Do Portable Dust Extractors Require LEV Testing Under COSHH?

Yes – and it’s one of the most commonly overlooked compliance gaps in workplaces using on-tool extraction.

Portable dust extractors are often treated like ordinary site vacuums. But when they are used to control hazardous dust at source, they may fall under Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) requirements.

According to the HSE, on-tool extraction is a form of LEV. This means portable dust extractors used for sanding, cutting, drilling, grinding, chasing, woodworking or concrete work may require a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), specifically Regulation 9.

For most LEV systems, the maximum interval between thorough examination and testing is 14 months, although higher-risk or heavily used systems may need more frequent checks.

Here’s what this guide covers:

Why Portable Dust Extractor LEV Testing Matters

Portable dust extractors are often assumed to be plug-and-play. But when used on construction sites, in workshops or in manufacturing environments, they are actively controlling airborne contaminants.

If the extractor is damaged, blocked, fitted with the wrong filter or performing poorly, workers may still be exposed to hazardous dust.

Without proper inspection and maintenance, portable extractors may:

• Recirculate dust back into the workspace
• Fail to trigger alarms when blocked
• Deliver inadequate airflow at the tool
• Give users false confidence that exposure is being controlled
• Fail to provide suitable protection against silica, wood, MDF, concrete or brick dust

You are not just protecting tools and work areas. You are protecting lungs.

💡 Key Quote from the HSE:
“On-tool extraction is a form of LEV and must be thoroughly examined and tested.”
Source – HSE Guidance on LEV and On-Tool Extraction

What Is Portable LEV?

Portable LEV refers to mobile extraction equipment designed to capture hazardous dust, fumes or airborne contaminants close to where they are created.

Common examples include dust extractors connected directly to tools during:

• Cutting
• Grinding
• Sanding
• Drilling
• Chasing
• Woodworking
• Concrete or masonry work

Unlike a general cleaning vacuum, portable LEV is used as an exposure control measure. Its purpose is to help stop hazardous substances entering the breathing zone in the first place.

Do L-Class, M-Class and H-Class Extractors Need Testing?

The class of extractor matters, but the key question is how the equipment is being used.

If an L-Class, M-Class or H-Class extractor is being used as part of an on-tool extraction system to control hazardous dust at source, a Thorough Examination and Test may be required.

As a general guide:

• L-Class extractors are typically used for lower-risk dusts.
• M-Class extractors are commonly used for medium-risk dusts, including many construction and woodworking applications.
• H-Class extractors are used for higher-risk dusts where stricter containment is required.

The issue is not just the label on the machine. The extractor needs to be suitable for the dust hazard, fitted with the correct filter, performing properly and maintained in line with COSHH.

How Often Should Portable LEV Be Tested?

Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals. In most cases, this means at least once every 14 months.

However, the inspection frequency may need to be shorter where the system is:

• Used heavily
• Used in high-dust environments
• Used with high-risk dusts
• Frequently moved between sites
• Damaged or poorly maintained
• Relied on as a key control measure for worker exposure

If your extractor is being used for silica dust, MDF dust, hardwood dust, softwood dust, concrete dust, brick dust or other hazardous airborne substances, the testing interval should be based on the level of risk and how the equipment is used on site.

For wider LEV testing frequency guidance, see our guide: How Often Should LEV Be Tested?

What Does a Portable Dust Extractor TExT Involve?

A proper Thorough Examination and Test should look beyond whether the machine switches on.

Velocity Safety can carry out TExTs on portable dust extractors, including H-Class, M-Class and L-Class units where relevant.

The Extraction Unit TExT

For on-tool extraction, HSE states that the formal Thorough Examination and Test applies to the extraction unit itself.

The TExT can include:

• Checking the extraction-unit body, latches, seals and inlet connections for damage or leakage
• Confirming the correct filter is fitted and assessing its condition
• Checking gauges, airflow indicators and alarms
• Testing the filter-cleaning mechanism where fitted
• Measuring airflow or technical performance against the applicable operating criteria
• Checking that low-flow alarms or indicators activate correctly
• Recording defects, performance results and required actions

Maintenance Checks for the Complete On-Tool System

The interchangeable parts used with the extraction unit are covered by the employer’s regular maintenance arrangements.

These checks should consider:

• Measuring airflow rate to confirm extraction effectiveness
• Checking alarms and indicators
• Inspecting filter condition, compatibility and classification
• Checking hoses, seals and connections
• Looking for damage, blockages or signs of poor maintenance
• Reviewing whether the extractor is suitable for the dust hazard
• Issuing a report with findings, compliance status and remedial actions

A good examination should help you understand whether the extractor is actually controlling exposure, not just whether it looks acceptable on the outside.

Why Filters Are One of the Biggest Failure Points

One of the most common issues with portable dust extractors is incorrect or poor-quality replacement filters.

A filter bought cheaply online may physically fit the machine, but that does not mean it is suitable for the dust being controlled.

Incorrect filters can undermine the whole system. In some cases, the extractor may pick up dust from the floor or tool and then discharge fine particles back into the workplace through the exhaust.

This is a serious issue where workers are exposed to silica, hardwood, MDF, concrete, brick or other harmful dusts.

Filter checks should consider:

• Whether the filter is the correct class for the unit
• Whether it is suitable for the dust hazard
• Whether it is damaged, blocked or poorly seated
• Whether the unit has been maintained in line with manufacturer guidance

Will My Insurance Inspector Test Portable Dust Extractors?

Not always.

Some businesses assume their insurance inspection covers everything related to statutory examination. In practice, many insurance inspections will highlight an issue without carrying out maintenance, filter replacement, blockage clearance or practical remedial work.

For LEV systems, that can leave a gap between being told there is a problem and actually getting the system working correctly again.

Velocity Safety can support with LEV Thorough Examination and Testing, as well as practical advice where airflow, filters, alarms, hoses or indicators need attention.

What Else Counts as LEV?

Portable dust extraction is only one example of LEV.

Other common LEV systems include:

• Fixed extraction arms and hoods
• On-tool extraction units
• Spray booth extraction
• Welding fume extraction
• Bagging-off systems
• Silo vent units
• Dust extraction units in workshops and factories

If a system captures hazardous substances at source, it is likely to need proper maintenance, examination and testing.

COSHH Compliance Is About Control, Not Paperwork Alone

Where portable dust extraction is being used as LEV to control hazardous substances, employers must ensure it is properly maintained, thoroughly examined and tested in line with COSHH Regulation 9.

This is a practical safety issue. Poor airflow, damaged hoses, blocked filters, faulty alarms or incorrect replacement filters can all reduce protection and leave workers exposed.

For employers, the key point is simple: if your extraction equipment is controlling hazardous substances at source, it should not be treated as a basic cleaning vacuum. It needs to be suitable, maintained, checked and properly documented.

For practical usage advice, see our related guide: Portable Dust Extraction Tips for LEV Compliance.

TL;DR

• Portable dust extractors used for on-tool extraction can fall under LEV requirements
• On-tool extraction may require a Thorough Examination and Test under COSHH Regulation 9
• Most LEV systems need testing at least every 14 months
• Higher-risk or heavily used systems may need more frequent checks
• A proper TExT should check airflow, alarms, filters, hoses, seals and overall condition
• Incorrect filters can allow hazardous dust back into the workplace

Get in touch with Velocity Safety for portable dust extraction TExTs and expert LEV compliance support.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear about portable LEV systems, dust extraction testing, COSHH requirements and Thorough Examination and Test inspections.

Do portable dust extractors require LEV testing?

Yes, they can. Where a portable dust extractor is being used as on-tool extraction to control hazardous dust at source, it may fall under LEV requirements and require a Thorough Examination and Test under COSHH Regulation 9.

Does on-tool extraction count as LEV?

Yes. The HSE states that on-tool extraction is a form of Local Exhaust Ventilation. If it is being used to control hazardous airborne substances at source, it should be maintained, examined and tested properly.

How often should portable LEV be tested?

In most cases, LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. Higher-risk applications, heavy use or harsh working environments may require more frequent examination.

Do M-Class and H-Class extractors need a TExT?

If the equipment is being used as part of an on-tool extraction system to control hazardous substances, a Thorough Examination and Test may be required. The class of the unit should match the hazard and the way the equipment is being used.

What is checked during a portable LEV examination?

A competent examiner will typically assess airflow performance, alarms, filters, hoses, seals, damage, suitability for the task and overall effectiveness of the extraction system.

Can incorrect filters make a dust extractor unsafe?

Yes. Incorrect, damaged or poor-quality filters can reduce containment and may allow fine dust to pass back into the workplace. This is a particular concern with silica, MDF, hardwood, concrete and brick dust.

Can Velocity Safety carry out portable LEV testing nationwide?

Yes. Velocity Safety provides LEV Thorough Examination and Test services across the UK, including portable dust extractors, on-tool extraction systems and fixed LEV installations.