pharmaceuticals
HOW WE CAN HELP
Pharmaceutical LEV Systems Designed for High-Risk Manufacturing Environments
Pharmaceutical manufacturing environments often involve the handling of powders, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), solvents, and airborne contaminants that can present significant risks to both operators and product quality.
Vent-Tech designs, installs, commissions, tests and maintains pharmaceutical LEV systems that help control exposure to hazardous substances while supporting COSHH compliance, GMP requirements, and operational safety.
Whether you operate a research laboratory, production facility, dispensing area, or clean manufacturing environment, our team can provide bespoke extraction solutions tailored to your process and containment requirements.
Why Choose Vent-Tech for Extraction Systems in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Within the pharmaceutical industry, there are many types of companies from global corporates to specialist R&D firms. Vent-Tech works with a wide range of companies in the pharmaceutical sector, including Perrigo, AstraZeneca and Medtronic.
This experience means we have an exceptional understanding of the types of risks posed by dust, fumes and airborne particles. We are experts in using dust and fume extraction, filtration and containment technology to reduce these risks.
What are the specific dangers during the design and manufacture of pharmaceuticals?
Many pharmaceutical processes generate fine airborne dust that can be inhaled by workers if not adequately controlled.
These may include:
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
- High-Potency APIs (HPAPIs)
- Excipients
- Chemical powders
- Process dusts
- Granulated materials
As some pharmaceutical dusts are combustible, measures to prevent fire and explosion must be put into place. DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) sets minimum requirements for the protection of workers from fire and explosion risks related to dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres.
The HSE gives guidelines for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids.
Another consideration is the risk of cross-contamination during certain processes, which will need to be eliminated. Manufacturers must have processes in place to not only avoid contamination scenarios but also provide documented evidence that contamination has not occurred.
What are the pharmaceutical processes that may generate dust?
Processes That Can Cause Hazardous Dust to Become Airborne and Endanger Workers’ Health in the Factory or Lab
Crushing, mixing, blending and milling.
Screening, sampling, compressing, granulating.
Pelletising, dispensing, drying, coating.
Batching, weighing and packaging.
Exposure to hazardous dust causes short and long-term health conditions for your workers. Even small airborne releases can present significant exposure risks due to the potency of the substances being handled.
How Vent-Tech can help with LEV extraction in the pharmaceutical industry
Vent-Tech LEV Compliance Support Across the UK
With our experience and expertise, we can provide the best solutions for you. Our approach is always to carry out a site visit so we can see your particular challenges and how your staff works. This means that we can create an LEV system that will work for you in a real-world environment.
Employers have a legal duty under COSHH to adequately control exposure to hazardous substances.
This often involves:
- LEV Design
- LEV Commissioning
- Airflow verification
- Routine maintenance
- Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT)
LEV systems should be examined and tested at least every 14 months, or more frequently where required.
Why Pharmaceutical LEV Design Requires Specialist Expertise
Unlike general industrial extraction systems, pharmaceutical LEV systems must often consider:
- Containment requirements
- Product protection
- Airflow behaviour
- Filtration efficiency
- Pressure differentials
- Cleanroom integration
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Operator workflows
A poorly designed system can reduce capture efficiency, increase contamination risks, and negatively affect controlled environments.
Speak to Vent-Tech About Pharmaceutical LEV Systems
Whether you’re reviewing an existing extraction system, planning a new pharmaceutical process, or looking to improve containment and COSHH compliance, our team can help.
Call 0117 964 7945 or get in touch to discuss your pharmaceutical LEV requirements
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LEV Pharmaceuticals
What Is a Pharmaceutical LEV System?
A pharmaceutical LEV system captures dusts, powders, fumes and vapours at source to protect workers, products and processes from airborne contamination.
Why Is Dust Extraction Important in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing?
Dust extraction helps control hazardous airborne substances, protect employee health, reduce contamination risks and support COSHH compliance.
What Are HPAPIs?
HPAPIs (High-Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) are highly potent drug compounds that require strict containment measures due to their potential health risks.
Does Pharmaceutical LEV Need Testing?
Yes. Pharmaceutical LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals, typically at least every 14 months under COSHH.
What Regulations Apply to Pharmaceutical Extraction Systems?
Our clients 
