LEV testing requirements and regulations: How to be compliant?

Designed to reduce exposure to hazardous dust, fumes, vapours, and gases, an effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system provides essential protection for employees and helps maintain a healthy working environment.

But how do you know if yours is functioning as it should?

It’s vital that every employee makes sure their system complies with the relevant LEV testing regulations.

So, what are those LEV testing requirements?

Is LEV Testing a Legal Requirement?

Yes, LEV testing is a legal requirement in the UK.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 (specifically, Section 9) states that employers are required to ensure that exposure to hazardous substances is safely controlled.

This includes installing an effective LEV system, if necessary, and arranging regular tests to confirm it’s working properly.

With that in mind, understanding how to comply with LEV testing regulations is critical for any employer operating in an environment where potentially harmful substances are generated.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, including compliance with HSG258, mandates LEV systems should undergo a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months.

Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, fines, and poses an increased risk for employee health.

At Pennaire, we recommend LEV testing every 12 months and a LEV inspection twice a year.

Book your next LEV inspection

What Are My LEV Testing Obligations?

LEV regulations UK set out several obligations for the employers, including:

Regular testing and examination:Your LEV system must undergo a LEV thorough examination and test at least once every 14 months. At Pennaire, we recommend an annual testing schedule
Maintenance and repairs: Any faults identified during testing must be remedied to maintain system efficiency and compliance
Record keeping:Accurate records of all LEV inspections, thorough examination and test (TExT), and maintenance activities must be kept for a minimum of 5 years.
Qualified testing: Tests should be completed by trained engineers possessing the appropriate qualifications to perform LEV assessments

Pennaire’s service engineers all possess the required BOHS P601 certificate, ensuring your LEV systems are inspected to the highest professional standards.

Arrange your next LEV inspection today

How to Comply with LEV Testing Regulations

Compliance isn’t optional. To ensure you meet your obligations, it’s essential to:

Schedule regular tests: Plan annual LEV tests in advance so that you remain ahead of compliance requirements
Conduct interim checks: Basic maintenance and visual inspections should be carried out between annual tests to help ensure efficiency and to identify any potential problems early
Work with qualified professionals: You should always use accredited engineers who are appropriately trained and who understand the UK’s LEV testing regulations and COSHH requirements.
Keep records: Detailed documentation of tests, repairs, and adjustments is critical to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits
Take action: Any problems or deficiencies identified during testing should be promptly addressed. Corrective actions must be verified and documented

Need help? Ask a team member today.

Who Can Perform a LEV Test?

An LEV test must be carried out by a trained and competent engineer.

Pennaire’s expert LEV testing services are delivered by trained team members – each of them holders of a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) P601 certificate – with the know-how to conduct thorough inspections, report with precision, and make actionable recommendations for all types of industrial settings.

Typically, your tester should at least:

Have practical experience with LEV systems in your industry
Be competent in both measurement techniques and system evaluation
Provide reports that meet the documentation standards required by UK regulations

What Does a Compliant LEV Examination Involve?

A thorough LEV examination and test involves a series of steps to ensure the system is operating correctly, including:

System inspection: Examination of all LEV system components including hoods, ductwork, fans, and filters
Performance measurement: Measuring airflow, capture velocities, and pressures at each extraction point
Functional checks: Confirming that controls, interlocks, and alarms are all operating as they should
Identify faults: Any defects, blockages, or worn parts that might compromise the system’s performance are recorded
Verification of controls: Ensuring the LEV system effectively removes contaminants to safe levels

By following these steps, an LEV engineer will ensure that the system meets on-site safety objectives as well as LEV testing requirements.

What a LEV Report Must Include

An LEV report that meets compliance requirements is a key element of LEV testing regulations.

It should document:

System overview: A description of the LEV system, including the number and location of extraction points
Test data: Recorded airflow rates, velocities, and system pressures
Compliance assessment: A statement on whether the system meets COSHH and UK LEV regulations
Observations: Details of any wear, performance issues, or deficiencies that were identified during testing.
Photographic or illustrative evidence: This is optional, but can help to illustrate any faults or compliance issues

Correct documentation provides reassurance that your business is meeting LEV test regulations and that employees are being effectively protected from associated risks.

Professional LEV Testing by Pennaire Filtration

At Pennaire, we offer professional LEV testing and assessment services across the UK, conducted by fully qualified engineers.

Our LEV testing provides:

Comprehensive testing in line with HSG258 guidance
Accurate and actionable LEV reports
Support for systems we did not install
Advice on maintenance and remedial actions

Arrange an LEV test today