Mobile LEV System – LEV Thorough Examinations

Mobile LEV Systems Within Industry

Mobile Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are portable extraction units designed to control hazardous airborne contaminants at source where fixed extraction is impractical or where tasks change location frequently. They are commonly used for activities such as welding, soldering, grinding, cutting, mixing powders, and maintenance work, providing flexible exposure control across a wide range of industrial and workshop environments.

A typical mobile LEV system consists of a movable extraction unit, flexible ducting or articulated capture arms, an extraction fan, and filtration equipment housed within a single enclosure. The system is positioned close to the point of contaminant generation, allowing fumes, dusts, or vapours to be captured before they can disperse into the surrounding area. Because mobile systems are often repositioned, their effectiveness relies heavily on correct setup, hood placement, and sufficient airflow.

Filtration is a critical element of mobile LEV systems, as extracted air is often filtered and recirculated back into the workplace. Filters must therefore be appropriate for the substances being captured and maintained in good condition to prevent loss of airflow or release of contaminants. Blocked or poorly sealed filters are a common cause of reduced performance in mobile units and can lead to a false sense of protection if not identified through regular checks.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, mobile LEV systems are subject to the same legal duties as fixed systems. They must be properly maintained and thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person. The statutory examination confirms airflow performance, capture effectiveness, filter condition, and overall system integrity, providing evidence that the unit continues to control exposure effectively.

When used correctly and supported by regular examination and maintenance, mobile LEV systems offer a practical and flexible solution for controlling airborne hazards. However, their portability makes them particularly vulnerable to misuse and deterioration, reinforcing the importance of training, correct positioning, and statutory inspection to ensure they provide reliable protection and ongoing COSHH compliance.

What’s covered during your SEIS Thorough Examination.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is covered during an inspection and testing of a Mobile LEV System, 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 mobile LEV system—formally a thorough examination and test—is carried out to confirm that the unit continues to effectively control exposure to hazardous substances wherever it is used. Because mobile systems are frequently moved and repositioned, the inspection places strong emphasis on airflow performance, capture effectiveness, and mechanical condition.

Below is a clear overview of what is covered during a statutory LEV inspection of a mobile LEV system.

Airflow Performance and Capture Effectiveness

The inspection assesses whether the mobile LEV unit provides adequate airflow at the capture hood or arm to control contaminants at source. This includes:

  • Measuring air velocities or volume flow rates at the hood

  • Assessing capture effectiveness relative to the task

  • Considering the impact of hood positioning and distance from the source

Mobile systems are particularly sensitive to poor setup, so practical performance is carefully evaluated.

Capture Hood and Flexible Arm Condition

The competent person examines the capture hood and any flexible extraction arms, checking for:

  • Physical damage or wear

  • Stiff joints or poor articulation

  • Air leakage at joints or connections

  • Suitability of hood design for the process

Damaged or poorly positioned hoods can significantly reduce capture efficiency.

Filtration and Air Cleaning Performance

As many mobile LEV units filter and recirculate air, filtration is a key inspection focus, including:

  • Filter type and suitability for the substances captured

  • Filter condition and loading

  • Evidence of filter bypass or poor sealing

  • Safe filter access and replacement arrangements

Poor filtration can lead to loss of airflow and re-release of contaminants.

Extract Fan and Mechanical Integrity

The inspection includes checks on the mechanical components, such as:

  • Fan operation and performance

  • Signs of wear, vibration, or overheating

  • Guarding and electrical safety (visual)

  • Structural condition of the unit housing

Mechanical defects can reduce performance or introduce additional risks.

Ducting and Connections

Flexible ducting and connections are examined for:

  • Cracks, splits, or abrasion

  • Loose or poorly sealed joints

  • Blockages or internal build-up

Because mobile units are frequently moved, ducting damage is a common issue.

Controls, Indicators, and Safety Features

The inspector checks that system controls and indicators are functioning correctly, including:

  • On/off controls

  • Airflow indicators, pressure gauges, or alarms (where fitted)

  • System labelling and identification

These features help users recognise reduced performance or failure.

Suitability for Current Tasks

The inspection considers whether the mobile LEV system remains suitable for:

  • The substances being generated

  • The quantities and intensity of the task

  • Any changes to materials or processes

Mobile units are often repurposed, which can render them unsuitable if demands increase.

Statutory Reporting and Documentation

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 Mobile LEV System 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.

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