WHAT IS LEV TESTING?
LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing is when extraction systems are assessed and inspected on their ability to remove and control hazardous airborne contaminants.
LEV testing, often referred to as Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) is critical, as it ensures that all LEV systems are compliant and working efficiently to remove dust, fumes, vapours and any other potentially harmful material before they can be inhaled by employees.
LEV systems act as workplace exposure control systems and control harmful airborne contaminants directly at the source. It’s easier for these substances to be removed or controlled where they are created, as it prevents any movement to other workspaces and is superior to general ventilation.
Common industries where LEV systems are in use are:
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Engineering and Metal Fabrication
- Woodworking Businesses
- Welding Environments
- Construction Sites
- Pharmaceutical Production
- Laboratories
- Food Manufacturing
- Automotive Workshops
- Chemical Processing Facilities
If LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing isn’t completed regularly, it can lead to serious consequences for both employees and the business, such as workers exposed to harmful substances, reduced system efficiency, failure to remain compliant with COSHH regulations and criminal liability.
Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) of LEV systems
Ensures compliance with COSHH regulations
Verifies effective control of dust, fumes, vapours and other airborne contaminants
Used across a wide range of high-risk industries
Protects employee health and helps reduce legal and compliance risks
LEV TESTING AND INSPECTION SERVICES
Cleartech provides professional LEV testing services across the UK and Ireland, helping businesses ensure their Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems remain effective, compliant and capable of controlling hazardous airborne substances in the workplace.
Our assessments, or COSHH TExT, determine how well LEV systems control hazardous materials released in the workplace. Carried out by our BOHS-qualified engineers, our testing ensures your LEV systems are fully compliant with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulation 9 and HSE standards while maintaining efficient system performance. From independent, single-site businesses to multi-site corporations, we provide local exhaust ventilation compliance testing and support wherever you operate, across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, engineering, woodworking, pharmaceutical production, automotive, laboratories and food manufacturing.
Our COSHH LEV inspection services are made up of four vital stages that ensure your LEV systems are operating effectively and evidence to show this. These stages are:
LEV System Inspection
We will physically inspect the LEV system, including the ducts, hoods, filters and ductwork, any physical wear and tear will be noted.
LEV Performance Testing
Our BOHS qualified engineers will formally test LEV systems by measuring system airflow. This includes evaluating capture efficiency, monitoring air movement at extraction locations, and comparing system parts such as fans, filters, and ductwork to normal operational performance.
LEV Compliance Reporting
After inspection and testing are complete, we will provide a comprehensive report explaining the efficiency and performance of your LEV systems, and any corrective action we recommend and can complete on your behalf.
Official Documentation and Corrective Support
Lastly, we provide a HSE compliant LEV test report, supporting that your systems have been tested. This serves as evidence for future audits, the performance of your LEV systems, and includes any recommended corrective works or improvements.
Regular testing to be carried out every 14 months
Adherence to Regulation 9 of COSHH Regulations 2002
Engineers with BOHS qualifications
Compliance within guidance outlined in HSE publication HSG258
LEV TESTING REQUIREMENTS and COSHH Compliance
The LEV testing requirements for the UK fall under COSHH Regulation 9. This regulation legally enforces responsibility onto employers to do the following:
- Maintain LEV systems to perform correctly and efficiently
- Ensure all LEV systems undergo a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT)
- All LEV systems must be tested every 14 months
- Records of LEV testing and results must be kept and available for inspection by the HSE
All testing of LEV systems must follow HSE / HSG258 LEV guidance, which explains best practices, including having competent and qualified persons. Cleartech engineers are fully BOHS qualified, ensuring your LEV systems are tested to the highest standards, while also meeting relevant Irish health and safety requirements for businesses operating in Ireland.
Although COSHH highlights the 14-month LEV testing rule, depending on your industry your LEV systems may need to be tested more frequently. Maintaining effective control measures is critical as it sustains a safe and healthy work environment, controls dangerous airborne substances and keeps all operations compliant.
The consequences of not meeting the legal requirements for LEV systems can be devastating; long-term health issues for employees, HSE enforcement action (including Improvement or Prohibition Notices) and possible prosecution.
LEV TESTING PROCESS
The LEV testing process includes two main components; a visual inspection and full performance assessment. This process ensures the LEV system is physically in good condition, performs effectively at removing or controlling hazardous airborne material, and that exposure is being controlled directly at the source.
Visual Inspection
The visual inspection provides assurance the LEV system should be working correctly. The overall system is inspected, and components are checked individually against manufacturer specifications such as the ductwork, extraction hoods, fans and filters. Signs of general wear and tear are also looked for, along with anything that could affect the LEV’s performance.
Performance Assessment
The performance assessment ensures the LEV system is physically working correctly. This includes conducting airflow measurements, air velocity testing, capture checks at source, comparing against original performance data and confirming that dangerous airborne materials are being properly controlled.
After both stages of LEV testing are complete, we compile and provide a comprehensive report explaining the effectiveness of your LEV system, and any corrective works we recommend.
Includes a visual inspection and full performance assessment
Checks the condition and performance of all key LEV components
Measures airflow, air velocity and capture effectiveness
Confirms hazardous airborne contaminants are controlled at source
Comprehensive report provided with findings and recommended corrective actions
LEV COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION
After LEV testing is complete, we provide ventilation compliance documentation that details the physical state of your LEV systems and their performance. This report will include:
- Test results for airflow and capture
- System condition
- Performance assessment
- Any defects or issues noted
- Recommendations for corrective work
- System grading
Having audit ready LEV reports is important; they provide a track record of testing, proving compliance, and document performance to compare with future testing. These reports also provide evidence for any potential HSE audits and support ongoing record keeping.
This ensures you have clear audit ready documentation supporting ongoing compliance and system performance.
HOW OFTEN IS LEV TESTING REQUIRED?
Under COSHH requirements and HSE guidance, LEV testing should be completed every 14 months. This allows systems to be regularly inspected and assessed, ensuring they work effectively in controlling dangerous airborne materials. In Ireland, similar requirements apply in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation, based on maintaining effective control measures and that LEV systems work correctly.
Even though COSHH requires testing every 14 months, this can be more frequent depending on the industry, risk level, and substances being controlled. Dependent on these factors, risk based LEV inspections may need to be completed more often to ensure full compliance and working order.
Regular LEV testing ensures your systems remain compliant, continue working effectively, and control hazardous airborne materials. Contact Cleartech today to arrange your next LEV inspection.
FAQs
A Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) is the formal inspection and performance assessment of an LEV system. If you’re looking for LEV system testing explained, it is the process of checking that the system is working effectively to remove or control hazardous airborne materials and continues to meet the required standards.
Yes. In the UK, COSHH LEV testing is a legal requirement under COSHH Regulation 9 for businesses using Local Exhaust Ventilation to control hazardous airborne substances. Employers are responsible for ensuring their LEV systems remain effective and are tested at the required intervals.
Most LEV systems should be tested every 14 months. However, LEV inspection requirements can vary depending on the industry, level of risk, and the substances being controlled, meaning some systems require more frequent testing.
LEV testing should be carried out by a competent and qualified person. At Cleartech, all LEV testing is completed by BOHS qualified engineers, helping businesses meet HSE LEV compliance requirements and maintain effective LEV systems.
LEV testing includes a visual inspection, airflow measurements, capture checks, performance assessment and a review of the overall condition of the system. Once testing is complete, a comprehensive report and compliance documentation are provided.
If an LEV system does not meet the required performance standards, any defects or issues will be identified within the report. Recommended corrective works will also be provided to help restore the system to full working order and compliance.
Following LEV compliance testing, you will receive a detailed report explaining the system condition, test results, performance assessment, system grading and any recommended corrective works. This documentation provides evidence of testing, supports future audits and helps maintain ongoing compliance records.
Yes. We provide LEV testing and inspection services for single-site and multi-site businesses across the UK and Ireland, ensuring systems are tested in line with the relevant health and safety requirements.
