12,000 deaths a year
Lung disease deaths each year are linked to past workplace exposures.
LEV Testing
Qualified LEV testing for COSHH compliance — clear reports and practical remedial guidance.
Industrial extraction ventilation ductwork on a plant roof1900 × 1000
14 mthsmaximum interval between tests
The essentials
What is LEV testing?
LEV testing — Local Exhaust Ventilation testing — is a critical health and safety procedure that makes sure workplace ventilation is effectively controlling employee exposure to hazardous airborne substances such as dust, fumes, vapours, smoke, oil mist and wood particles.
A thorough examination confirms three things:
- It performs as originally designed, matching the commissioning report.
- It effectively controls worker exposure to harmful airborne contaminants.
- It complies with HSE guidelines and industry standards.
What’s included in an LEV test?
A comprehensive examination covers the whole system, not just the extraction point — and finishes with a report you can act on.
- Airflow and pressure measurements to check extraction efficiency.
- Ductwork integrity checks for blockages or leaks.
- Filter condition inspection and assessment.
- Capture and face velocity checks at hoods and extraction points.
- Smoke tests or visualisation, where applicable, to observe airflow patterns.
- Thorough visual inspections of all components — hoods, filters, ducts, fans.
- Examination of wear and damage that may affect performance.
- Comparison with design specifications and control benchmarks.
- A full report with results, deficiencies and recommendations.
Factory floor where local exhaust ventilation protects workers1600 × 1100
Legal requirements
Under the COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health):
- Most LEV systems must be tested at least once every 14 months.
- Employers must keep LEV test reports for at least 5 years.
- In higher-risk environments such as metalwork or wood dust, more frequent testing may be recommended.
Why LEV testing matters
According to the Health and Safety Executive:
A legal duty
Proper LEV maintenance and testing is a legal and ethical responsibility for employers.
Non-compliance costs
Failing to comply can lead to fines, employee illness and legal action.
AB Components & LEV testing
We partner with qualified LEV engineers across the UK to provide on-site assessments, full compliance with HSE and COSHH regulations, and detailed reporting with remedial recommendations.
Other services
Everything else we do to keep your equipment compliant and running.
Filter Kits
Model-specific service bundles.
Read moreStock & Go
We stock it, you order it.
Read moreSite Surveys
Full filter asset registers.
Read moreOil Analysis
Lab testing with online reports.
Read moreBespoke Manufacturing
Custom & obsolete filters.
Read moreUltrasonic Cleaning
Deep cavitation decontamination.
Read moreStart the conversation
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