Your Complete Guide to Workplace LEV Systems & Safety Compliance

What is LEV?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a vital engineering control that effectively captures airborne contaminants — like gases, vapours, dusts, fumes, and mists — at their source, protecting your workforce.

How an LEV System Works & The Law

An LEV system typically uses a hood, ducting, air cleaner, and fan to capture and filter harmful airborne substances.

LEV Law: Your Responsibilities

• Assess Risks: You must assess risks from hazardous substances (dusts, fumes, vapours, etc.) and protect worker health.
• Periodic Tests: Conduct a thorough examination and test (TExT) of your LEV system at least every 14 months. Keep records for at least 5 years.
• System Information: Maintain documentation on your LEV system throughout its lifespan to confirm adequate protection.

Purpose of an LEV Examination

A Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) verifies your LEV system's continued effectiveness, ensuring it still protects employees' health and provide the examiner with system performance data (e.g., hood type, position, airflow) for an accurate assessment.

Who can undertake the LEV Examination

LEV examinations require specialist skills. While in-house options exist, most businesses hire competent external specialists. The examiner verifies performance using your system's data, providing a clear report outlining compliance and necessary corrective actions.

It is important that you:

• Read and understand your TExT report.
• Ask the examiner questions if anything is unclear.
• Act promptly on the report's recommendations.

What should be included in an LEV Examination

The law requires statutory Thorough Examination and Testing by a competent person. The TExT report should be detailed and have a prioritised list of any remedial actions for the employer. The HSE guidance HSG258 advises on report content, including intended operating performance. Following this guidance helps to ensure compliance.

Our LEV Examination engineers hold P601, P602, and P604 certifications and possess calibration certificates for all testing equipment, guaranteeing reliable results.