Construction sites generate a variety of airborne hazards, including silica dust, welding fumes, wood dust, and chemical vapours. If these contaminants are not properly controlled, they can pose serious risks to workers' health and lead to long-term respiratory conditions. This is why LEV testing for construction sites is an important part of workplace safety and COSHH compliance.
Temporary construction environments can create additional challenges because extraction equipment is often moved, adjusted, or exposed to harsh working conditions. Regular LEV testing helps ensure these systems continue to perform effectively, protecting workers and supporting compliance throughout every stage of a project.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a system designed to capture airborne contaminants at or near their source before workers inhale them. These systems are commonly used wherever work activities generate dust, fumes, vapours, or other hazardous substances.
On construction sites, LEV systems may be attached to equipment, stationary work areas, welding processes, cutting machines, or temporary extraction devices. The use of LEVs aims to reduce employee exposure and comply with health and safety regulations.
LEV testing requires a complete inspection of the system to assess its effectiveness. Testing may include evaluating airflow, assessing system components, inspecting filters, and identifying any potential problems that may affect the effectiveness of the LEV system.
Design, operation, and testing of LEVs are discussed in HSG258: Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work. This document offers practical recommendations for employers on maintaining the efficiency of their extraction systems.
Construction sites are constantly changing. Equipment is moved, work areas evolve, and new tasks introduce different hazards throughout a project. As a result, extraction systems that performed well at the start of a project may not continue to operate effectively without monitoring and maintenance.
According to the HSE Construction Dust Guidance, around 12,000 deaths each year are linked to past exposure to harmful substances at work, including dusts and chemicals. Effective control measures such as LEV systems play an important role in reducing these risks and protecting workers from long-term occupational illness.
The temporary extraction unit is prone to malfunction due to being moved from one site to another. Duct damage, filter blockage, bad installation, and mechanical problems can all contribute to decreased functionality. Testing will help uncover any of these problems before posing any threat to health.
Construction work generates a wide range of airborne contaminants that can affect both short-term and long-term health.
Respirable crystalline silica is generated when materials such as concrete, brick, mortar, and stone are cut, drilled, or ground.
Long-term exposure has been linked to:
Because silica dust particles are extremely small, workers may not realise they are being exposed.
Construction sites still frequently engage in welding activities. Fumes from welding contain dangerous elements like manganese, chromium, nickel, and iron oxide.
If proper extraction is not performed, inhalation of these harmful elements can occur, posing various health risks.
Fine dust particles are created during joinery, carpentry, and woodworking operations and can remain airborne for long periods.
Dust from some hardwood materials is considered carcinogenic, hence the need for proper extraction and control.
Construction projects often involve paints, coatings, solvents, adhesives, and resins. These materials can release vapours that may cause irritation, headaches, breathing difficulties, or longer-term health effects following repeated exposure.
A proper LEV examination involves much more than confirming that a fan is operating.
The process assesses whether the entire system continues to provide effective control of airborne contaminants. Testing is usually carried out by competent professionals using specialist equipment.
A typical examination may include:
The findings are recorded in a report that documents system performance and highlights any required corrective actions.
Businesses requiring professional support can benefit from comprehensive LEV Testing Services to help ensure systems remain compliant and effective.
Yes. In many circumstances, LEV testing is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
COSHH requires employers to prevent or adequately control worker exposure to hazardous substances. When LEV systems are used as part of that control strategy, they must be regularly maintained and inspected.
According to HSE guidance, employers must ensure that LEV systems are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Most LEV systems require a Thorough Examination and Test at least every 14 months, although some applications may require more frequent examinations depending on the level of risk.
Maintaining examination records is also important. These records provide evidence that control measures are being properly managed and can be requested during inspections or audits.
Even when suitable extraction equipment is installed, construction projects present unique challenges that can affect system performance over time. Equipment is often relocated, exposed to demanding conditions, or adapted to suit changing work activities. Without regular checks and testing, these factors can reduce system effectiveness and increase exposure risks.
Portable extraction units are often moved between projects. Every move creates the possibility of damage, loose connections, or incorrect installation.
Construction environments expose equipment to dust, vibration, weather conditions, and accidental impacts. These factors can affect performance and shorten equipment lifespan.
A project may begin with demolition work, progress into structural construction, and finish with specialist installations. Different stages often create different contaminants that require varying control measures.
Large construction projects often involve several contractors operating in the same area. Responsibility for extraction equipment can become unclear if systems are shared between teams.
These challenges make routine inspection and formal testing especially important.
The required frequency depends on the type of system and how it is used.
For most construction-related LEV systems, a Thorough Examination and Test is required at least every 14 months. However, some systems may require more frequent examination depending on the substances being controlled.
Further inspections can be required in the following situations:
Visual inspections conducted between formal examinations will also help spot problems before they escalate.
Some of them are:
Such checks can be done easily to ensure the proper functioning of an installation.
Many businesses view LEV testing as a compliance exercise. In reality, the benefits extend far beyond meeting legal requirements.
Effective extraction reduces exposure to harmful airborne contaminants and helps protect workers from occupational illnesses.
COSHH compliance will be improved because regular testing will provide proof that employers are controlling their risks.
Testing will allow for the discovery of any problems developing before breakdowns occur and expensive repairs become necessary.
Some of the common problems that could be found through testing include:
Safety and health teams get a sense of confidence about the effectiveness of the extraction process.
Reliable extraction systems form an important part of a broader workplace health strategy and help reduce long-term exposure risks.
Exposure to dust, fumes, and vapours is just one of the many hazards that are encountered by workers during construction projects, which might adversely affect their health in the long run. LEV testing in construction helps maintain the effectiveness of such systems and meets the requirements of COSHH.
Due to the changing nature of temporary locations, the extraction machinery can face wear and tear and performance problems that may not necessarily be obvious. Conducting tests helps ensure that control measures still work and continue to safeguard workers during the process.
For businesses that need support with LEV Testing Services, LEV Consultancy, LEV Design, or Maintenance & Contracts, DevineAir provides practical support across the UK to help organisations manage workplace exposure risks and maintain effective control measures on construction and temporary sites.
Get in touch with DevineAir right now and talk about the LEV systems you need for your construction site.
LEV Testing involves the examination and evaluation of Local Exhaust Ventilation systems to determine whether they have been successfully controlling air contaminants or performing their function as designed.
Where LEV systems are used to control hazardous substances under COSHH, regular examination and testing are generally required by law.
Most LEV systems require a Thorough Examination and Test at least every 14 months, although some applications may require more frequent testing.
LEV systems can control a wide range of contaminants, including silica dust, welding fumes, wood dust, chemical vapours, and other airborne substances generated during construction activities.
If deficiencies are identified, corrective action should be taken to restore performance. This may involve repairs, maintenance, filter replacement, or system redesign depending on the issue.
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