LEV Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LEV system?

A Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is used to remove airborne hazardous substances from within a working environment.

Why do you need an LEV test?

It is a legal requirement that all LEV systems are tested.

The Health and Safety at Work acts 1974 and regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health state that Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV’s) must be monitored and maintained to ensure it is in good working order including those that remove airborne dust and fumes.

There is a statutory requirement for your system to be tested at least once in every fourteen months and, in certain situations more frequently.

What are the LEV regulations?

The government body that is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations for related risks in the work place is the Health and Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk)

One of the key aspects of COSHH 2002 (Control of Substances Hazard to Health) regulations is dust and fume exposure. COSHH regulation 9 (www.hse.gov.uk/coshh) states that all companies must take steps to prevent, control, maintain and monitor for dust and fume exposure within the working environment.

What is the purpose of an examination and test?

The purpose of the examination is to ensure that your LEV system is working effectively & conforms to current H&S regulation.

All of our examiners are P601 accredited & have specialist knowledge, experience and skills to carry out a thorough examination and test of your LEV system.

What is your involvement during the testing?

During the examination all we ask is that we are informed of all of your in-house H&S requirements, any hazardous areas & substances & that you perform your day to day tasks the same as any other day, a coffee is always welcome.

Will your LEV system need to be turned off during the test - How will the LEV examination affect your production?

Yes, at some point during the examination the system being tested will need to be shut down, we will minimise any down time during the examination, the majority of the examination will be completed with the system running and this will not affect your production.

What will be contained in the LEV examination report?

The law states that a record of your LEV examination and test report should be kept safely. Our examiners follow HSE Approved Code of Practice guidelines when writing out the report and it will contain information such as the systems level of performance related to its intended performance. This report will be enough to comply with the legal requirements of keeping a record of your examination and test. (See sample report).

What is involved in a LEV test?

An LEV test will involve a complete inspection and examination of the LEV equipment and will also look at the working practices that involve the use of an LEV system, Air flow measurements within the LEV system and hood capture velocities also the technical performance and an assessment of the working condition of the LEV system. All examinations will be carried to HSE regulations, and Ducting Express Services will advise you of the recommendations needed should your LEV system not meet current regulations.

If your LEV system have been modified will it require a re-test?

Yes.

Do you need to contact us to book a re-test?

No - once we have completed an LEV examination we will contact you to inform you when the system is due for a re- test.

What if my system fails an LEV examination?

We will provide you with an LEV report giving the reasons for the systems failure, if required we can also provide you with a quotation for any works required to ensure your system conforms to current H&S regulations.