Fume Cupboards – LEV Thorough Examinations

Fume Cupboard’s Within Industry

Fume cupboard Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are specialist containment and extraction systems designed to protect users from exposure to hazardous substances used or generated during laboratory and technical processes. They are most commonly found in laboratories, education facilities, healthcare settings, and research environments where chemicals, solvents, acids, and other volatile or toxic substances are handled.

The primary function of a fume cupboard LEV system is to contain and remove contaminated air away from the user’s breathing zone by maintaining a controlled airflow through the cupboard opening (sash). Air is drawn into the cupboard, across the work area, and exhausted through ductwork to a safe discharge point. Effective performance depends on maintaining correct face velocity, stable airflow patterns, and good containment, particularly when the sash is opened or adjusted during use.

Fume cupboards rely heavily on both mechanical performance and correct user behaviour. The condition of the sash, baffles, airflow monitors, and alarms all play a critical role in maintaining safe operation. Obstructed baffles, damaged sashes, or excessive clutter inside the cupboard can disrupt airflow and significantly reduce containment efficiency, increasing the risk of exposure.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, fume cupboard LEV systems must be properly maintained and thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person. This statutory examination verifies airflow performance, containment effectiveness, and the condition of safety-critical components, providing documented evidence that the system continues to protect users.

When correctly designed, used, and regularly examined, fume cupboard LEV systems provide a high level of protection against hazardous substances. They are a cornerstone of laboratory safety, supporting legal compliance, protecting health, and ensuring that potentially dangerous chemical processes can be carried out in a controlled and safe manner.

What’s covered during your SEIS Thorough Examination.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is covered during an inspection and testing of a Fume Cupboard, in accordance with COSHH2002 Regulation 9 . The purpose is to ensure the system is safe, serviceable, and fit for purpose. Below is an in depth description of how your equipment is thoroughly examined;

LEV Inspection Procedure

A COSHH 2002 LEV inspection of a fume cupboard—formally a thorough examination and test—is carried out to confirm that the system continues to contain and control hazardous substances effectively. Because fume cupboards are a primary exposure control in laboratories, their performance is tightly scrutinised by enforcing authorities.

Below is a clear overview of what is covered during a statutory LEV inspection of a fume cupboard:

Airflow Performance and Face Velocity

A key focus of the inspection is verifying that the fume cupboard maintains adequate and stable airflow through the sash opening. This includes:

  • Measuring face velocity across the sash opening

  • Assessing airflow uniformity and stability

  • Identifying turbulence or dead spots that could allow contaminants to escape

Face velocity is measured against recognised benchmarks or design specifications to ensure effective containment.

Containment Effectiveness

Beyond airflow measurements, the inspection assesses whether the cupboard actually contains contaminants during normal use. This may include:

  • Smoke testing to visualise airflow patterns

  • Checking for leakage at the sash opening

  • Assessing performance at different sash heights

Containment is critical, as acceptable airflow alone does not always guarantee user protection.

Sash, Baffles, and Internal Condition

The competent person will examine key structural components, including:

  • Sash movement, condition, and counterbalance operation

  • Baffle positioning and condition

  • Internal lining and work surface condition

  • Obstructions or clutter affecting airflow

Damaged or incorrectly positioned components can seriously compromise performance.

Fans, Ductwork, and Mechanical Integrity

The inspection includes checks on the mechanical elements of the LEV system, such as:

  • Extract fan condition and operation

  • Ductwork integrity, leakage, or corrosion

  • Joints, dampers, and access points

Any defects that could reduce airflow or lead to system failure are identified.

Filtration and Air Discharge

Where filters are fitted, the inspection covers:

  • Filter type and suitability

  • Condition, loading, and sealing

  • Evidence of bypass or leakage

The discharge point is also checked to ensure extracted air is released safely and does not re-enter the building.

Alarms, Indicators, and Controls

The competent person will test safety and monitoring features, including:

  • Airflow monitors and alarms

  • Visual or audible warning devices

  • Control switches and interlocks

These features are essential for alerting users to reduced performance or failure.

Suitability for Current Use

The inspection considers whether the fume cupboard remains suitable for:

  • The substances currently being used

  • The quantities handled

  • Any changes to processes since the last examination

Changes in use can render an otherwise compliant system ineffective.

Documentation and Statutory Reporting

Finally, a written report of thorough examination and test is produced, detailing:

  • Test methods and results

  • Identified defects or limitations

  • Clear conclusions on system effectiveness

  • Required remedial actions and timescales

This report is a legal requirement under COSHH and must be retained for inspection.

 Summary

An LEV Thorough Examination ensures that the system is safe, compliant, and fit for use. It helps prevent accidents and work place illnesses caused by poorly maintained, or poorly operating systems. While it does not replace regular maintenance, PUWER and LEV (COSHH2002) inspections are a crucial legal requirement for keeping your working operations safe and avoiding costly breakdowns or incidents.

Why Fume Cupboard Thorough Examinations Matter For You & Your Business. 

Why COSHH2002 Thorough Examinations Of LEV Systems Matter

COSHH2002 LEV thorough examinations are a legal requirement in the UK for all Local Exhaust Ventilation equipment used at work, and for good reason. These inspections ensure that LEV equipment, such as fume cupboard, receiving hoods, spray booths, and captor hoods are safe to use, and fit for purpose. The environments of LEV equipment is required means that equipment failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injury, respiratory issues, work place illness and in the long term, fatalities. By carrying out regular, scheduled thorough examinations by a competent person, businesses can identify wear and tear, structural damage of ducting, or faulty mechanisms before they result in an incident.

Pros of Getting an LEV Thorough Examination in line with COSHH2002

Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: The most obvious advantage is staying compliant with health and safety law. Compliance avoids potential legal action, fines, or even prosecution. More importantly, it drastically reduces the risk of workplace accidents caused by lifting equipment failure.

Improved Safety Culture: Regular inspections foster a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Employees are more likely to trust equipment and feel safe in their work environment when they know thorough checks are in place.

 Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regularly maintained and inspected equipment typically lasts longer. Examinations can identify early signs of damage or fatigue, allowing for preventative maintenance that avoids costly replacements or repairs.

 Insurance and Liability Protection: Insurers may require evidence of LOLER compliance in the event of an incident. Without valid inspection records, insurance claims could be denied or reduced, leaving the business liable for damages.

 Operational Efficiency: Detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure helps prevent unscheduled downtime. This keeps operations running smoothly and avoids the knock-on effects of delayed projects or interrupted workflows.

Cons of Failing to Carry Out COSHH2002 LEV Thorough Examinations

 Legal and Financial Consequences: Failing to comply with COSHH2002 can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines, or even prosecution. Legal battles and associated costs can be financially crippling.

 Increased Risk of Accidents: Equipment that hasn’t been thoroughly examined is far more likely to fail. Such failures can lead to injuries or fatalities, particularly in high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Beyond the human cost, the reputational damage to a business can be severe and long-lasting.

 Higher Repair and Replacement Costs: Neglecting inspections can allow minor issues to develop into major faults. These may require costly emergency repairs or complete equipment replacement, expenses that could have been avoided through routine examinations.

 Loss of Business and Clients: Clients often expect their contractors or suppliers to uphold strict safety standards. A failure to meet legal obligations like COSHH2002 can result in lost contracts or blacklisting from future work, especially in regulated industries.

 Increased Insurance Premiums or Invalidated Coverage: As mentioned, insurers may increase premiums or deny coverage entirely if a business can't provide evidence of up-to-date COSHH2002 compliance, placing a heavier financial burden on operations.

LEV thorough examinations aren’t just a box-ticking exercise - they are an essential component of a responsible, safety-first approach to using lifting equipment. The benefits of compliance are wide-ranging, from protecting human life to reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity. Conversely, the risks of neglecting these inspections can be devastating on multiple levels.

Book LEV Thorough Examination Near Me

Get In Touch - 0330 0438191

Name
Enter your referral code here, for 10% discount, on your first site vist (e.g AB1 13022026).