Maintaining an effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system involves more than carrying out regular maintenance and arranging a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT). Accurate documentation is equally important. Records demonstrate that your LEV system has been inspected, tested, maintained and continues to provide effective control of hazardous airborne contaminants.
During an inspection, documentation helps show that your business is meeting its responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Well-organised records also make it easier to monitor the condition of your LEV system, identify recurring issues, and plan future maintenance.
This guide explains the essential LEV testing documentation inspectors typically review, why these records matter, and how businesses can improve their document management.
LEV testing documentation includes Thorough Examination and Test reports, maintenance records, system performance data, repair history, and details of any modifications. Inspectors review these documents to confirm that the LEV system is regularly maintained, tested at appropriate intervals, and continues to effectively control hazardous substances in line with COSHH requirements.
Documentation provides evidence that your LEV system is being managed properly throughout its lifespan. It creates a clear record of inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and testing results.
Keeping accurate records can help businesses:
Rather than treating documentation as an administrative task, businesses should view it as an important part of their overall LEV management programme.
One of the first documents inspectors usually review is the previous Thorough Examination and Test report.
These reports provide valuable information about:
Inspectors often compare previous reports with current findings to determine whether performance has improved, remained consistent, or deteriorated.
Routine maintenance records show that the LEV system is being looked after between formal examinations.
These records may include:
Keeping maintenance logs up to date helps demonstrate that issues are addressed promptly rather than waiting until the next LEV test.
Businesses can simplify ongoing servicing with LEV Maintenance Contracts.
Inspectors may also review records of repairs carried out following previous inspections or routine maintenance.
Typical examples include:
Maintaining this history provides evidence that identified defects have been resolved.
If your LEV system has been altered since the previous examination, records should explain what changes have been made.
Examples include:
Significant modifications may affect extraction performance and should be documented so inspectors understand how the system has evolved.
Basic system information should also be available where possible.
This may include:
These documents help inspectors understand the system's original design and intended performance.
Incomplete records are one of the most common issues found during inspections.
Examples include:
Keeping records together in one location makes future inspections quicker and easier.
Good document management doesn't need to be complicated.
Consider the following practices:
Businesses also benefit from ensuring employees understand the importance of record-keeping and routine inspections. LEV Awareness Training can help staff recognise potential issues, understand why documentation matters, and support day-to-day compliance.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to ensure LEV systems are maintained and thoroughly examined at appropriate intervals.
Accurate documentation supports this by providing evidence that:
Good records also make it easier to demonstrate compliance during inspections or health and safety audits.
LEV testing documentation is just as important as the physical condition of your extraction system. Thorough records help demonstrate compliance, support effective maintenance, and provide a clear history of your system's performance over time.
Maintaining accurate LEV documentation is only one part of an effective workplace compliance strategy. DevineAir supports businesses with comprehensive LEV services, including Thorough Examination and Testing, maintenance, design, consultancy, and awareness training. We also provide workplace air quality assessments, noise assessment, cleanroom testing, hand-arm vibration assessments, and lighting surveys, helping organisations identify risks, improve control measures, and maintain healthier working environments.
Contact DevineAir today to discuss your LEV requirements or arrange a professional assessment with our experienced team.
LEV testing documentation includes Thorough Examination reports, maintenance records, repair history, system modifications, and other documents that demonstrate an LEV system is properly managed.
Inspectors review documentation to confirm the system has been maintained, tested at the correct intervals, and continues to comply with COSHH requirements.
Employers should retain LEV examination and maintenance records in accordance with HSE guidance and company health and safety procedures, ensuring they are available for future inspections.
Missing or incomplete records can make it difficult to demonstrate compliance and may result in recommendations for improved record keeping alongside any technical findings.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections can take place in any workplace where employees may be exposed to hazardous substances. During these inspections, businesses are expected to demonstrate that suitable measures are in place to control exposure to dust, fumes, vapours, and other airborne contaminants. Organisations that use Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems need to […]
Installing an LEV system is just the beginning of managing dust, fumes, and vapours in the workplace. For this system to function efficiently, proper care and maintenance are essential. When this is ignored, risks to workers' health are greatly increased. Many errors can arise regarding LEV compliance. Small problems, such as examinations not taking place […]
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