What is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)?

Local Exhaust Ventilation is a system designed to capture and remove harmful airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours and gases at or near their source before they can reach workers breathing zones. A typical LEV system consists of a hood or capture device, ductwork, an air-cleaning device such as a filter, and a fan to move contaminated air away from the work area.

Is LEV testing a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, any employer who uses an LEV system is legally required to have it thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months. Test records must be kept on file for a minimum of five years.

How often does an LEV system need to be tested?

COSHH regulations require LEV systems to be tested at intervals not exceeding 14 months. Some higher-risk processes may require more frequent testing. The test must be carried out by a competent person and the report retained for at least five years.

What is a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT)?

A TExT is a formal inspection of your LEV system carried out by a competent, accredited engineer. It includes a visual inspection of hoods, ducting, filters and fans, airflow and pressure measurements, filter and duct integrity checks, and a comparison of results against the original commissioning data.

What happens if my LEV system fails a test?

If faults are identified, your engineer will provide a written report detailing what needs to be remedied. Minor issues may allow the system to remain in operation while repairs are scheduled. More serious defects may require the system to be taken out of use until corrective work is completed and a retest confirms it is performing to the required standard.

Do I need an LEV system?

If your work processes generate harmful dust, fumes, vapours or gases that could be inhaled by workers, and other control measures are not reasonably practicable, you will need an LEV system. Common examples include welding, woodworking, paint spraying, CNC machining, chemical handling and soldering.

What is the difference between LEV and general ventilation?

General ventilation dilutes contaminated air with fresh air across a whole space. LEV captures contaminants at their source before they can disperse, making it far more effective in industrial environments. General ventilation alone cannot meet COSHH obligations where harmful fumes, dusts or vapours are present.

What is BOHS P602 and why does it matter?

P602 is the British Occupational Hygiene Society qualification for LEV system design engineers. All LEV Engineering design engineers are P602 accredited, which means every system we design is technically sound, legally defensible and built to perform from day one.

What is BOHS P601 and why does it matter?

P601 is the BOHS qualification for LEV system examiners and testers. All LEV Engineering examiners hold the P601 qualification, giving you confidence that your system is being assessed to the required standard.

What is the difference between P601 and P602?

P601 is for LEV testers and examiners. P602 is for LEV design engineers. LEV Engineering holds both qualifications across our team, meaning we can design, install, commission and test your LEV system entirely in-house.

How long does it take to design and install an LEV system?

Timescales vary depending on complexity. A straightforward installation can often be completed over a weekend to minimise disruption. Larger multi-point systems may take several weeks from initial design through to commissioning. Our teams can work out of hours where required.

Do you carry out a site survey before designing a system?

Yes. Every LEV system we design starts with a site survey carried out by one of our P602 accredited engineers. We assess your processes, the contaminants involved, your facility layout and any existing ventilation to ensure the system is correctly specified from the start.

What industries do you work in?

LEV Engineering works across welding and fabrication, metalworking, woodworking, aerospace, automotive, battery research and production, construction materials manufacturing and paint spraying.

Do you work nationwide?

Yes. LEV Engineering provides design, installation, testing and maintenance services nationwide from our base in Loughborough. Our teams can accommodate out-of-hours working where required.

Can you service and maintain an LEV system you did not install?

Yes. Our P601 accredited engineers can carry out Thorough Examinations and Tests on any LEV system regardless of who designed or installed it. We also offer ongoing service and maintenance contracts.

What does a Plymovent system do?

Plymovent is a leading global manufacturer of source capture LEV equipment specialising in welding fume extraction. LEV Engineering is an authorised Plymovent distributor, meaning we can supply, design, install and service the full Plymovent product range as part of a complete LEV solution.

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