LEV Testing

Under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations, it is a legal requirement for all LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems to be tested every 14 months to ensure they are functioning effectively and safely. Some systems may require more frequent testing depending on their specific use and application.

This requirement applies to all oil mist, welding fume, smoke, and dust extraction units, as well as any system that generates airborne contaminants in the workplace. The testing must be carried out by a competent person, and all tests and reports must adhere to HSE standards. The recommended procedures for achieving these statutory requirements are outlined in HSG258.

Our LEV engineers are fully certified with the BOHS P601 qualification, demonstrating their expertise in this field. We ensure strict adherence to HSE guidelines during all inspections, maintenance, and repair work.

While regular LEV testing is a legal obligation, servicing is equally important to maintain a safe working environment and provide peace of mind. We offer LEV servicing for all types of systems, which can be included as part of a comprehensive maintenance package to ensure ongoing safety and control.

While it is possible to perform some basic checks or maintenance on your LEV system in-house, LEV testing must be conducted by a competent person with the appropriate qualifications and experience. According to HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations, LEV systems need to be tested at least every 14 months to ensure they are working effectively and safely.

To meet these legal requirements and maintain compliance, it is essential that testing is carried out by a qualified individual who is familiar with the necessary procedures, equipment, and standards. LEV testing involves a thorough inspection of various system components, including hoods, ducts, filters, and fans, along with taking precise measurements of airflow and face velocities.

Hiring a qualified external provider, such as a specialist LEV testing company, ensures that your system is properly assessed, with detailed reports provided that adhere to HSE standards (HSG258). This not only helps you stay compliant but also ensures the ongoing health and safety of your workforce.

In-house teams may carry out routine checks and minor maintenance, but for full compliance and to avoid risks, it is advisable to rely on experienced engineers for LEV testing.

During LEV testing, several common issues can arise that may affect the performance and compliance of the system. These include:

1. Blinded or clogged filters reducing system efficiency.
2. Insufficient airflow due to leaks, blockages, or incorrect settings.
3. Incorrect hood placement or design.
4. Ductwork issues such as leaks or blockages.
5. Fan or motor problems, including incorrect speed or inadequate power.
6. Non-compliant system design.
7. Improper system calibration.
8. Ductwork corrosion or wear.
9. Ineffective or missing non-return dampers.
10. Inadequate extraction from workstations.

Addressing these issues ensures systems run effectively and meet safety standards.

Preparing your workplace for LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing is an important step in ensuring that the system is thoroughly evaluated and complies with safety regulations. Here are some key actions to take when preparing for LEV testing:

1. Inform Relevant Personnel

Notify Employees: Inform your team in advance about the scheduled testing so they understand the purpose of the LEV inspection and what to expect during the process. Ensure they are aware that testing may involve areas where work processes are carried out.

Designate a Contact Person: Assign someone who is familiar with the system to assist the engineers during the testing process.

2. Ensure Access to Equipment

Clear Access to the System: Make sure that the LEV system components, such as ducts, fans, hoods, filters, and gauges, are easily accessible. Clear any obstacles or obstructions from around the equipment to allow the engineers to inspect the system thoroughly.

Provide Access to Relevant Documents: If available, provide maintenance records, previous test reports, and system manuals to the testing team, so they can review the system’s history and performance.

3. Check for System Maintenance Needs

Perform Basic Maintenance: Ensure that the system is clean and that routine maintenance (such as filter changes, cleaning, and oiling) has been carried out. While testing, the engineers will assess the system’s condition, and having the equipment in good working order can help the process go smoothly.

Ensure No Ongoing Issues: If there are any known issues or faults with the system (e.g., leaks, fan malfunctions, or blockages), it’s best to address them beforehand or ensure the engineers are aware of them so they can properly assess the impact.

4. Prepare the Work Area

Minimise Disruptions: Schedule the testing at a time when the workplace is least busy or when work is less likely to be disrupted. If possible, temporarily halt any processes that may interfere with the testing, such as machinery that could affect airflow readings.

Ensure Safety Protocols: Follow any necessary safety protocols, such as ensuring that protective equipment (PPE) is available for both the testing team and employees in the area.

5. Check the System’s Documentation

Review System Design: Ensure that you have access to system schematics or layout drawings that detail the LEV system’s components and airflow specifications. This will help the engineers assess the system more accurately.

Prepare for Calibration: If the system requires calibration or has been recently adjusted, provide the testing team with relevant details about settings or changes that could affect testing.

6. Prepare for Reporting

Identify Key Concerns: If you have specific areas of concern regarding the LEV system, make a note of them and communicate them to the testing team. This ensures they focus on critical issues and provides an opportunity to address any problems early.

Ensure Documentation Readiness: After testing, the engineers will provide a detailed report. Be prepared to receive and review this document. It should include test results, any corrective actions required, and a compliance assessment.

7. Follow Up with Action Plan

Understand Compliance Requirements: After testing, ensure you understand any necessary corrective actions or recommendations outlined in the report. Promptly address any issues to maintain compliance with COSHH, HSE guidelines, and other relevant regulations.

Plan for Regular Testing: To stay compliant, make a note of when the next LEV test will be required (typically every 14 months) and set a reminder to schedule the next test in advance.

By preparing your workplace for LEV testing, you help ensure the system is properly evaluated, safe for use, and compliant with all relevant regulations, ensuring a safer working environment for your employees.

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing refers to the process of inspecting, evaluating, and measuring the performance of ventilation systems that are designed to capture and remove airborne contaminants from the workplace. This includes systems that extract fumes, dust, vapors, or gases produced during industrial or manufacturing processes, such as welding, sanding, or chemical mixing.

LEV testing ensures that the system is working effectively to protect employees from hazardous substances and to comply with safety regulations, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines in the UK.

The testing involves checking various components of the LEV system, including:

• Airflow rates: Ensuring that the system is pulling enough air to capture contaminants at their source.
• Face velocity: Measuring the speed of air at the opening of hoods or extraction points to ensure proper containment.
• Ductwork, filters, and fans: Assessing the condition and functionality of the system’s physical components.
• Compliance with industry standards: Verifying that the system meets safety regulations and guidelines, such as those outlined in HSG258, a key document for LEV testing in the UK.

LEV testing is typically required every 14 months, but more frequent testing may be necessary depending on the type of system and the risks involved.

The outcomes of a LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing report provide an essential evaluation of the system's performance, its compliance with safety regulations, and any required corrective actions. A comprehensive test report typically includes the following sections and outcomes:

1. System Performance Assessment

• Airflow Measurements: The report will detail the airflow rates at various points in the system, including hoods, ducts, and extraction points. This is to ensure the system is extracting enough air to capture contaminants effectively.
• Face Velocity Readings: The report will record the face velocity at the point of extraction (e.g., the hood opening) to determine whether it is sufficient for effective fume capture. This ensures that the contaminants are contained and not allowed to escape into the workspace.
• Overall Airflow Distribution: The report will indicate whether the airflow is evenly distributed across the system and if the extraction points are working optimally.

2. Compliance with Regulations

• COSHH and HSE Compliance: The report will confirm whether the system meets the relevant standards for airborne contaminants, such as those set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. Compliance is essential to ensuring that the system provides adequate protection for employees.
• Regulatory Standards: The report may refer to specific regulatory guidelines such as HSG258 and the necessary legal requirements for LEV systems in the workplace.

3. Identification of Issues or Deficiencies

• Faults and Failures: Any issues identified during testing, such as inadequate airflow, malfunctioning components, or system inefficiencies, will be highlighted. Common problems include clogged filters, duct blockages, fan or motor malfunctions, and improperly positioned extraction points.
• Non-compliance Areas: If the system does not meet the required standards or fails to perform as expected, the report will specify these areas of non-compliance.
• Potential Risks: The report may also identify potential health risks due to ineffective extraction or contamination exposure, which could harm employees if not addressed.

4. Corrective Actions and Recommendations

• Required Repairs or Adjustments: The report will list any corrective actions needed to address the identified issues, such as repairing or replacing components (e.g., filters, fans, ductwork), adjusting airflow rates, or repositioning extraction hoods.
• Suggestions for Improvements: In addition to necessary repairs, the report may include recommendations for improving system performance, such as upgrading certain equipment or implementing regular maintenance schedules.
• Compliance with Maintenance Schedule: The report may suggest implementing routine servicing or additional checks to maintain the system's efficiency and compliance with legal requirements.

5. System Condition and Certification

• System Status: The report will conclude by detailing the overall condition of the LEV system, including whether it passed or failed the test. If the system passes, it will be certified as compliant for another testing period. If it fails, corrective measures must be undertaken before it can be certified for safe use.
• Certification of Testing: If the system is compliant and no major issues are found, the report may include a certification or statement confirming that the system has passed testing and is in good working order.

6. Test Methodology and Test Results

• Testing Methods: The report will describe the testing methods and equipment used to assess the system, such as airflow meters, pressure gauges, and thermal anemometers.
• Test Results: Specific measurements and readings (e.g., airflow rates, face velocity, fan speeds) will be included, providing a clear picture of the system’s performance during the testing.

7. Recommendations for Further Action

• Scheduled Re-testing: The report will recommend the next testing date, typically within 14 months, and note any additional measures for maintaining the system’s compliance.
• Ongoing Monitoring: In some cases, the report may advise implementing an air monitoring program to continually assess air quality and ensure that the system remains effective over time.

By carefully reviewing the outcomes of the LEV testing report, employers can ensure that their systems are operating efficiently and safely, thus maintaining a healthy, compliant workplace for employees.

Yes, LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing is a legal requirement under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations in the UK. Employers are obligated to ensure that their LEV systems are working effectively to protect employees from harmful airborne contaminants. According to the law:

1. COSHH Regulations: COSHH requires that employers assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace, including those in the air. This includes ensuring that LEV systems, such as dust extractors, fume hoods, and other air filtration systems, are tested regularly to confirm they are functioning properly and safely.
2. Testing Frequency: The law stipulates that LEV systems must be tested at least once every 14 months to ensure they continue to meet safety standards. However, more frequent testing may be required based on the system’s usage or the nature of the contaminants being extracted.
3. Competent Person: The testing must be carried out by a competent person—someone who is trained and qualified in LEV systems and understands the relevant health and safety standards. The test must also conform to the guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), specifically the HSG258 document, which outlines the recommended procedures for LEV testing.
4. HSE Compliance: LEV testing is essential for ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. If an LEV system is found to be ineffective or faulty during testing, the employer is legally required to take corrective action.
5. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to carry out LEV testing, or to correct issues identified during testing, can result in legal penalties, fines, or even legal action if an employee is harmed due to inadequate protection from airborne hazards.

In summary, LEV testing is a legal requirement to ensure workplace safety, protect employees' health, and comply with UK regulations. Regular testing and maintenance are crucial to meeting these obligations and ensuring a safe working environment