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Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing (LEV Testing)
What is LEV Testing?
LEV testing refers to the Thorough Examination and Testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation systems. It’s a legal requirement in the UK under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, specifically Regulation 9.
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What is a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system?
An LEV system is a form of engineering control used to capture harmful
substances, such as dust, fumes, vapours, and gases at their source
before they can be breathed in by workers. Common examples include:
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Fume cupboards
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Microbiological Safety Cabinets
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Welding fume extractors
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Dust extraction units in woodworking or pharmaceutical settings
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Spray booth ventilation
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What does LEV testing involve?
Our LEV testing service follows the guidance in HSG258 and the legal requirements under COSHH Regulation 9, delivering peace of mind that your system is operating safely and efficiently. The objective of testing is to detect significant defects and have them remedied to maintain control.​ A typical LEV test will include:
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Visual Inspection - We begin with a detailed visual check of your entire extraction system. This includes the hoods, ducting, filters, fan units, and discharge points. We're looking for signs of wear, damage, blockages, or incorrect setup, anything that could compromise performance or safety.
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Airflow & Performance Testing (quantitive) - Using precise instruments, we measure airflow rates, capture velocities, and static pressures to ensure your system is effectively capturing contaminants. These readings are compared against original design specs or accepted benchmarks to confirm the system is doing its job.
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Smoke Testing (qualitative) - We often carry out smoke or visualisation tests to demonstrate how well contaminants are being captured at the source. This provides a clear, visible check, especially useful for flexible arms and mobile extraction units.
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Filter & Component Checks - For systems with filters (such as HEPA or carbon units), we inspect for integrity, pressure drop, and condition. This ensures harmful particles aren’t escaping and that your filters are still performing as intended.
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Comprehensive Reporting - After testing, you’ll receive a full report that details our findings, including test results, system condition, and any remedial actions needed. This report helps you stay compliant, plan maintenance, and protect your workforce. Reports are retained for a minimum of five years, as required by law.
"Occupational lung disease accounts for around 12,000 deaths each year in the UK — many linked to workplace exposures that LEV systems are designed to control."
– Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Legislation and Guidance
The COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended) require employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to the health of employees which are exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. The COSHH Regulations require an employer to prevent exposure of employees to hazardous substances by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Where this is not reasonably practicable then measures should be implemented to ensure adequate control.
Where LEV equipment is used, thorough examinations and tests are generally required at least once every fourteen months. Schedule 4 of Regulation 9 (2)(a) of COSHH 2002 (as amended) states that certain processes and substances require greater frequency of testing and examination.
Why Choose Us for Your LEV Testing?
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Providing reliable service nationwide, wherever your operations are located.
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Backed by deep knowledge and years of experience in Microbiological Safety Cabinets.
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Whether you have a single extraction hood or a complex multi-point system, we provide reliable, professional LEV testing to help you stay compliant and protect your team.