COSHH is short for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’, is a set of regulations designed to protect workers if their job involves working with substances that can damage their health.

It requires employers to put in place controls to reduce the risk of any harm.

More specifically, COSHH Regulation 9 refers to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 (specifically, Section 9) and sets out requirements for the thorough examination and testing of control measures like Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems to ensure they function as they should.

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Key requirements of COSHH regulation 9 for employers

To meet COSHH compliance UK standards, employers must ensure:

• Regular testing: LEV systems must undergo a LEV thorough examination and test at least every 14 months
• Proper maintenance:  Systems must be kept in efficient working order and good repair
• Record keeping: Detailed records of inspections, tests, and maintenance must be retained
• Competent examiners: Testing must be carried out by someone with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience
• Prompt action: Any faults or issues identified must be addressed as soon as possible

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 to verify performance and effectiveness.

A LEV test also identifies issues, and ensures remedial action is taken.

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 system inspection twice a year.

Which hazardous substances are covered by COSHH regulation 9?

COSHH regulations cover a range of materials that can pose a risk to public health if they’re not effectively controlled.

Substances covered by the regulations include:

• Dust (e.g. wood, flour, silica)
• Fumes (e.g. welding fumes)
• Vapours and gases (e.g. solvents, chemicals)
• Mists and aerosols
• Biological agents

Appropriate control measures, like a well-designed LEV system, need to be in place and these should be maintained in line with COSHH regulation 9.

Who needs to comply with COSHH regulation 9?

The COSHH compliance UK requirements cover a wide range of sectors whose operations can involve exposure to hazardous substances.

These include:

• Manufacturing and engineering
• Construction and fabrication
• Woodworking and furniture production
• Food and grain processing
• Chemical handling and processing

If your business uses, creates, or handles substances that could pose a health risk, then regulation 9 of COSHH is likely to apply to your workplace.

Why is COSHH regulation 9 critical for LEV systems?

When working efficiently, LEV systems are one of the most effective ways to control airborne contaminants.

However, over time, these systems can degrade for several reasons, including:

• Blocked or worn filters
• Reduced airflow
• Damaged ductwork
• Poor system maintenance

Regular COSHH LEV testing ensures these issues are identified early, preventing them from becoming a problem which increases the risk of dangerous exposure.

Read now: ‘What is LEV testing and why is it important?’

How to ensure your workplace complies with COSHH regulation 9

To achieve and maintain compliance with regulation 9 of COSHH requires a structured approach.

Business should:

• Schedule regular COSHH LEV testingin line with legal requirements
• Arrange interim inspectionsto identify issues early
• Keep accurate and accessible records of all testing and maintenance
• Act on any recommendations from LEV reports
• Work with a qualified and experienced provider

Following recognised guidance, like that published in HSG258, helps ensure COSHH compliance UK, while also improving system reliability, efficient operation, and workplace safety.

Read now: ‘How to be compliant with LEV testing regulations’

Professional LEV testing by Pennaire Filtration

With thorough, reliable LEV testing and assessment and support from Pennaire Filtration, you can have confidence your LEV systems are working exactly as they should.

Our industry-leading expertise is backed by a reputation for quality, precision, and regulatory compliance.

If you have questions about LEV testing, want to book a service, or need expert advice, our team is always here to help.

Contact us today.