In every modern workplace where dust, fumes, vapours or other airborne contaminants are present, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems play a crucial role in protecting employee health.
At DevineAir, we specialise in ensuring businesses across the UK and Ireland maintain safe, compliant work environments through expert LEV testing, consultancy, and maintenance.
These systems are more than just machinery; they’re a frontline defence against respiratory illness, long‑term health issues, and costly regulatory penalties. In the UK and Ireland, LEV testing isn’t optional. It’s a legal duty that ensures your ventilation controls are fit for purpose and truly safeguard your team.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is a system designed to capture contaminants at or near the source, preventing harmful airborne substances from entering workers’ breathing zones. This includes a wide range of hazards such as:
Properly designed LEV systems draw contaminated air away from the workspace, clean it if needed, and either filter or expel it safely. When installed and maintained correctly, LEV dramatically reduces exposure to dangerous substances that can cause asthma, lung disease, cancer and other serious health conditions.
In Northern Ireland alone, thousands of lung disease deaths each year are linked to airborne contaminants, and LEV is one of the most effective ways to prevent such outcomes.
In the UK, LEV testing is governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). Under these regulations, employers must assess and control worker exposure to hazardous substances. Where LEV is used as a control measure, it must be:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides extensive guidance, including the downloadable document Controlling airborne contaminants at work: A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV) (HSG258), which outlines good practice for design, commissioning, testing and documentation.
In Ireland, similar expectations are outlined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which requires employers to manage workplace health risks through appropriate controls, including LEV as a key example. Employers must:
A competent technician conducts a thorough examination and test, which typically includes:
All findings should be documented in a clear, detailed HSG 258 compliant report that includes measurements, observations and recommended actions. A high‑quality report becomes vital evidence of compliance in the event of inspections, insurance audits or legal enquiries.
The core purpose of LEV is to reduce exposure to harmful airborne substances. Regular testing verifies that the system continues to perform as intended, protecting workers from respiratory problems, chronic illness and long‑term health impacts.
Failing to undertake statutory LEV testing can result in enforcement action by regulatory bodies, including improvement notices, fines or even prosecution. Keeping up with your testing schedule shows proactive compliance with COSHH and national health and safety law.
Undetected faults in LEV systems can compromise performance and create unsafe conditions. Regular testing identifies problems early, preventing production downtime and unplanned maintenance.
Well‑maintained records of LEV tests, corrective actions and maintenance build organisational resilience. They support internal audits, third‑party certification and insurance requirements, demonstrating a robust approach to workplace safety.
Prioritising health and safety, including appropriate ventilation controls, fosters trust among employees. It shows workers that their wellbeing matters, which supports morale, retention and productivity.
To make the most of your LEV compliance efforts:
LEV testing in the workplace is a legal obligation, a health‑preserving strategy and an operational necessity. At DevineAir, we provide comprehensive LEV services, including testing, logbook management, design, consultancy, and ongoing maintenance, to help businesses meet compliance requirements while keeping employees safe.
In addition to LEV, we offer a full suite of environmental and occupational health services, including air quality monitoring, noise assessments, hand-arm vibration evaluations, cleanroom validation, and lux-level assessments.
By prioritising these measures, organisations not only comply with UK and Ireland health and safety laws but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of their workforce.
Take the next step in workplace safety today. Contact DevineAir to schedule your LEV testing or discuss how our environmental and health & safety services can help your business stay compliant and protected.
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