Expert LEV Testing Services Across the UK

Hobarts engineer carrying out LEV testing on a laser fume extraction unit

Keeping your workshop or classroom safe from harmful airborne contaminants is a fundamental duty of care. Hobarts provides nationwide Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing to ensure your fume and dust extraction units are operating safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK law.

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What is LEV Testing?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are engineering controls designed to extract hazardous dust, fumes, vapours, and mists directly from the working environment. Removing these contaminants at the source significantly improves indoor air quality.

An LEV test is a mandatory, thorough examination of these extraction units. Regular testing guarantees your systems are capturing harmful emissions effectively, protecting your staff, students, and visitors from serious respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.

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Understanding LEV Legislation and HSE Compliance

Under the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) COSHH Regulations 2002 (Regulation 9), employers and educational trusts have a strict legal obligation to maintain their LEV systems. The law dictates that a formal Thorough Examination and Test must be carried out by a competent engineer at least every 14 months (with some high-risk processes requiring even shorter intervals).

Testing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it is an essential safety requirement. Failing to maintain and test your fume extraction equipment is a direct breach of COSHH regulations and can even invalidate your workplace or employer’s liability insurance.

What Does an LEV Thorough Examination Include?

When our engineers visit your site, they look far beyond a simple airflow check. We perform a comprehensive assessment in strict accordance with COSHH Regulation 9 and HSE guidance HSG258.

During the visit, your LEV test will include:

  • Visual Inspections: We carefully examine hoods, flexible ducting, dampers, filters, fans, and discharge points to identify any mechanical damage, blockages, or deterioration.
  • Airflow & Pressure Measurements: We take critical technical readings—such as capture velocities, duct velocity pressures, and filter pressure drops. These are then compared directly against the original design or manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Safety System Validation: We check the operation of all airflow indicators, LEV monitors, gauges, and warning lights to ensure day-to-day users can easily see when the system is safe to operate.


How Hobarts Can Support Your Site

Hobarts use independently trained, BOHS P601-qualified engineers who travel across the UK to deliver expert testing. We understand the unique needs of both industrial manufacturing and educational environments.

We can fully support you, whether you have:

  • A single extraction unit: Such as a standalone laser cutter fume extractor, woodworking dust unit, solder fume arm, or a single fume cupboard.
  • Multiple LEV systems on site: Including several laser extractors, 3D printer extraction units, and recirculating fume cupboards, all tested efficiently during the same visit.

Documentation and Certification

Following the examination, Hobarts will provide you with a comprehensive written report and a certificate of compliance for each individual system tested. This report clearly details our findings, velocity readings, and any recommended remedial actions—giving you completely audit-ready documentation for any HSE inspections.

Hobarts engineer conducting LEV testing in a school DT workshop

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do I need an LEV test?

Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must be tested at least every 14 months. However, processes that generate high-risk contaminants—such as woodworking dust or welding fumes—often require testing every six months. We will help you determine the correct interval based on HSE guidelines and your specific equipment.

Who is qualified to carry out the test?

HSE states that testing must be done by a “competent person”. Hobarts utilises independently trained, BOHS P601-qualified engineers who have specific expertise in laser fume extraction, woodworking dust, and education-sector systems.

Do schools and colleges need LEV testing?

Yes, absolutely. The exact same COSHH regulations apply to educational settings to protect both staff and students. Extractors attached to DT lab laser cutters, 3D printers, woodworking machinery, and chemical fume cupboards must all be regularly tested.

What happens if my LEV system fails the test?

If a system isn’t functioning to the required standard, our report will clearly highlight the defects. We will advise you on the necessary remedial actions—which could range from minor adjustments and filter changes to replacing worn ducting—to bring your unit back to safe, compliant working order.

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