Your LEV system can have a recent inspection report and still not be working properly on site.

If your Local Exhaust Ventilation system has a recent inspection report, it is easy to assume the system is still controlling dust or fumes properly.

But an LEV inspection and LEV maintenance are not the same thing.

A Thorough Examination and Test, often called a TExT, checks whether your system is performing as required. Maintenance is the practical work that keeps the system working day to day, such as replacing filters, clearing blockages, cleaning filter housings, checking airflow indicators and repairing damaged parts.

This difference matters because an inspection report may identify a problem without fixing it.

In some cases, an LEV system can be inspected, technically passed or conditionally accepted, and still have practical performance issues that need attention before workers are properly protected.

Quick Answer: What is the difference between LEV inspection and LEV maintenance?

An LEV inspection, or Thorough Examination and Test, checks whether your extraction system is adequately controlling exposure and meeting its intended performance. LEV maintenance is the routine upkeep needed to keep the system working properly, such as cleaning, filter replacement, blockage removal, duct checks, airflow indicator checks and repairs.

In practice, most employers need both: formal examination to check performance, and maintenance to keep the system working between examinations.

🔑 Key Takeaways: LEV Inspection vs Maintenance

  • Inspection and maintenance are different: an LEV TExT checks performance, while maintenance keeps the system working between examinations.
  • Inspection does not always include remedial work: some providers may highlight airflow, filter or blockage issues but not fix them.
  • Employers still need to act: under COSHH, LEV must be maintained in efficient working order and thoroughly examined at suitable intervals.

Here’s what this guide covers:

What Is an LEV Inspection?

An LEV inspection is usually referred to as a Thorough Examination and Test, or TExT.

Under COSHH, employers must make sure Local Exhaust Ventilation systems are properly maintained and thoroughly examined at suitable intervals. For most LEV systems, this means at least once every 14 months.

An LEV Thorough Examination and Test is designed to check whether the system is still performing as intended and helping to control worker exposure to hazardous dust, fumes, vapours or other airborne contaminants.

An LEV inspection may include:

  • Visual checks of hoods, ducting, filters, fans and discharge points
  • Airflow measurements
  • Comparison against intended operating performance
  • Assessment of capture effectiveness
  • Checks of alarms, gauges or airflow indicators where fitted
  • Identification of defects or performance issues
  • A written report with findings and recommendations

The inspection tells you whether the system is performing properly. It does not automatically mean the examiner will carry out maintenance or repairs during the same visit.

What Is LEV Maintenance?

LEV maintenance is the practical work needed to keep the extraction system in efficient working order.

This can include planned servicing, routine checks, cleaning and remedial work.

LEV maintenance may include:

  • Replacing filter bags or cartridges
  • Clearing blockages from ducting
  • Cleaning filter housings
  • Checking fan belts, seals and connections
  • Repairing damaged ductwork or hoods
  • Checking airflow indicators
  • Fitting airflow chevrons or other visual indicators
  • Recording routine checks between formal examinations

Maintenance is what helps prevent the system from drifting away from its intended performance between formal examinations.

LEV Inspection vs LEV Maintenance: Quick Comparison

Area LEV Inspection / TExT LEV Maintenance
Main purpose Checks whether the system is adequately controlling exposure Keeps the system working properly day to day
Typical frequency Usually at least every 14 months Ongoing, based on system use, dust loading and risk
Output Report, findings, pass/fail status and recommendations Repairs, cleaning, filter changes, adjustments or servicing
Main risk if missed Non-compliance and unknown exposure control performance Reduced airflow, blockages, failed filters and poor extraction

The two activities support each other. A well-maintained system is more likely to pass its examination. A good examination should help identify where maintenance or remedial work is needed.

Can an LEV System Pass Inspection But Still Need Work?

Yes. An LEV system can have a recent inspection and still need practical attention.

This can happen where the inspection identifies a performance issue but does not include remedial work, or where the system deteriorates after the inspection due to dust loading, damaged filters, blocked ducts or changes in how the system is used.

We have attended sites where workers reported that the LEV system was not extracting as well as it used to. On further investigation, the issue was not complicated. The system needed practical maintenance: blockage clearance, filter bag replacement, cleaning and simple visual airflow indicators so the site team could spot future issues earlier.

That is where compliance can fall down: the report exists, but the fault remains.

A report can tell you what is wrong. Maintenance fixes the problem.

Will an Insurance Inspector Maintain My LEV System?

Not usually.

Some insurance or engineering inspection providers will carry out statutory examinations and identify defects, but they may not carry out practical maintenance such as replacing filters, clearing blockages, cleaning housings or fitting airflow indicators.

That can leave employers with a report in hand but a system that still needs work.

You are also not automatically required to use your insurer for statutory examinations. The key requirement is that the person carrying out the work is competent.

If your LEV report mentions poor airflow, blocked ducting, damaged filters, missing indicators or required remedial action, you still need to make sure those issues are dealt with.

Why Airflow Indicators Matter

One of the main reasons LEV systems stop controlling exposure properly is reduced airflow.

That can be caused by:

  • Blocked filters
  • Dust build-up in ducting
  • Damaged hoses or ductwork
  • Poorly seated filter bags
  • Fan or motor issues
  • Changes to the process or hood position

A simple airflow indicator can help supervisors and operators spot when airflow has dropped before the next formal examination.

Airflow indicators do not replace maintenance or a Thorough Examination and Test, but they can make performance issues easier to identify during normal use.

What Should You Do If Your LEV Is Not Extracting Properly?

If workers are reporting poor extraction, visible dust, fumes escaping, unusual noises or weak airflow, do not ignore it just because the system has been inspected recently.

Start by checking:

  • Whether the latest LEV report lists defects or recommendations
  • Whether filters are blocked, damaged or overdue replacement
  • Whether ducts, hoses or hoods are damaged or blocked
  • Whether airflow indicators are fitted and showing adequate flow
  • Whether the process has changed since the last examination
  • Whether users have been trained to carry out basic checks

If there is any doubt, arrange for a competent LEV provider to inspect the system and advise whether maintenance, remedial work or re-testing is required.

Velocity Safety provides LEV Thorough Examination and Testing, practical defect reporting and support with remedial actions for dust and fume extraction systems across the UK.

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

What Information Should You Gather Before Calling an LEV Provider?

Before asking for help, it is useful to gather:

  • Your latest LEV Thorough Examination and Test report
  • Any notes on defects, reduced airflow or remedial actions
  • Photos of the extraction unit, filters, hoods and ducting
  • Details of the process being controlled
  • Details of the dust, fume or contaminant being extracted
  • Any recent maintenance records or filter changes

This helps a competent provider understand whether the issue is likely to need maintenance, remedial work, re-testing or a wider review of the system.

Need Help With LEV Inspection or Maintenance Issues?

If your LEV system has poor airflow, blocked filters, ducting issues or unresolved inspection findings, Velocity Safety can help identify what needs to happen next.

📞 Call: 01254 933 486
📩 Email: info@velocitysafety.co.uk
🌐 Or get a quote online | book LEV testing

We provide LEV Thorough Examination and Testing, airflow checks, defect reporting and practical support for extraction systems across the UK.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about LEV inspections, maintenance, insurance inspections, airflow indicators and COSHH compliance.

Is LEV inspection the same as LEV maintenance?

No. LEV inspection checks whether the system is performing as intended and controlling exposure. LEV maintenance is the practical upkeep needed to keep the system working properly, such as filter replacement, cleaning, blockage clearance and repairs.

How often should LEV be inspected?

Most LEV systems should be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. Some processes may need more frequent examination depending on the risk, use and substances involved.

Does an LEV inspection include filter replacement?

Not always. Some inspection providers will identify filter issues but will not replace filters or carry out maintenance during the inspection. You should check what is included before booking the work.

Can an LEV system pass inspection but still need maintenance?

Yes. A system may still need cleaning, filter changes, blockage clearance or airflow improvements even after an inspection. The inspection report should be reviewed carefully and any recommendations should be acted on.

Do insurance inspectors repair LEV systems?

Usually not. Insurance or engineering inspectors may carry out examinations and report on defects, but they may not complete practical maintenance, repairs or remedial work. Employers still need to ensure any issues are resolved.

Are airflow indicators legally required on LEV systems?

Airflow indicators are not always a specific legal requirement, but employers must have a way to check that LEV performance is being maintained. Airflow indicators are a practical way to help operators and supervisors spot reduced airflow.

What should I do if workers say the LEV is not extracting properly?

Check the latest inspection report, filters, ducting, hoods, airflow indicators and any recent process changes. If the problem is not obvious, ask a competent LEV provider to inspect the system and advise what remedial work is needed.

What should be included in an LEV inspection checklist?

An LEV inspection checklist should usually cover hoods, ducts, filters, fans, discharge points, airflow measurements, intended operating performance, defects, recommendations and whether the system is adequately controlling exposure. The exact checklist depends on the type of LEV system and the process being controlled.

Can Velocity Safety help with LEV inspection and maintenance issues?

Yes. Velocity Safety provides LEV Thorough Examination and Testing, airflow checks, defect reporting and practical advice for dust and fume extraction systems across the UK.

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