Need your Local Exhaust Ventilation or Dust Extraction System examined in line with COSHH2002? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Definitions;Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) –
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is defined by its function rather than a single fixed wording.
In practical and regulatory terms, an LEV system is:
A ventilation system designed to capture, contain, and remove airborne contaminants at or near their source, before they can disperse into the workplace atmosphere and be inhaled by workers.
Under COSHH 2002, LEV is classed as an engineering control measure used to prevent or adequately control exposure to substances hazardous to health, such as dusts, fumes, vapours, mists, gases, fibres, and biological agents.
An LEV system typically consists of:
A hood or capture device to collect the contaminant at source
Ductwork to transport contaminated air
An air cleaning device or filter to remove contaminants
A fan or air mover to maintain airflow
A discharge point for cleaned air (or safe recirculation where permitted)
COSHH Regulation 7 requires employers to use LEV where it is necessary to control exposure, and Regulation 9 requires that LEV systems are maintained, examined, and tested at suitable intervals (at least every 14 months for most systems).
Competent Person – A person who has sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities to enable them to properly carry out the tasks required under COSHH, such as risk assessment, control of exposure, maintenance, examination, and testing of control measures.
COSHH places duties on employers to ensure that certain activities—such as risk assessments, the design and maintenance of control measures (including LEV systems), and statutory examinations—are carried out by competent persons. This means the individual must be able to:
Understand the hazards and health risks associated with hazardous substances
Assess exposure routes and levels
Select, evaluate, and verify appropriate control measures
Interpret relevant legislation, guidance, and standards
Identify defects or failures and recommend corrective actions
Competence under COSHH is typically demonstrated through:
Relevant training and qualifications (for example, occupational hygiene or LEV testing qualifications)
Practical experience with the substances, processes, or systems being assessed
Ongoing professional development to remain current with legislation and best practice
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH
) are designed to protect workers from health risks caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. COSHH requires employers to identify hazardous substances, assess the risks they pose, and implement suitable control measures to either prevent exposure or reduce it to an acceptable level. This includes managing risks from dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, mists, biological agents, and other harmful substances. Employers must also ensure that control measures are properly used, maintained, monitored, and supported by adequate training and information for employees.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are one of the most effective engineering controls used to manage airborne hazardous substances. Under COSHH Regulation 9, employers are legally required to ensure that LEV systems are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair, and that they are thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals (at least every 14 months for most systems). Regular examination confirms that the system is capturing contaminants effectively, airflow rates are adequate, and critical components such as hoods, ducting, filters, and fans are functioning correctly.
Having LEV systems examined under COSHH 2002 is vital because ineffective ventilation can lead to uncontrolled exposure, increasing the risk of occupational illnesses such as asthma, lung disease, cancer, or long-term respiratory damage. Regular examinations also provide documented evidence of compliance, which is essential in the event of an HSE inspection, enforcement action, or insurance claim. Ultimately, COSHH-compliant LEV examinations help protect employee health, maintain legal compliance, and reduce operational and financial risk for businesses.
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