LEV Testing
We provide LEV testing and services across the UK for all industries. Our BOHS-certified technicians (P601, P602, P603 & P604) have extensive expertise in LEV testing, system design, installation, and commissioning, ensuring top-quality service.
LEV Requirements
Why does my business need LEV testing?
LEV testing is a legal requirement to protect workers from hazardous airborne substances like fumes, dust, oil mist, and vapors. A local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system effectively removes these risks from the workplace. Regular testing is affordable and ensures peace of mind for both employers and employees.
Following HSE guidelines is crucial for staff safety. Companies that fail to comply may receive warnings and, if uncorrected, face fines. The HSE conducts random workplace inspections across the UK daily to ensure worker protection.
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We cover the whole of the UK with our nationwide technicians
LEV FAQs
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Got a question about LEV? We have the answer...
LEV testing is a legal requirement. Regulation 9 of the COSHH regulations state that LEV systems and equipment must be tested, monitored and maintained to ensure they are in good working order.
LEV Testing Specialists
What is LEV Testing?
LEV testing is a thorough examination of dust and fume control systems to ensure they effectively protect workers from harmful airborne substances. It involves checking the condition of ducts, hoods, and filters, measuring system performance, and assessing overall functionality.
Specialized instruments like anemometers, manometers, pitot tubes, smoke testers, beam torches, fan rotation tools, and particle counters are used to ensure accurate results.
We will provide you with a comprehensive LEV report that complies with COSHH regulations and HSE guidance (HSG258), this includes:
- Details of the hazardous substance used
- Details of the process
- Identification of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
- Labelling of test points and capture hoods
- Reference to ATEX/DSEAR
- Hood capture distance (Fletcher’s Nomogram calculation)
- Operator training (if required)
- Methodology
- Schematic drawings
- System photos
- Defects and recommendations table
- Action priority levels
- Instrument calibration
Full compliance guaranteed
All LEV tests comply with HSE requirements, and we’ll provide recommendations if your system doesn’t meet the required standards.
Our qualified technicians can carry out any necessary repairs, and our LEV System Design Team is available to assess whether modifications, upgrades, or a new system are needed.
LEV Testing Costs
How much does LEV testing cost?
The cost of LEV testing greatly depends on the size of your extraction system. If you have numerous extraction points within a large system, you can expect to pay the higher end of the pricing structure.
However, a small system that consists of just one extraction point, can be tested from as little as £250, depending on varying factors.
Costs can be higher if you use a testing company that doesn’t offer local service, but as we have LEV testing technicians located across the UK, we are able to keep our costs as low as possible.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
Employers must ensure LEV systems are tested (TExT) at least once every 14 months to comply with COSHH Regulations. They must also keep equipment in good working order and maintain records of tests and repairs for at least five years.
We cam assist with:
- LEV Testing – Thorough examination and testing (TExT)
- LEV system maintenance and monitoring
- LEV system design and installation
LEV Testing FAQs
Browse our FAQs to find out more about LEV Testing
Why do I need LEV Testing?
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play a crucial role in workplace safety by removing airborne dust and fumes. According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), these systems must be regularly monitored and maintained to ensure they function properly. Keeping your LEV system compliant helps protect employees from harmful substances.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducts random workplace inspections across the UK. Businesses must follow the correct procedures to safeguard their staff. If a company fails to meet HSE guidelines, it will receive advice on corrective actions—failure to comply can result in fines.
Annual LEV testing is a simple, low-cost step that ensures compliance and protects workers from hazardous exposure. There’s no reason to skip it!
What is involved in an LEV Test?
An LEV test is a thorough inspection of your extraction system, including ducts, hoods, and filters.
It also measures technical performance and assesses the system’s working conditions. All tests follow HSE regulations, and if your LEV system doesn’t meet the required standards, we will provide recommendations to bring it up to compliance.
What are the LEV regulations?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations, including those related to dust and fume exposure under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
COSHH Regulation 9 requires companies to prevent, control, maintain, and monitor dust and fume exposure. Employers providing Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems must ensure they are kept in good working order, properly maintained, and clean.
Key requirements:
- LEV systems must be thoroughly inspected and tested at least once every 14 months (or every 6 months in some cases).
- Records of these tests must be kept for at least five years.
For more details, contact us today.
Is an airflow indicator required on an LEV System?
While airflow indicators are not a legal requirement, employers must ensure their LEV system operates at the appropriate standard. A drop in airflow—caused by duct damage, material buildup, or other issues—can make the system ineffective, putting employees at risk.
Airflow indicators provide an instant visual check that airflow is properly controlled and maintained, giving employers confidence that their workforce is protected. HSE’s LEV guidance (HSG258) recommends airflow indicators as the only method for immediately detecting airflow issues.
Will LEV systems be labelled after testing?
Yes, our examiners will label your LEV system after every test.
While not a legal requirement, COSHH regulations state that employers must maintain LEV performance and conduct thorough examinations at least once every 14 months.
Labels provide a clear record of when the last inspection took place and when the next one is due. They also alert employers, supervisors, and operators if a system has failed—ensuring necessary action is taken promptly.
Why are LEV hoods labelled after testing?
HSE guidance recommends labeling each tested LEV hood with a test record. This ensures the label is clearly visible to supervisors and operators, allowing them to easily check the system’s inspection status.
Why are red "failed" labels placed on LEV Hoods?
HSE guidance recommends placing a red “failed” label on any LEV hood that does not pass the test. This ensures supervisors and operators are immediately aware of the failure.
The label can be applied by our examiners with the employer’s agreement or issued to the responsible person. It is accompanied by a short emergency report detailing the fault and necessary corrective actions.
Once repairs are completed, an examiner must recheck the system to confirm it effectively controls hazardous exposure. Only then can the failed label be removed.
LEV Legal Responsibilities
Employer FAQs
Why does my LEV system need to be examined and tested?
Health and safety laws require employers to assess risks from hazardous substances and take action to protect workers.
If your workplace uses a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system to control dust, fumes, or vapours, it must be properly maintained to ensure ongoing protection. Additionally, a thorough examination and test (TExT) of the system is required at least once every 14 months.
What is the purpose of an LEV examination?
The examination ensures your LEV system is working properly and keeping your employees safe.
Who conducts the examination and what are their responsibilities?
Our examiners are highly trained professionals with the knowledge, qualifications, and experience to perform a thorough LEV system examination and test.
Using information from your system’s installation, they assess whether it still meets the required performance standards. The report you receive will clearly state if your system is compliant or if any issues need to be addressed, along with recommended actions.
As an employer, it’s important to:
- Read and understand the report.
- Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Take action on any recommendations to ensure your LEV system remains effective.
What should be included in an LEV examination report?
Our examiners follow HSE Approved Code of Practice guidelines to ensure the report includes key details, such as the system’s performance compared to its intended design. This report serves as a legally compliant record of your LEV examination and test.
You’re in safe hands
Customer reviews
LEV experts
“I would like to commend your LEV assessor that visited our site this week. He had a very professional attitude to his job and was very patient in answering all questions that where asked of him by way of LEV auditing/testing and compliance. An impressive reflection on the service that you provide as a company…”
HSE-ISO Manager, Packaging manufacturer – Birmingham
“Your engineers were brilliant! Courteous, polite, professional and a pleasure to work with. We now have a happy building user and I am happy!…”
Project Officer, Ministry of Defence – Larkhill
“Thank you so much, we really appreciate it. It’s been a real pleasure to work with you, and we will definitely be using you in the future.”
Trish Cartwright – Limbtex
“Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thanks for yesterday and pass on my thanks to Kam too, he didn’t stop grafting all day and did a really good job of keeping the powder to a minimum, very impressed with the service all round.”
David Tierney – Protein Works
“Credit, where credit is due, the overall experience of working with you has been great and we can’t fault your professionalism. Thank your engineer for turning up on time today in a polite and experienced manner, something in the industry you don’t see much of anymore.”
Paul Humphreys – Service Supervisor, D Wardle Plant Ltd
Working with industry organisations...
A message from our Operations Director
Our team of LEV technicians and service engineers are second to none and do us proud daily. We guarantee you an outstanding service from start to finish!
Tony Bosworth
Operations Director
View the following HSE documents for more information:
HSG258 – Controlling airborne contaminants at work
INDG408 – Clearing the air – A simple guide to buying LEV
INDG409 – Time to clear the air: A workers pocket guide
INDG136 – Working with substances hazardous to health
EH40:2005 – Workplace Exposure Limits
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Your one stop shop
Why choose Impact
We are your one-stop-shop for all of your workplace dust, fume, vapour and oil mist extraction requirements.
We provide an unrivalled LEV testing, LEV system design, installation and maintenance service which is complemented with a wide range of dust, fume and oil mist extraction products, consumables, spares and parts.
Experienced
30 years of nationwide coverage
Qualified
P601, P602, P603, P604 qualified LEV technicians
Outstanding Service
We have a high percentage of returning customers
Expertise
Experts in LEV project management
Warranty
12 month warranty on all installations