LEV COSHH Testing

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a method used to control and reduce employee exposure to airborne particles such as dirt, dust, fumes, and vapours that may pose health risks. An LEV system, often referred to as a dust collector, works by capturing dust through a hood connected to ducting with strong suction powered by a fan. This system removes dust from the immediate area, directing it either to a larger filtration system or a local filter within the LEV setup. Once the air is filtered and cleaned, it is released back into the local atmosphere, ensuring it is free from harmful contaminants and no longer poses a health hazard to employees.

In a word, yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 and Regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH), regulations require that all LEV systems must be maintained in good working order and repair. Ensuring your LEV systems comply with these health and safety regulations protects your employees and safeguards you and your company if an employee becomes seriously ill or injured while performing their duties.

LEV systems must be tested at least every 14 months, though some systems may require more frequent testing depending on their use and processes. CoSHH Regulation 9 also mandates that a record be kept of all faults, checks, maintenance, repairs, and services. These records should be maintained in a service log for each LEV system and retained for a minimum of five years.

The frequency of testing an LEV system depends on the work carried out and the risks involved. However, it is generally recommended that LEV systems should be tested at least every 14 months. For workplaces with higher levels of airborne contaminants or more hazardous materials, testing may need to be carried out more frequently, such as every 6 to 12 months.

If an LEV system fails its test, it is essential to address any issues immediately. Depending on the findings, repairs or upgrades may be necessary to restore the system to full functionality. It’s also important to reassess the risk levels in the workplace to ensure ongoing safety until repairs are made.

The time required for testing depends on the complexity and size of the system. A basic test may take a few hours, while a more thorough assessment of larger or more complex systems could take a full day.

There are certain regulations for companies that provide Local Exhaust Ventilation services and these are outlined by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). Regulation 9 of CoSHH also provides guidelines for the provisions of LEV testing service providers. As stated on HSG258, the person who services or repairs your LEV system should be BOHS P601 qualified.

Our LEV testing engineers are P601 qualified minimum.

P601 – “Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems”
P602 – “Basic Design Principles of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems”.

Details of these qualifications can be found on the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) website