Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing Explained
What is Local Exhaust Ventilation / LEV Testing?
In its simplest terms, local exhaust ventilation is an engineering system to protect employees from exposure to hazardous substances such as vapour, mist, dust or other airborne contaminants by containing or capturing them locally, at the emission point. To be effective in protecting the employee(s), it is important that it is of good design, is fit for purpose, is regularly maintained and the system’s performance is monitored which is where LEV testing comes in.
In the UK, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) require a thorough examination and test (TExT). The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in the Republic of Ireland has various statutory instruments made under the Act, although nothing specific covering TExT. However, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have published guidance on LEV which includes the requirement for TExT.
TExT is a detailed and systematic examination sufficient to make sure that the LEV can continue to perform as intended by design and will contribute to the adequate control of exposure. The thorough examination would normally include such functional testing to provide sufficient evidence to indicate adequate control is being achieved. The thorough examination and test is carried out by a person who is competent and able to make an objective assessment of the LEV.
We've Got You Covered
What Types of Ventilation Equipment Do We Inspect?
At Carn Engineering, we carry out thorough examination and testing of a wide range of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment to help businesses control airborne contaminants and stay compliant with LEV COSHH testing regulations. The types of LEV inspections we provide include:
-
Fume cupboard testing — Assessing laboratory fume cupboards to ensure they safely remove hazardous fumes, vapours, and gases generated during chemical handling and experimentation.
-
Spray booth testing — Checking airflow performance and containment within spray booths used in automotive refinishing, woodworking, and manufacturing to control overspray and solvent vapours.
-
Dust extraction unit testing — Verifying the effectiveness of extraction systems used to remove dust from sanding, grinding, machining, and other high‑dust processes.
-
Welding fume extractor testing — Inspecting extraction arms, hoods, and mobile units that capture welding fumes, metal particulates, and gases directly at the point of generation.
-
Canopy hood testing — Evaluating overhead hoods designed to extract rising fumes, heat, steam, and airborne contaminants from open work areas or large equipment.
-
Downdraught bench testing — Testing benches with built‑in downward airflow that pull dust, fumes, or vapours away from the operator during tasks such as sanding, soldering, or finishing.
-
On‑tool extraction testing — Checking integrated extraction systems attached directly to tools like sanders, grinders, and saws to ensure dust is captured effectively at source.
Experience the Carn Difference
Why Choose Carn Engineering For Your Local Exhaust Ventilation / LEV Testing?
✔ Comprehensive inspections — Covering all major LEV equipment types, from fume cupboards and spray booths to dust extraction units and welding fume extractors.
✔ Fully compliant assessments — Aligned with COSHH in the UK and The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in Ireland.
✔ Experienced, multi-disciplined engineers — We can take care of all of your engineering inspection needs saving you time, money and hassle.
✔ Flexible service options — Available for one‑off examinations or scheduled inspection programmes across multiple sites.
✔ Sector‑wide expertise — Supporting manufacturing, logistics, construction, automotive, healthcare, and more.
✔ On-line client portal — Access all of your past, and current reports along with your upcoming scheduled inspections.
We Travel Far & Wide
Where Do We Provide Local Exhaust Ventilation / LEV Testing?
We provide local exhaust ventilation / LEV testing across all of Ireland and the UK. Our coverage includes major cities, rural areas, industrial hubs, and construction sites, ensuring every client—no matter their location—has access to reliable, accredited local exhaust ventilation / LEV inspections.
Whether you operate a single site or manage multiple locations across regions, our team delivers consistent, high‑quality examinations to keep your pressure equipment fully compliant and your operations running safely.
Know Your Obligations
When Do You Need a Local Exhaust Ventilation / LEV Test?
Regulation 9 of COSHH in the UK requires LEV TExT at a minimum every 14 months. So too has the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in the Republic of Ireland, however certain other processes require TExT more frequently, for example:
-
Processes in which blasting is carried out in or incidental to the cleaning of metal castings, in connection with their manufacture TExT at a frequency of 1 month.
-
Processes, other than wet processes, in which metal articles (other than of gold, platinum or iridium) are ground, abraded or polished using mechanical power, in any room for more than 12 hours in any week minimum TExT at a frequency of 6 months.
-
Processes giving off dust or fume in which nonferrous metal castings are produced minimum TExT at a frequency of 6 months.
-
Jute cloth manufacture minimum TExT at a frequency of 1 month.
Knowledge shared
Latest From the LEV Guidance Hub
Practical pressure equipment insights, lessons learned, and technical know‑how which we believe should be accessible to everyone.
