LEV Testing

WHAT IS LEV TESTING?

LEV stands for Local Exhaust Ventilation. This term relates to the control of dust or fumes, for example, in an extraction system. LEV systems should be tested regularly to ensure that it provides adequate protection for the workers in line with LEV regulations.

According to government legislation HSG258, LEV testing should take place once in every 14 month period and the tests should be held on file for 5 years. The LEV inspection should check that all hoods are capturing sufficiently and that there are no leaks or blockages which may allow harmful contaminated air into the workspace.

As an employer, it is of utmost importance that you ensure that your local exhaust ventilation system is compliant with all LEV regulations. Failure to do so could compromise the safety of your staff and also result in prosecution or the invalidation of insurance policies.

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Air Velocity

Using strategically placed test points throughout the duct system, we check that the in-duct velocities meet the standards set out in HSG258

HSG-258

We use the guidance set out in HSG258 legislation to evaluate your system during a LEV test to ensure it complies with the relevant standards

Effective Capture

The LEV test will outline which hoods are capturing effectively and which may need to be improved, in some cases a design review may be necessary

System Design

A P601 qualified LEV test engineer can help with design reviews, improvements or maintenance routines to bring your system up to standard

Damage & Leaks

During LEV testing, our qualified engineer will highlight any leaks or faults that may be causing unnecessary exposure to your employees

WHAT DOES LEV TESTING INCLUDE?

Any system that is designed to protect an operator requires an examination at least once in every 14 month period. To make this easy to plan, we recommend that these be conducted annually. This should cover any welding fume, smoke, or dust extraction systems. Our LEV testing examinations include an in-duct velocity and static pressure test, an assessment of each machines’ capture capability and a full written report for your records.

Testing Regulations

Since the HSE released a report on Occupational Lung Disease in Great Britain in 2017, there has been increased awareness of the importance of LEV testing, which led to stricter guidance and legislation. CoSHH regulations require your LEV equipment to be tested at least once every 14 months to protect your workers and keep your staff safe.

The HSE published detailed LEV guidance in their third edition of HSG258 in 2017, which provides information on the design, commission and testing of LEV equipment to ensure safety. We at Extraction Solutions work in strict accordance with the HSE legislation and can provide reliable and qualified LEV testing services.

As well as LEV testing, we also provide practical recommendations to improve your extraction system so it better complies with regulations and is less likely to become a risk in the near future. We work to ensure the health and safety of your staff members.

LEV TESTING FAQs

What does LEV stand for?

LEV stands for local exhaust ventilation. LEV is a control measure for engineering which is designed to help limit workers’ exposure to airborne contaminants within the workplace. This includes contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapour, mist and gas. The idea is that through LEV, emissions can be captured and contained at the source and then transported to a safe emission point.

According to the government legislation set out in HSG258 LEV guidance, sufficient LEV testing should be conducted on all local exhaust ventilation systems at least once every 14 months. These tests and their results should be held on file for 5 years. Employers are responsible for maintaining all of the LEV systems on their business premises in line with CoSHH and LEV regulations.

How often should LEV be inspected?

Local Exhaust Ventilation systems should be inspected and tested once every 14 months in line with government legislation.