Optimising Workplace Safety: Assessing and Testing Local Exhaust Ventilation System
Local Exhaust Ventilation systems are a type of engineering control measure to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fume, vapours or gases often caused from a process in a variety of workplaces.
Ensuring the system is providing adequate control of the hazardous contaminant by thoroughly examining and testing the system is important to prevent ill health, HSE enforcement, potential prosecution and liability claims.
Examples of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems we can Thoroughly Examine and Test are:
- Capture Hoods
- Sack tipping stations
- Fume Cabinets and Fume cupboards
- Portable Dust extraction units (L, M & H Class)
- Spray Booths
- Various partial enclosure systems
- Canopy Hoods
- On tool extraction systems
- Welding torch extraction systems
- And many more……
How often does it need to be done?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 Regulation 9(2)(a) states “The Employer shall ensure that thorough examination and testing of those controls is carried out in the case of local exhaust ventilation systems at least every 14 months”.
Schedule 4 of the COSHH regulations reduce that frequency if the following processes are carried out:
| Process | Minimum frequency of LEV TExT |
|---|---|
| Jute cloth manufacture | 1 month |
| Processes in which blasting is carried out in or incidental to the cleaning of metal castings, in connection with their manufacture. | 1 month |
| Processes giving off dust of fume in which non-ferrous metal castings are produced. | 6 month |
| Processes, other than wet processes, in which metal articles (other than of gold, platinum or iridium) are ground, abraded or polished using mechanical power, in any room for more than 12 hours in any week. | 6 month |
Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance is generally required at an interval set by the manufacturer or supplier of the system. It is often missed, not carried out or overlooked by owners of LEV systems. This is in addition to the thorough examination and test (TExT).
Our LEV Testing Process – Thorough, Compliant, Efficient
Whether you operate a small extraction hood or a multi-branch system, our LEV testing process ensures you’re COSHH-compliant and your workers are protected.
1. System Identification & Review
We log all LEV systems, components, and control measures. We’ll review previous reports (if available) and confirm the system type, design purpose, and risk level.
2. Visual & Physical Inspection
Our BOHS P601 engineers inspect each part of the system – hoods, ducting, filters, fans – for damage, wear, and suitability.
3. Technical Testing & Measurements
We measure air velocities, static pressure, velocity pressure and capture effectiveness using calibrated instruments, ensuring each point meets its intended operating design specification.
4. Performance Assessment
Data is benchmarked against HSE standards (HSG258) and the original system design. We assess whether the system is effectively controlling airborne contaminants.
5. Certification & Reports
You’ll receive a detailed report with satisfactory or unsatisfactory status, measurement data, photos, and clear remedial actions (if required). Certificates are issued for each system.
If your system fails, we’ll break down the cause and advise on clear corrective actions – fast and to the point.
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for Local Exhaust Ventilation Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) requirements
- Our engineers are BOHS P601 qualified in Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems.
- Over 12 years experience in the health and safety industry.
- Fully demonstrate compliance with the COSHH Regulations 2002 Schedule 4.
- We carry out LEV thorough and examination and testing TExT in accordance with HSG 258 Controlling airborne contaminants at work.
- Fully Insured.
- We use fully calibrated rotating vane anemometers, manometers and Hot wire thermos anemometers to ensure any readings are accurate.
- Our reports fully comply with the COSHH regulations and HSG258.
What Others Say About Us…
From woodworking shops to chemical labs – clients trust us to keep their extraction systems HSE-compliant and fully documented.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
FAQs – LEV Thorough Examination & Testing
LEV systems play a critical role in protecting your workforce. Here’s what employers often ask us:
Is LEV testing a legal requirement?
Yes. COSHH Regulation 9 requires thorough examination and testing of all LEV systems at least once in every 14 month period. Unless the process is included within Schedule 4 of COSHH Regulations it may be monthly or 6 monthly dependent on the process.
How do I know if my system is compliant?
A compliant system will meet its design specifications for airflow and capture velocity, and will have current TExT report.
Do I need to test every extraction point?
Yes. Each hood, duct, and capture point must be individually tested and logged – especially in multi-branch systems.
What happens if my system fails?
We’ll explain the issue clearly and recommend next steps – whether it’s cleaning, repair, rebalancing, or component replacement.
Can you test specialist systems?
Yes. We test everything from woodworking extract to welding fume, soldering booths, spray booths and fume cupboards.
How long does LEV testing take?
That depends on system complexity.
Can you retest after repairs?
Yes – we offer post-remedial testing to ensure the system is safe and now compliant.
What if I don’t have system drawings or past reports?
No problem it is possible to retrospectively commission systems in alot of cases.
Will the testing disrupt operations?
Minimal. We can work around your shift patterns and isolate parts of the system to reduce downtime.
Do you provide LEV Testing near me?
Yes. Our Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing service is available throughout the UK. In the North West, we work regularly with manufacturers in Blackpool, Chorley and Greater Manchester – ensuring extraction systems meet COSHH regulations. Whether you need a one-off test or ongoing assessments, we deliver HSE-compliant reporting nationwide.
Whatever your Local Exhaust Ventilation Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) requirements, you can be sure your in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Book Your LEV System Inspection
Keep your extraction systems legally compliant. We carry out thorough LEV testing in line with COSHH, including airflow checks, visual inspections and clear remedial guidance.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
