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Receiving Hood LEV System InspectionÂ
Need your LEV system inspected and tested in line with COSHH2002 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Receiving Hood – LEV Thorough Examinations
Receiving Hood LEV Systems Within Industry
Receiving hood Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are source-capture ventilation controls designed to capture dusts, fumes, vapours, or mists released when materials are poured, tipped, or transferred from one container to another. They are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, waste handling, and laboratories, where powders, granules, or liquids are discharged into hoppers, mixers, or process vessels.
The primary purpose of a receiving hood LEV system is to contain and remove airborne contaminants generated by displacement of air as material enters a receiving vessel. When bags are emptied or materials are tipped, contaminated air is forced out of the container or hopper; the receiving hood is positioned to capture this displaced air before it can escape into the operator’s breathing zone. Effective performance depends on hood design, correct positioning, and sufficient airflow to overcome the release velocity of the material.
Receiving hood LEV systems are typically designed as partial enclosures or flanged hoods located above or around the receiving point. They are connected to ductwork, extract fans, and filtration systems suitable for the material being handled. Airflow requirements can be significant, particularly where large volumes of material are tipped rapidly, and poorly designed systems may allow dust clouds to escape despite extraction being present.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, receiving hood LEV systems must be properly maintained and thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person. The statutory examination confirms that airflow rates, capture effectiveness, ductwork condition, and filtration performance remain adequate for the substances being controlled and the way the system is used.
When correctly designed and supported by good working practices—such as controlled tipping and correct positioning—receiving hood LEV systems provide an effective means of controlling exposure during material transfer. They play a key role in reducing inhalation risk, improving workplace cleanliness, and ensuring ongoing compliance with COSHH requirements.
What’s covered during your SEIS Thorough Examination.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is covered during an inspection and testing of a Receiving Hood 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 receiving hood LEV system—formally a thorough examination and test—is carried out to confirm that the system continues to effectively capture contaminants released during material tipping or transfer. Because receiving hoods rely on capturing displaced air, the inspection focuses on airflow performance, hood design, and practical use.
Below is a clear overview of what is covered during a statutory LEV inspection of a receiving hood system.
Hood Design, Positioning, and Capture Effectiveness
The inspection assesses whether the receiving hood:
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Is correctly positioned over or around the receiving point
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Is suitably sized and shaped for the tipping activity
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Effectively captures dusts or vapours released during material transfer
The competent person considers how materials are actually tipped, as rapid or uncontrolled discharge can overwhelm poorly designed hoods.
Airflow Performance and Displacement Control
Airflow measurements are taken to confirm that:
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Sufficient airflow is available to capture displaced air
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Extraction rates are adequate for the volume and speed of material transfer
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Airflow direction draws contaminants away from the operator’s breathing zone
Inadequate airflow can allow contaminants to escape even when extraction is present.
Ductwork Condition and Integrity
The inspection includes checks of ductwork, looking for:
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Leaks, corrosion, or mechanical damage
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Blockages or build-up of material
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Poorly sealed joints or access panels
Ductwork defects can significantly reduce effective airflow at the hood.
Filtration and Dust Collection Equipment
Where filtration is used, the inspection covers:
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Filter type and suitability for the substances handled
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Filter condition and loading
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Evidence of bypass or leakage
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Safe discharge or collection of extracted material
Poor filtration can reduce airflow and allow contaminants to escape back into the workplace.
Fans and Mechanical Components
The extract fan and associated components are examined for:
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Correct operation and performance
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Signs of wear, vibration, or overheating
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Secure mounting and guarding
Fan performance is assessed in relation to measured airflow results.
Controls, Indicators, and Safety Features
The inspection checks system controls and indicators, including:
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On/off controls and interlocks
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Airflow indicators or pressure gauges
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System labelling and identification
These features help users identify reduced performance or system failure.
Suitability for Current Materials and Processes
The competent person considers whether the receiving hood system remains suitable for:
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The type of material being tipped
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Quantities and tipping rates
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Any changes to substances or processes since commissioning
Process changes are a common reason for LEV systems becoming ineffective.
Statutory Reporting and Documentation
Finally, a written report of thorough examination and test is produced, detailing:
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Test methods and results
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Identified defects or limitations
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Clear conclusions on system effectiveness
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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 Receiving Hood LEV System Thorough Examinations Matter For You & Your Business.Â
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.