We’ve put together a guide that details everything you need to know about annual LEV testing to help you understand your legal responsibilities and what’s involved to comply.
Should I Have an Annual LEV Test?
When it comes to certifying local exhaust ventilation (LEV), according to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance, equipment should be tested once in a 14 month period. However, at Auto Extract Systems, we recommend that dust and fume extraction systems are tested every 12 months, for regularity. By annually testing welding, fume, smoke or dust extraction systems, you’ll benefit from:
- Consistency in reporting
- More frequent inspections/Reduced risk of breakdowns
- Easier for you to manage
HSE’s HSG258 guidance states: “If wear and tear on the LEV system are liable to mean that the system effectiveness will degrade between tests, then LEV tests should be carried out more frequently.”
There are exceptions for some LEV systems where different processes and materials are undertaken which require more for more frequent testing, these processes include:
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1 Month | 6 Months |
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What Does Annual LEV Testing Include?
Under the HSE’s Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) 2002 Regulations, specifically, Regulation 9, “Engineering controls should be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, in good repair and in a clean condition.”
Whilst HSE’s HSG258: Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work: A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation (Chapter 10 – Thorough Examination and Test) guidance describes how tests should be built up from three core areas;
- Checking and Maintenance
- Thorough Examination and Testing
- Technical Performance
These three elements are documented in a detailed test report, find out more about LEV assessments on our dedicated services page. The necessary details will be captured and recorded whilst on-site, however, the written report will be produced away from the site and issued once checked and been through our approval process.
Do I Have To Test LEV Equipment?
The certification of LEV systems is called LEV testing, however, it is sometimes also known as ‘COSHH testing’ or a ‘Thorough Examination and Test’ (TExT). They should be utilised by employers as a management audit tool to assess the LEV system over the past year. The primary objective of completing tests is to identify defects in the LEV equipment to have them remedied so those airborne contaminants at work are adequately controlled.
What Are My Responsibilities As A Business Owner?
HSG258 guidance describes how extraction system testing is a legal requirement, stating: “The employer of the people being protected by the LEV has legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (the HSW Act), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) (COSHH) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR).”
In the COSHH regulations, Regulation 7 – Prevention or Control of Exposure to Substances Hazardous to Health, it states: “Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.”
Regulation 9 of the COSHH regulations is dedicated to the Maintenance, Examination and Testing of Control Measures. We’ve put together a guide, Regulation 9 of COSHH Explained, which details the ins and outs of this regulation and what you can do to comply with the regulations.
Who Is Qualified To Complete An LEV Test?
If you select Auto Extract Systems as your chosen local exhaust ventilation test service provider, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have a competent person certify your dust and fume extraction systems. Our LEV test examinations are very thorough and are carried out by engineers, who have specific qualifications in the ‘Examination and Testing of LEV Systems’.
Two of our LEV Maintenance and Service Engineers have studied and gained their P601 qualifications. Find out more about in our blog post, New Qualifications for Auto Extract Systems LEV Testing Engineers.
Save Yourself Time and Money
Save yourself time and money out of maintaining your LEV systems with a comprehensive Service Level Agreements (SLA). We offer tailored maintenance service contracts for all types of LEV equipment and we can tailor maintenance schedules around you to suit you and your business’s operational requirements.
Why Choose Auto Extract Systems?
Auto Extract Systems is the UK’s leading LEV company. Over the last 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of businesses create dust and fume free workplaces. We have been helping businesses maintain LEV systems and provide pollution-free workplaces with comprehensive maintenance services. Find out more about us here.
Our team of P601 qualified LEV system design engineers have the know-how and the ability to comprehensive service and test your businesses’ LEV systems to help your business meet HSE’s HSG258 guidance.
As experts in all things LEV, we can help your business become COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulation 2002 compliant with a tailored LEV solution. We provide comprehensive design, installation, maintenance and certification services across a range of industry sectors.
Get in touch with our annual LEV testing and servicing team today to discuss your requirements. Call us on 01942 267444, email info@autoxtract.co.uk.
