. P604: Performance Evaluation and Management
5. W501: Measurement of Hazardous Substances These qualifications demonstrate technical competence and ensure all testing is compliant with HSE standards.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) requires all employers who use processes that generate hazardous substances to control exposure using engineering measures such as LEV systems. Under COSHH Regulation 9, these systems must be:

1. Maintained in efficient working order; and
2. Thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months (or more frequently if specified).

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.

If LEV systems are not tested or maintained:

1. Employees may be exposed to harmful dust, fumes, or vapours.
2. The business could face HSE improvement or prohibition notices.
3. Insurance claims may be invalidated due to non-compliance.
4. Production downtime and costly repairs can occur if systems fail unexpectedly.

Regular testing protects your workforce, reduces downtime, and ensures legal compliance.

Any business that generates airborne contaminants should have regular LEV exhaust ventilation testing. This includes:

1. Welding and metal fabrication workshops
2. Woodworking and joinery shops
3. Automotive repair and paint facilities
4. Laboratories and chemical mixing areas
5. Pharmaceutical and food manufacturing plants If your processes create dust, fume, smoke, mist, or vapour — you need LEV testing.

A compliant LEV report includes:

1. Details of the system and components tested
2. Airflow and pressure measurements
3. Test methods and equipment used
4. Photographic evidence and diagrams
5. Identified defects or non-conformities
6. Recommended corrective actions
7. LEV Test Certificate with results summary

Clean Air 24 Seven provides clear, HSE-approved reports to keep your compliance records up to date.

The duration depends on the number and complexity of extraction points. A single LEV system may take a few hours to test, while larger sites with multiple extraction units can take a full day or more. Our engineers work efficiently to minimise disruption to your operations while ensuring every test is completed thoroughly.

To make your LEV testing run smoothly:

1. Ensure access to all extraction points and equipment.
2. Provide any previous test reports or design documentation.
3. Notify staff that testing will be taking place.
4. Make sure systems are operational during the visit.

Our engineers will handle the rest, providing clear guidance and professional service throughout.