Why is it so important for companies to ensure their LEV systems are tested by a competent person at least once every 14 months?

COSHH regulations require regular LEV testing, and some applications demand testing more frequently. HSE can prosecute companies for non-compliance. The cost of regular testing is minor compared to the consequences of regulatory fines.

Presumably, employers should be doing everything they can to provide a safe and clean working environment?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers must ensure the safety and welfare of their employees. A clean workplace improves safety, reduces illness, boosts morale, and maintains product quality.

COSHH regulations have been in place for more than 30 years now – do all manufacturers realise that regular LEV testing is a legal requirement?

Not all do. Some assume installation is enough without routine maintenance. This indicates a lack of awareness. The HSE sends regular bulletins to improve compliance awareness.

What is the main reason for companies requesting LEV Testing?

Requests are usually split between legal compliance and employee complaints about air quality — both highlight the importance of regular testing.

Why is it important for LEV systems to be tested regularly?

Regular tests identify airflow or performance issues, like blocked filters or damaged ducting. This ensures the system is functioning as intended and protects employee health.

What other factors can affect the performance of an LEV System?

Operator interference and poor filter maintenance are common issues. Employees might switch off systems to reduce noise. Regular servicing is crucial to catch such problems early.

The HSE states that LEV Testing must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ - why is this so important?

Experienced testers can identify risks beyond the basic test scope. For example, ATEX directives may require additional safety measures like explosion relief panels, which might be overlooked by untrained personnel.

What does the HSE mean by ‘competent’?

Competency involves a combination of training, experience, skills, and knowledge to safely perform tasks. Attitude and physical ability also play a role.

How can Filtermist prove its LEV Engineers are competent?

All engineers hold BOHS qualifications: P600, P601, and many also hold P602 and P604. They also bring over 20 years of field experience.

What does a HSE compliant LEV test report look like?

It includes test details, system photos, performance data, recommendations, pass/fail status, inspector statements, safety documents, and follow-up schedules.

How long does an LEV test take to carry out?

It varies by system complexity and accessibility. Initial visits take longer due to risk assessments and documentation, while follow-ups are quicker if no setup has changed.

Does the LEV test interrupt production?

Usually not. Testing is designed to work around your schedule, including evenings or weekends if needed.

Is cost another reason why people put off regular LEV testing?

Yes. Some small businesses see it as avoidable, but the cost per employee is minimal compared to potential fines or health risks.

Filtermist is known for its oil mist extraction systems – do you only provide LEV Testing for oil mist filters?

No. Filtermist tests all types of LEV systems including those for dust, fumes, smoke, and VOCs — regardless of brand.

In conclusion, why is it so important for anyone with an LEV system to have them regularly tested?

To protect workers from airborne contaminants and to avoid legal action from HSE.

LEV Testing for UK manufacturers of all sizes

Q: How often do I need LEV testing?

LEV systems must be tested every 14 months. This is a legal requirement under COSHH regulations and applies to all forms of extraction systems. Testing must be performed by a competent person in accordance with HSE standards, particularly HSG258.

Q: What equipment is required to perform an LEV test?

Equipment includes: Manometer, pitot tube, hotwire anemometer, rotating vane anemometer, rotation sensor, Tyndall Beam Lamp, smoke generator, LEV test labels, clearance time labels, and capture distance labels.

Achieve COSHH compliance with our expert LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing services. Our nationwide team of P601 qualified LEV engineers provide COSHH compliant LEV TExTs in accordance with HSG258 guidance to ensure your LEV extraction systems are working properly and comply with health and safety regulations.

Book a comprehensive LEV Test with one of our LEV Engineers today:

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Why work with Filtermist for LEV Testing?

As a UK manufacturer, we understand how important it is to maintain mechanical equipment including LEV systems and to adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.

Our experienced LEV engineers all hold P601 certification as a minimum and provide COSHH compliant LEV Testing for oil mist filters, dust extraction systems, welding fume extraction and much more for small businesses and large organisations across the UK.

Filtermist is approved by SafeContractor meaning you can be confident our LEV Testing service meets the highest standards of health and safety.

Every Filtermist LEV engineer is supported by our dedicated Aftermarket Team which can arrange for replacement spares or consumables to be swiftly supplied and fitted if required to keep production downtime to a minimum.

Following each LEV Test, you’ll receive a comprehensive LEV Test report that includes detailed information, photos, comments and recommendations for improvements if needed. Find out more about our LEV Test Procedure and Test Report

Contact our team now to request a quote for P601 LEV Testing

What is LEV testing?

LEV Testing is the process of thoroughly inspecting and evaluating a local exhaust ventilation system against the commissioning report’s performance, industry standards, and HSE guidelines. It includes airflow and pressure measurements, as well as checks on the effectiveness of contamination exposure control. All equipment, including hoods, filters and ducts, is also subject to additional inspections.

According to the HSE, 12,000 lung disease deaths each year are estimated to be linked to past exposures at work. This has led to increasingly stringent guidelines and statutory requirements for Local Exhaust Ventilation.

HSE published the third edition of HSG258 ‘Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)’ in 2017. This guide provides guidance on the design of new local exhaust ventilation (LEV) equipment. It describes the principles of deciding on, designing, commissioning and testing effective LEV.

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LEV frequently asked questions

What is an LEV system & why is it important?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems capture, contain and treat air contaminated with oil mist, fume, smoke and dust at source before it has an opportunity to escape into the wider working environment. LEV systems include a hood (or multiple hoods), ducting, a filter, a fan and a discharge mechanism.

An LEV system is a critical line of defense for your employees against exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. Effective LEV systems contribute to a cleaner and healthier working environment by removing contaminants from the air.

Clearing the air: A simple guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

How often do I need LEV testing?

LEV systems must be tested at least once every 14 months by a competent person.

Regular LEV testing by a competent person is a legal requirement of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.

This applies to all oil mist, welding fume, smoke and dust extraction units that you currently have on site. Any new LEV system must be commissioned & tested to ensure they're working correctly.

This examination must be undertaken by a competent person and the tests and reports must conform to HSE standards. HSG258 provides the recommended procedures to achieve these statutory requirements.

LEV Considerations

LEV testing should be carried out at least once every 14 months.
Some applications require more frequent testing.
Tests must be undertaken by a competent person.
The test report may form part of a company's insurance requirement.

What equipment is required to perform an LEV test?

Manometer / pitot tube
Hotwire anemometer
Rotating vane anemometer
Rotation sensor (optional, useful piece of equipment)
Tyndall Beam Lamp
Smoke Generator suitable to fill an oil mist enclosure.
LEV Test Labels
Clearance time Labels
Capture distance Labels

Our LEV testing procedure

Filtermist will LEV test, check and quantify a system's performance with these testing methods.

Review of RAMS
Review of previous LEV test / Commissioning Report / Service Schedule
Review of the working practice and process
Visual or Borescope Off line inspections of the Motor, Filters & body
Visual or Borescope inspections of external and internal ducting condition
Fan / motor rotation check
Face velocity tests
In duct velocity and pressure tests. (Rigid only, not flexible ducting in line with BOHS standards)
Negative pressure tests
F Monitor / pressure gauge recording
Oil drainage correct. (hoses connected, no droops in flex)
Smoke Clearance time test
Indicative particle count test
Capture distance calculation
Air change calculation ACH

Only the above tests specific to the system being tested will then quantify the system's performance and control the exposure of the harmful contaminate from the personnel to a level as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

LEV Reports

Filtermist LEV Test Reports are comprised of five sections:

Introduction
The examination and testing procedure
Results and discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations

Supplementary to these sections is a one page system appraisal, workshop schematics, detailed measurement data and a full breakdown of the equipment used in the examination of the workplace.

This report can be used to form part of a company's insurance requirement and copies should be kept for a period of five years.

Our expert engineer performing an LEV Test

LEV Testing FAQs

Why is it so important for companies to ensure their LEV systems are tested by a competent person at least once every 14 months?

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations state this is a legal requirement, however testing frequency varies depending on the application – some applications require testing as often as once a month. Full details can be found on page 85 of HSG258 ‘Controlling airborne contaminants at work A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)’.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has extensive powers – it can prosecute companies if they fail to comply with improvement orders which can result in hefty fines. From a responsible employer’s point of view, it is common sense. The financial outlay of regular testing is minimal when compared to the fines that can be incurred through a HSE prosecution.

HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

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Presumably, employers should be doing everything they can to provide a safe and clean working environment?
Employers have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as follows:

(1) It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular—

(a) the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;

In addition to fulfilling legal requirements, ensuring a clean, safe workplace also has a number of other benefits:
- It can help to attract and retain employees
- Help to lower cleaning bills
- Reduce hazards associated with a build-up of airborne particles such as dust and oil mist particles
- Increase productivity by reducing days lost to worker ill-health
- Help to maintain product quality
HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

Time to clear the air! A workers' pocket guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

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COSHH regulations have been in place for more than 30 years now – do all manufacturers realise that regular LEV testing is a legal requirement?

Filtermist engineers have visited lots of premises where an extraction system has been installed and effectively ‘that box has been ticked’, but there is no routine maintenance or testing in place to ensure it is performing as intended. This indicates there is still a lack of awareness regarding ongoing obligations under COSHH. The HSE sends out regular LEV ebulletins which contain a variety of information on LEV and COSHH compliance. Follow this link to sign up: www.hse.gov.uk

HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

Download our LEV Testing Flyer
What is the main reason for companies requesting LEV Testing?

In Filtermist’s experience, it is fairly evenly split between the requirement to comply with HSE regulations and complaints from employees. They start coughing and spluttering because they are breathing in contaminated air and it soon becomes apparent what the cause is.

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Why is it important for LEV systems to be tested regularly?

Regular airflow readings can identify any problems with the system’s performance. Blocked or saturated filters, or damaged ducting can impact on the extraction capability - meaning the system is less able to cope with the volume of air which needs cleaning. The test records the current reading as well as results from previous tests, or the original design requirement. The inspector can cross reference all of the data to ensure the system is operating as intended.

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What other factors can affect the performance of an LEV System?

Operator interference is one of the main issues Filtermist engineers encounter. Employees may switch off an extraction system to reduce noise levels, not realising the important role it has in protecting them from exposure to harmful contaminants. Filter condition is also a significant factor which is why it is important to undertake regular servicing – that way any issues with the filter can be identified before they start affecting the system’s performance.

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The HSE states that LEV Testing must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ - why is this so important?

From the outside LEV Testing looks like quite a simple task, but if the person undertaking the test has a significant amount of industry experience they can sometimes spot other things which may be raised should the HSE pay you a visit. For example, whilst not strictly part of the LEV test, the ATEX directive states that explosion relief panels should be used in processes that generate highly explosive aluminium dust. Companies may think that by installing an LEV system they are adhering to COSHH regulations, but there are a number of other factors which should also be considered to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

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HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
What does the HSE mean by ‘competent’?

The HSE’s November 2020 LEV ebulletin focusses on this issue:

Competency is ‘….the combination of training, skills, experience and knowledge that a person has, and their ability to apply them to perform a task safely. Other factors, such as attitude and physical ability, can also affect someone’s competence.’

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HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
How can Filtermist prove its LEV Engineers are competent?

All of Filtermist’s LEV and Service Engineers have successfully undertaken the BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Association) P600 qualification ‘Methods for Testing the Performance of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems’, and all LEV Engineers have completed P601 ‘Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems’. A number of our team also hold P602 ‘Basic Design Principles of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems’ and P604 ‘Performance Evaluation, Commissioning and Management of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems’ qualifications.

In addition to professional qualifications, Filtermist’s engineers have extensive industry experience – some of our colleagues have been employed in this field for more than 20 years.

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What does a HSE compliant LEV test report look like?
The reports that Filtermist issues are legal documents which consist of the following:
- Full company details and date of test
- Details of the substance/process being controlled
- A photo of the LEV system being tested or a schematic drawing
- Test data including water gauge static pressure, velocity in m/sec and volume flow rate
- Readings from all extraction points
- Improvement recommendations
- Pass / fail
- Inspector’s statement of competency
- Safety policy
- Method statement
- Risk assessment
- Report observations
- Details of next recommended visit
NB: It’s important to remember that if HSE asks for a copy of the report, you must supply the whole document – not just the sheet with the test results as it won’t mean anything without the rest of the report.

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HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
How long does an LEV test take to carry out?

The length of time it takes to carry out an LEV Test varies depending on factors including the accessibility of the system, and the type of installation it is. The first visit is always the longest as the Filtermist engineer will complete a risk assessment form, take photos of the systems that need testing and record all of the other details needed for the report. If nothing has changed in terms of the system set-up, the time it takes to carry out subsequent tests dramatically decreases.

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Does the LEV test interrupt production?

No, LEV Testing does not normally interrupt production as most installations use extraction hoods. Filtermist engineers work around customers’ needs and we can schedule a weekend or evening service if there are any reasons why the testing can’t be carried out in normal working hours.

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Is cost another reason why people put off regular LEV testing?

In Filtermist’s experience, cost can be a reason why people delay regular testing – some smaller companies think it’s an unnecessary cost which they can get away with not paying. However, when you look at the cost per employee it’s a relatively small price to pay to protect workers and stay within the law. For example, for a company with 20 LEV systems and 60 employees, LEV testing through Filtermist works out at just over £12.50 per employee, per year - just £1.04 per person, per month.

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Filtermist is known for its oil mist extraction systems – do you only provide LEV Testing for oil mist filters?

No. Filtermist’s dedicated LEV Engineers provide COSHH compliant testing for all makes and models of LEV equipment used to remove oil mist, dust, fume, smoke and VOCs from workplace air. All LEV systems operate in the same fundamental way and the equipment we use is suitable for all types of LEV system.

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In conclusion, why is it so important for anyone with an LEV system to have them regularly tested?
Regular LEV Testing is crucial for two reasons:
1. 1. To protect employees from the health risks associated with exposure to airborne contaminants
2. 2. To protect employers from HSE prosecution.
Download our LEV Testing Flyer