Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment by controlling employee exposure to hazardous airborne substances such as dust, fumes, and vapours.
To ensure they can continue to function effectively, employers have a legal duty to carry out regular inspections and maintenance on their LEV equipment.
Keep reading to learn more about LEV inspections, their importance, and how often they are required to protect workers and ensure regulatory compliance.
What Is LEV?
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are an engineering control measure designed to minimise airborne contaminants (dust, gas, fume, vapour, mist) in the workplace. By capturing emissions at the source and transporting them to a safe emission point or filter, LEV systems significantly reduce employee exposure to harmful substances.
There are several types of LEV systems, including:
- Standalone systems
- Chemical extraction
- Fume cupboards
- Dust extraction
- Weld extraction
- Spray booths
LEV systems are legally subject to ongoing thorough examination to achieve compliance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
See the full equipment safety checklist for more information on the items covered by COSHH.
COSHH: LEV Inspections
COSHH Regulations 2002 specify the responsibilities of employers to protect their employees when working with specific materials and substances. Under COSHH, any equipment that is used to remove dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants (LEV systems) in the workplace must be inspected to ensure they are in good working order.
LEV inspections are crucial for ensuring workers are protected from exposure to substances that may be dangerous to their health and well-being. They are also a legal requirement under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), making compliance essential for avoiding liability issues, reducing insurance costs, and improving morale and productivity.
Under HSE, a periodic thorough examination and test is required for all applicable LEV systems. This involves a detailed and systematic assessment using both qualitative and quantitative tests to ensure the LEV equipment can continue to perform as intended. It typically includes checking the condition of hoods, ductwork, airflow rates, filter maintenance, and more.
How Often Should LEV Be Inspected?
LEV systems should be inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure they remain effective. This includes daily pre-use checks, monthly and quarterly maintenance, and annual thorough examinations as specified under COSHH.
Regular Checks & Maintenance
Regular checks and maintenance can be carried out by an in-house employee, provided they are competent and normally work with LEV systems.
Daily – visual checks should be completed to identify any obvious signs of wear, damage, or obstructions, alongside operations checks for unusual noises or activity to verify that the system is functioning as expected.
Monthly – all air filters and ducts should be cleaned to ensure unobstructed airflow. This is also the recommended time to inspect moving parts, such as fans and motors, for signs of wear and lubricate as necessary.
Quarterly – inspections can be performed to assess the system’s efficiency using instruments such as anemometers or air quality monitors. Any components showing significant deterioration must be replaced at this stage.
Annual Thorough Examination
Thorough examinations of LEV systems are required by law under COSHH and must be conducted at least once every 14 months, or less depending on the harmful substances and process being used, i.e. shot blasting. Proof of passed LEV equipment must be kept on file for a minimum of 5 years. Breach of COSHH regulations is a crime and is punishable by an unlimited fine.
Carrying out a thorough examination and test of LEV systems requires certain knowledge, experience, and skills – and while a competent in-house employee could undertake this, most organisations partner with a specialist service provider, such as ISI.
The LEV examiner will use information about the equipment’s intended performance to undertake the appropriate tests to verify whether it is still effective for this demand. They will also provide a report of the results with recommendations for improvement.
LEV Inspections by ISI
Unsure if your LEV equipment is due for an inspection? ISI can help!
We offer comprehensive inspections, testing, and certification of LEV plant to meet COSHH compliance requirements. We will manage the full COSHH examination schedule and let you know well in advance when inspections are due.
See our LEV Inspection Services page for more information. Alternatively, please get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.