LEV Testing Explained: What UK Businesses Need to Know

One of the neat things that we get to talk about at Catalyst for Business is how environmental laws affect everyday business practices. You will see that Local Exhaust Ventilation testing is an important part of meeting health and safety requirements while also protecting the environment.

A report from Recessary states that 40 percent of large UK businesses face hefty fines for greenwashing due to tightened consumer protection regulations. It is clear that this puts more pressure on companies to make sure their internal systems, such as LEV testing, meet the latest standards. Keep reading to learn more.

You can understand that many UK businesses struggle to abide by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environment Act 2021. There are frequent updates to these laws, and without regular testing of exhaust systems, it is difficult to remain compliant

Helen Horton of the Guardian stated in her article “The UK environmental protections dropped since Brexit” that the UK left EU Reach, which makes it harder for businesses to know which regulations to follow. You are going to find that this uncertainty makes regular LEV testing one of the few clear steps to protect workers and the public.

There are many benefits to LEV testing beyond avoiding fines. You can reduce workplace hazards by making sure harmful dust and fumes are properly removed. You are also building confidence among employees who see that their safety is being taken seriously.

It is common for companies to underestimate how quickly airborne pollutants accumulate in workshops and factories. There are major health risks linked to inadequate ventilation, and LEV testing is designed to uncover these problems before they become serious. You are going to realize that this makes a direct difference in protecting staff from long-term harm.

You will notice that regular testing also strengthens environmental accountability. There are expectations from regulators and customers alike that emissions are kept under control. It is through LEV testing that businesses can prove they are meeting these responsibilities rather than simply claiming compliance.

It is also worth pointing out that LEV testing is not a one-off requirement. You are expected to conduct tests at regular intervals, and there are legal consequences for failing to do so. You will see that by treating this as an ongoing process, businesses stay ahead of enforcement while protecting their reputation.

Every day, people across the UK step into workshops, factories, and labs where dust, fumes, and vapours are part of the job. Most of the time, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are quietly doing the hard work, capturing contaminants before they can be breathed in. But what if they fail?

The real danger is that poor air quality often goes unnoticed at first. Breathing difficulties, coughing, or wheezing can appear gradually, while long-term conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease develop silently in the background.

There is also a business risk. Systems without proper testing quickly fall out of compliance, exposing employers to enforcement action, costly penalties, and reputational harm. What seems like a routine oversight in maintenance can escalate into a serious liability.

But then, what is the best way to ensure the system is working at its best? The answer lies in LEV testing.

What is LEV Testing and Why Does it Matter?

LEV testing is the process of examining and measuring a Local Exhaust Ventilation system to confirm it captures hazardous substances effectively. During a test, a qualified examiner checks airflow, pressure, and capture efficiency while also inspecting hoods, ducting, filters, and fans for signs of wear. The result is a detailed report that shows whether the equipment continues to provide protection as originally designed.

The importance lies in what sits behind those numbers. A system that performs well shields employees from harmful exposure and keeps air quality safe. On the other hand, equipment that underperforms places health, compliance, and business reputation at risk. Enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive frequently follows poor record-keeping or missed examinations.

Consider, for instance, a busy woodworking shop. Every day, saws and sanders release fine dust that floats invisibly through the air. Without proper extraction, workers breathe it in for hours at a time. The risk of occupational asthma or even nasal cancer increases sharply, yet nobody notices until symptoms appear months or years later. With a properly tested LEV system in place, that dust is captured at source, air quality stays safe, and the workforce breathes easily.

The same applies to welding bays, paint shops, laboratories, and countless other environments. LEV testing provides assurance that protective equipment truly works.

What a Proper LEV Test Involves

A competent examiner will assess the entire system, not just airflow at the hood. A typical TExT (Thorough Examination and Test) includes:

• Visual inspection: checking hoods, ducting, filters, fans, and discharge points for damage or wear.
• Airflow and pressure measurements: ensuring the system meets design performance.
• Performance checks: using smoke tests, tracer gas, or other methods to confirm contaminant capture.
• Comparison with design data: ensuring the system still performs to its original specifications.
• Detailed reporting: a formal written record with diagrams, test results, photographs, and recommended actions.

This report is not a tick-box exercise. It is an essential record of compliance, forming part of the employer’s duty of care under health and safety law.

Who Can Carry Out LEV Testing?

The testing must be conducted by a competent person, meaning someone with the training, knowledge, and practical experience to assess extraction systems properly.

Many examiners hold BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) qualifications such as P601 (Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems), with further certification (P602 or P604) for more complex equipment.

Employers remain responsible for ensuring that the person they appoint is genuinely competent. Choosing a cheaper or unqualified option can prove far more costly in the long run.

An Overview of COSHH and HSE Requirements

The legal foundation for LEV testing comes from the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, better known as COSHH.

To ensure LEV systems continue to protect workers, COSHH requires all equipment to undergo a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every fourteen months. This interval gives some flexibility while maintaining a consistent standard of safety.

The Health and Safety Executive, which enforces COSHH, expects these examinations to be carried out by someone with the right competence, knowledge, and experience. Reports must be detailed, accurate, and kept for no fewer than five years, ready for inspection at any time.

The HSE also sets expectations that go beyond the annual test. Employers must commission new systems before they are first used, creating a benchmark for future checks. They must also ensure staff are trained to use equipment correctly and to carry out simple daily checks, such as confirming airflow indicators are working.

How to Stay Compliant and Keep Staff Safe All Year Round

True protection comes from building a rhythm of care into everyday operations. Employers who treat LEV as a living system rather than a static installation achieve far stronger results. Regular servicing keeps fans, filters, and ducting in good condition, while daily visual checks ensure everything is operating as intended. Commissioning data and testing reports then act as a reference point, making it easier to spot any decline in performance before it becomes a serious issue.

Furthermore, training is crucial. When employees understand how their LEV system works, they become more confident in using it and more likely to notice when something changes. An airflow indicator that drops, a hood that no longer captures fumes, or a strange noise from the fan all serve as early warnings that prompt quick action.

Ultimately, compliance and safety go hand in hand. A system that undergoes a Thorough Examination and Test within the required fourteen-month window, supported by consistent maintenance and engaged employees, delivers reliable protection throughout the year. This approach avoids disruption, reassures regulators, and, most importantly, ensures that every worker can breathe safely in their environment.

You can see that LEV testing helps companies stay compliant with environmental laws while also protecting employee health. There are clear connections between testing, safety, and the ability to avoid heavy fines.

It is becoming clear that businesses who prioritize regular LEV testing are better prepared to handle legal, environmental, and health-related challenges. You are going to find that these companies not only protect their workers but also strengthen trust with the public. This is similar to the importance of following the Occupational Safety and Health Act in the US.

Book your LEV test today and give your team the confidence that every breath is protected.