If you’re using an LEV system to control substances that are hazardous to health, you’re legally required to show proof of examination. This proof comes in the form of a valid LEV Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) certificate and report. New to LEV testing or need a refresher? Use this handy guide to find out why you need evidence and what happens if you’re caught without paperwork.
Meeting Legal Duties with LEV Testing
As an employer running LEV equipment, you’re legally responsible for the health and safety of all members of staff in your organisation and must make sure they stay protected under UK law. To do this, you’re required to carry out a valid LEV Thorough Examination and Test (TExT). This is an in-depth annual audit conducted to check that your machinery is in good working order.
Since LEV TExT is a statutory obligation under Regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), it must be supported by a valid report and certificate. If you don’t have a full report, your business is technically non-compliant, which can lead to significant friction during HSE inspections or, worse, leave you vulnerable to liability in the event of an employee health claim.
The ‘14-Month Rule’ for Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing
You may already be familiar with the 14-month interval for local exhaust ventilation testing laid out in the COSHH regulations. This states that all LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least once every 14 months (though for certain high-risk processes, this can be as frequent as every 6 months).
Rather than being a general recommendation, it’s vital to be aware that this is the absolute legal ceiling when it comes to test frequency. Depending on the type of work you carry out or the toxicity of the materials you’re handling, you may need to test more frequently to ensure continuous protection.
Ideally, you want to prove that your system is still performing as it did on the day it was commissioned. If your processes involve highly abrasive dust known for eroding ductwork or highly corrosive fumes that have the potential to degrade fan blades, waiting 14 months might mean operating a failing system for half a year without knowing it. This is a risk no employer wants to take.
Feel as though your machinery might need to be inspected sooner? It’s best to bring in a specialist if you’ve:
- Added a new branch to the ductwork or changed the fan
- Moved a unit to a different area
- Switched from a low-toxicity substance to something more hazardous
- Noticed performance drops or believe your system doesn’t seem to be extracting as efficiently as it used to
What Does the TExT Actually Verify?
Your LEV TExT is a complete technical validation of your system’s integrity. If you book an LEV test with one of our qualified engineers, they’ll make sure your system’s safe and fit for purpose by:
Conducting a Visual and Structural Check
Our UK LEV engineers often start by looking for signs of physical degradation. This includes checking the hoods for damage, ensuring the ductwork hasn’t been dented (this can cause turbulence and pressure loss) and verifying that the filter housing is airtight.
Taking Quantitative Measurements
Using calibrated equipment, your designated engineer will then assess the system’s performance against its original design benchmarks. They’ll specifically look at face velocity to ensure contaminants are captured at the source, transport velocity to confirm air is moving fast enough to prevent dust from settling in the ducts, and static pressure to identify if filters are becoming blinded or if there are leaks in the system.
Performing a Qualitative Assessment
To conclude the inspection, the engineer will observe the system in a real-world scenario. They may use smoke tracers to visualise airflow. This allows them to confirm that the machinery is actually capturing contaminants at the point of origin rather than simply moving air around the workspace.
What Happens if You Get Caught without a Certificate?
Your certificate will be presented to you with a full LEV report, and it’s this that’s most important from a legal standpoint. According to HSE guidance (HSG258), you must be able to showcase detailed test data like measurements, diagrams, photographs and observations to prove that the system effectively controls exposure. Without the detailed data in the report itself, you have no proof that your staff are truly protected.
This evidence is vital if an employee takes legal action. For example, if one of your staff members files a personal injury claim for a lung condition they believe was caused by an ineffective LEV system, your insurance provider will step in to defend you. The quickest and most effective way to help them demonstrate your compliance is by providing a valid local exhaust ventilation testing report. If your paperwork is missing or out of date, your insurer may argue you’ve breached your policy terms, leaving you to pay the legal fees and the employee’s compensation out of your own pocket.
Finding a Competent Person for Testing
When it comes to booking a test, you’re required to find a ‘competent person’ who has the necessary skills and experience to carry it out. This is because the specific aerodynamic measurements required for a TExT certificate require specialised, calibrated equipment and an understanding of the specific HSE benchmarks. By using an external BOHS-approved LEV specialist, you ensure that your report is objective and thorough, getting you ready to stand up to any external audit.
Get Proof of Your Compliance: Book an LEV TExT with Vent-Tech
As you can see, having an up-to-date TExT certificate and report is vital if you want to remain legally compliant and avoid potential prosecution or legal action against your business. If your current certificate is approaching its 14-month expiration or you’ve recently made changes to your extraction layout, now is the time to act.
To book your next Thorough Examination and Test, get in touch with our experts today. Our qualified engineers will provide the technical expertise and the certification you need to keep your business running smoothly and safely.