21 May LEV Testing: A Legal Obligation and Critical Safety Measure
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play a critical role in maintaining clean air in industrial and manufacturing environments. By capturing, containing and filtering airborne contaminants such as oil mist, dust, fumes and smoke at source, these systems prevent hazardous substances from entering the wider workspace and impacting worker health.
Legal Requirement – Not an Option
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers in the UK are legally required to ensure their LEV systems are thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months by a competent person. This is not a recommendation or best practice… it is mandatory, and failure to comply can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines, improvement notices, or even closure of operations.
Beyond Compliance: Protecting Health and Productivity
Regular LEV testing is more than just ticking a compliance box. Extraction systems that are inefficient or poorly maintained can lead to a build-up of harmful airborne substances, which will pose long-term health risks to employees. Cleanliness of a working environment is a key factor in employee wellbeing, satisfaction and productivity. Making LEV system performance a business-critical issue is a key component to staff safety and business performance.
Ensuring LEV Efficiency: What Testing Involves
Routine LEV testing identifies system performance issues such as reduced airflow, blocked or saturated filters, and damaged ductwork. These problems can drastically reduce the system’s ability to extract contaminated air effectively. During the test, airflow readings are taken and compared with previous results and the system’s original design criteria. This allows the competent engineer to assess whether the system continues to meet required performance standards.
The HSE requires that LEV tests are conducted by a competent person. Someone with appropriate training, experience, and the ability to spot not only standard faults but also wider safety issues. A qualified LEV tester may, for instance, highlight other risks associated with explosive dusts under the ATEX directive, factors that are often overlooked when employers assume their LEV system alone ensures full compliance.
What a Compliant LEV Report Should Include
An HSE-compliant LEV test report is a formal legal document and must include the following:
- Company details and date of inspection
- Description of the controlled process or substance
- System photographs or schematic diagrams
- Airflow measurements: static pressure, velocity, and volume flow rate
- Readings from all extraction points
- Inspector’s statement of competency
- Safety policy, method statement, and risk assessment
- Observations, improvement recommendations, and a pass/fail assessment
- Next recommended inspection date
It is crucial that the entire report is retained and provided upon request, not just the test data sheet.
Common Threats to Performance
One of the most common causes of underperforming LEV systems is operator influence. In efforts to reduce noise or save energy, extraction systems may be switched off, unintentionally exposing workers to hazardous contaminants. Another key issue is filter degradation. Without regular inspection and servicing, filters can become clogged or damaged, reducing the system’s effectiveness.
Scheduling and Cost Considerations
LEV testing typically does not interrupt production, especially where extraction hoods are in place. Testing can be arranged outside regular working hours if needed, including evenings or weekends. As for cost, many smaller companies mistakenly view LEV testing as an unnecessary expense. However, the cost per employee is negligible compared to the health risks and potential legal consequences of non-compliance. For example, testing 20 systems across a 60-person workforce equates to around £1.04 per employee per month. A small investment for peace of mind and legal security.
LEV Testing is Essential
Employers must take their responsibility seriously. Regular LEV testing is essential for:
- Protecting employee health
- Maintaining operational efficiency
- Avoiding costly enforcement action
- Ensuring long-term compliance with UK legislation
LEV testing is not optional. It’s a legal duty, and a critical part of running a safe, productive and responsible business.
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