If your workplace uses any kind of dust or fume extraction, "LEV testing" is a term that turns up on compliance checklists and insurance paperwork, often without much explanation of what it actually means. Here is a plain explanation of what LEV testing is, what the inspection covers, and why it matters for the people working around the equipment. What Is LEV Testing? LEV testing, formally a thorough examination and test (TExT), is a statutory inspection of a local exhaust

Plenty of businesses treat LEV testing as a once-a-year job, or assume the 14-month figure they have heard is a target to aim for. Neither is quite right, and getting it wrong leaves a gap in both your compliance and your workers' protection. Here is how often LEV testing should be done, when it needs doing more often, and how to set the right interval for your system. How Often Should LEV Testing Be Done? For most systems, LEV testing must be done at least every 14 months

A failed LEV inspection means downtime, remedial costs, and a compliance gap you have to close in a hurry. The frustrating part is that most failures are avoidable, and usually come down to maintenance that slipped or paperwork that went missing. Here is how to pass an LEV inspection, and the common reasons systems fail when they should not. How Do You Pass an LEV Inspection? To pass an LEV inspection, keep the system well maintained, make sure the original performance data

If your business runs any kind of dust or fume extraction, it is worth knowing whether testing it is genuinely required or just sensible housekeeping. The answer is firmer than a lot of owners expect, and getting it wrong carries real consequences. Here is a straight answer on whether LEV testing is a legal requirement, what the law asks of you, and what happens if you ignore it. Is LEV Testing a Legal Requirement? Yes. LEV testing is a legal requirement under the Control o

Welding fume can look like a minor nuisance, the sort of thing a fan in the corner will deal with. It is not. It is now a recognised cause of cancer, and the rules around controlling it changed sharply in 2019. Here is whether your welding workshop needs fume extraction, why, and what actually counts as adequate. Should Welding Workshops Have Fume Extraction? Yes. Since 2019, the HSE has required suitable fume extraction, usually local exhaust ventilation (LEV), for all ind

A fume cupboard only does its job if it actually pulls hazardous fumes away from the person using it, and the only way to know it still does that is to test it. The trouble is that a cupboard can look perfectly fine while quietly underperforming. Here is how fume cupboards are tested, what gets measured, how often, and who is allowed to do it. How Are Fume Cupboards Tested? Fume cupboards are tested as part of a thorough examination and test, or TExT, carried out by a compe