The P601 qualification is a certification issued by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), confirming that an individual has the knowledge and practical skills to inspect and test Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems in line with UK COSHH regulations.
For businesses operating LEV systems, it is a legal obligation under COSHH to have systems regularly examined by a competent person and the P601 is widely recognised as the benchmark standard for that competence.
Understanding what it covers, and why it matters, can help businesses make a more informed decision when choosing an
LEV testing provider.
Understanding the P601 qualification
Sometimes referred to as ‘P601 LEV’, the P601 qualification confirms that an engineer understands:
- How LEV systems function
- How LEV system performance can be measured and
- How to assess whether an LEV system is removing airborne contaminants effectively
Any business seeking reliable LEV testing in the UK should look for providers who can send P601-certified staff as one of the most important indicators of competence.
Read now: ‘What is LEV testing and why is it important?’
Who issues a P601 certificate and what does it cover?
The ‘
Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems P601’, or P601 qualification for short, is provided by the
British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).
The BOHS is a leading professional body for workplace health and safety, and its
BOHS P601 qualification teaches both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
A four-part assessment, it includes:
Is P601 a legal requirement?
There’s no specific requirement for LEV testing to only be carried out by someone with a BOHS P601 qualification.
However, it is a legal obligation for a thorough exam and test to be performed by a COSHH-competent examiner.
COSHH regulations require employers to ensure LEV systems are regularly tested by someone with necessary skills, knowledge, and experience, and the
P601 LEV qualification is widely accepted as evidence that an individual meets this standard of competence.
Read now: ‘
How to be compliant with LEV testing regulations’
Who should obtain a P601 qualification?
The
BOHS P601 qualification is designed for professionals responsible for inspecting, testing, or maintaining LEV systems.
This typically includes:
- LEV engineers and technicians
- Health and safety professionals
- Maintenance engineers working with extraction systems
- Occupational hygienists
Pennaire’s service engineers all possess the required BOHS P601 certificate, ensuring your LEV systems are inspected to the highest professional standards.
Schedule your LEV test today
What can a P601-qualified examiner do?
An individual who possesses a
P601 qualification is trained to conduct a full
LEV examination to ensure systems are operating effectively and safely.
This includes:
- Conducting detailed inspections of LEV system components
- Measuring airflow and capture efficiency
- Identifying faults, wear, or system deficiencies
- Assessing whether the system is controlling exposure effectively
- Producing clear, compliant LEV test reports with actionable recommendations
How does P601 link to COSHH compliance?
Under COSHH regulations, employers must ensure their LEV systems are thoroughly examined and tested at regular intervals by a competent person.
LEV testing qualification P601 is an indicator of competence, demonstrating an examiner:
- Understands COSHH requirements
- Can assess whether systems meet regulatory standards
- Can produce compliant documentation
That’s how P601 supports businesses to meet their legal obligations while ensuring LEV systems are providing genuine protection for workers.
Why LEV testing and P601 competence matters
For compliance and safety reasons, it’s essential that businesses work with a
competent COSHH examiner.
An LEV test conducted by somebody who isn’t appropriately trained or qualified risk incorrect assessments being made, potentially exposing workers to harmful airborne contaminants.
The
BOHS P601 qualification provides assurance that thorough, accurate testing in line with industry best practice has been carried out.
By checking examiners have a
LEV testing qualification, UK businesses can:
- Maintain compliance with relevant COSHH regulations
- Protect their employees’ health
- Avoid costly system failures or downtime
- Have confidence in the performance of their LEV systems
Professional LEV testing by Pennaire Filtration
With thorough, reliable
LEV testing and expert support from Pennaire Filtration, you can be reassured that your systems are working 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 site visit, or need expert advice, our team is here to help.
Contact us today 
