Did you know? A good Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is much more than your average plant room equipment. It is a first-line defence against airborne contaminants that might otherwise damage people, processes, and compliance. A well-maintained LEV system protects health, minimises downtime, and ensures that workplaces remain within the regulatory framework established by UK Health and Safety law.
Regular LEV maintenance and routine LEV inspection play a key role in ensuring systems continue to operate efficiently.
In this guide, we will discuss practical, workplace-ready steps that will help ensure compliance and optimal performance of your LEV systems.
Why LEV Maintenance and Inspection Matter
Before understanding why ongoing maintenance is important, we need to understand how LEV systems work. A good, efficient LEV system extracts dust, fumes, vapours, and other harmful substances from the environment before they are inhaled by workers.
However, due to constant extraction, problems like blocked ducts, worn-out fans, clogged filters, or untested controls can slow airflow and reduce capture efficiency. Therefore, LEV maintenance and regular LEV inspections are imperative to maintain workplace safety.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers must maintain LEV systems in an efficient working order and get them tested once every 14 months.
Perform Regular LEV Visual Inspections
Regular visual inspections can help you prevent minor issues from developing into larger problems in the future. Trained personnel or operators must ensure:
- Condition of the hoods and ducts: Look out for any potential damage, such as rust or loose connections.
- Cleanliness of filters: Excessive dust or debris accumulation suggests cleaning or replacement of the filters.
- Upkeep of fan housings and belts: Check for any signs of wear and tear or unusual vibrations.
These quick visual checks take minimal time and are very effective in identifying potential problems before they become expensive repairs.
Log and Monitor System Performance
A regular record of maintenance activities is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies to monitor the performance of your LEV systems. The logbook should record the following:
- Dates of checks and inspections
- Observations and any interventions made
- Filter changes and component replacement
- Results of airflow or pressure measurements
As per COSHH Regulations, workplaces must maintain detailed documentation with the records of the testing and maintenance services for a minimum of five years.
Measure Airflow and Pressure Performance
To measure the effectiveness of the LEV systems, one should look at the measurable values of the airflow and the pressure. This helps identify any hidden problems, such as blockages, leaks, or worn-out fans. Devices such as anemometers and manometers can be used for:
- Capturing velocity measurements at hoods.
- Checking static pressure across filters.
- Comparing performance to design specifications.
If you observe a reduction in airflow, it is important to investigate immediately, as the reduction could directly translate into increased exposure risk in the workplace.
Clean and Replace Filters Promptly for LEV Maintenance
Filters are an essential component of your LEV systems. Due to prolonged use over time, they can trap contaminants, clog ducts and affect the airflow. To ensure your filters are well-maintained, you must:
- Clean filters regularly in line with usage and contamination levels.
- Replace filters in line with manufacturer guidance.
- Maintain a stock of spares to reduce any downtime.
In high-use environments, filter cleaning might be required regularly, typically every three to six months or more frequently.
Check Controls and Safety Devices During LEV Inspection
The control system is effectively the brain of an LEV installation. Faulty controls or indicators may end up malfunctioning the entire system. During maintenance, you should:
- Inspect if all the gauges, switches, and indicators are working properly or not.
- Test out alarms and fail-safe systems.
- Reset or recalibrate as needed.
It is imperative to address any electrical or control problems as soon as they arise to prevent any performance lapses.
Commissioning Reports and Annual Thorough Testing
A Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) should be carried out by a competent and trained person at least once every 14 months as per COSHH Regulation 9. A TExT should check the following:
- Airflow performance against original commissioning data
- Effective capture of contaminants
- Leaks, blockages, or any damaged parts
- The system is still controlling the exposure as designed
The TExT review is detailed and thorough compared to your regular daily and weekly checks.
Train Operators and Employees
Operators with the knowledge of system behaviour and symptoms can be a great asset in detecting trouble early. At Vent-Tech, we are a BOHS-approved training partner and provide tailored training courses to help your workplace and workers with an LEV system that is efficient and reliable. Our training programmes include the following, in addition to the course syllabus:
- Unique practical insights based on real-world experience
- Information on inverter drives, commissioning fans and systems, and the testing of different types of systems in field conditions
- Online training and also on-site, with your equipment, for a more practical learning experience
Involved and educated users contribute to the performance and the overall safety culture of a workplace.
LEV Maintenance as a Strategic Asset
Maintenance should not be looked upon as an optional or box-ticking activity to maintain LEV systems. Maintenance is rather a strategic resource that ensures health and compliance, adhering to the regulations of the UK law.
Daily visual checks, annual statutory testing, and documentation are all part of a process that leads to a safer working environment. Whether you have a single extraction point or a complex multi-hood LEV system, a structured maintenance approach will provide performance benefits while protecting the workforce.
At Vent-Tech, we don’t just design and install industry-leading LEV systems; we ensure they keep performing year after year. Whether you need a one-off inspection, ongoing maintenance support, or a full system review, our experts are here to help.
Get in touch today for tailored advice and professional LEV servicing that keeps your workplace compliant and your people protected.