A well-designed LEV system means little if it isn’t tested properly. The quality of your testing equipment directly affects how well you can protect your team. Regular LEV testing isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s about knowing your system is genuinely keeping harmful dust, fumes, and vapours under control.
At DevineAir, we know that accurate results depend on using the right LEV testing equipment. Each tool plays a vital role in confirming that your LEV system is working as it should.
In this article, we’ll explain what LEV testing involves, the essential tools professionals use, and how proper equipment ensures your workplace passes every test, keeping you compliant, efficient, and safe.
LEV testing is the process of verifying that your local exhaust ventilation system effectively removes hazardous substances from the air. Under the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and the Irish Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001, employers are legally required to have their LEV systems tested at least once every 14 months or more often for high-risk environments.
It helps verify that the system catches contaminants before they enter workers' breathing areas.
LEV testing includes:
You can’t manage what you can’t measure. Reliable readings are essential to prove your system’s performance and compliance. Outdated or poorly calibrated tools can lead to inaccurate results, leaving you unaware of problems until it’s too late.
Using the right LEV testing equipment ensures that:
Professional LEV testing uses highly sensitive instruments designed to detect even the smallest changes in airflow and pressure.
Here’s a breakdown of the main tools used during professional LEV testing and what they do:
These devices measure airspeed at different points in the system, especially at hoods and duct openings. Steady airflow is important for effectively capturing contaminants. Thermal and vane anemometers are often used, depending on the system type and air velocity range.
A pitot tube measures the difference between still and moving air in a duct, while a manometer displays the result. Together, they help check airflow and ensure your extraction system is operating at the correct pressure.
These precision instruments measure very small pressure differences with high accuracy. They are essential for testing low-pressure LEV systems and for checking readings from other instruments.
Smoke tubes or electronic smoke generators are used to visualise airflow. They make it easy to see how contaminants are captured (or missed) by the hood, making it ideal for both testing and operator training.
These monitors detect airborne particles and contaminants, helping determine whether the LEV system is effectively removing dust and fumes. Real-time data from these tools can highlight performance issues not visible to the eye.
These measure pressure changes across filters and capture hoods. A rising pressure reading often indicates a blocked filter or restriction, vital information for preventive maintenance.
While not always part of standard LEV testing, sound meters help ensure systems aren’t contributing to excessive noise levels in the workplace, another key safety factor.
Accurate LEV testing relies on a combination of the right equipment, correct calibration, and trained professionals who know how to interpret the data. Using high-quality instruments ensures your test results are reliable and fully compliant with HSE guidance (HSG258) in the UK and HSA recommendations in Ireland.
Here’s how professional LEV testing equipment supports compliance:
Without these tools, it’s impossible to guarantee your system is performing to standard, and that’s a risk no employer should take.
Even well-intentioned employers can fall short during LEV testing. Common mistakes include:
Each of these mistakes can give you inaccurate results and a false sense of how well your system is working.. Professional LEV testing equipment removes these risks by delivering reliable, verifiable data you can trust.
While some businesses attempt in-house LEV checks, compliance testing should always be handled by qualified professionals. LEV systems are complex, and small measurement or setup errors can invalidate results.
Professional LEV testers use calibrated, industry-approved equipment and follow strict testing protocols aligned with HSG258. They also provide detailed reports that document system performance, test results, and recommendations, all of which are essential if the HSE or HSA ever audits you.
At DevineAir, we combine over 20 years of experience with the latest LEV testing equipment to deliver precise, compliant, and easy-to-understand results. Our consultants use advanced instruments to assess airflow, pressure, and system efficiency, ensuring your LEV performs exactly as designed.
We don’t just provide numbers; we explain what they mean for your business. From initial testing and maintenance to retesting schedules, we help employers across the UK and Ireland stay compliant and confident in their workplace air quality.
Whether you need a routine inspection or a complete LEV performance assessment or LEV awareness training, our team can support you every step of the way.
At Devine Air, accurate testing starts with the right tools and ends with safer, healthier workplaces. Contact us today and let's start improving your workpace air quality.
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