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Industrial LEV testing checklist: sources and guidance

A record for the thorough examination and test (TExT) of local exhaust ventilation under COSHH. The usual maximum interval is 14 months; specified processes have shorter limits [1]. Keep test records for at least 5 years [21].

How often: Usually at least every 14 months; Schedule 4 sets 1-month or 6-month limits for specified processes. Follow any shorter interval for your system.[21][5][40][1]

Purpose

Use this industrial LEV testing checklist to prepare for, record and follow up the thorough examination and test of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. The thorough examination and test is a check that your LEV is still working as effectively as originally intended and is helping to protect your employees' health [46]. The checklist covers what the employer gets ready before the examiner arrives, the condition of the system, the examiner's readings for each hood, and what happens to the report afterwards.

Who should use it

Employers and the people they make responsible for LEV: site and maintenance managers, health and safety staff, and supervisors of processes that give off dust, fume, mist, vapour or gas. The examiner does the testing; this record helps you check the work is complete and that you act on it. It works for fixed LEV systems and for on-tool extraction units.

How often

For most systems, HSE says you should have a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months [21]. The commissioning report should say if the testing frequency is different from the statutory 14 months [5], and more frequent testing may be needed where wear and tear could reduce performance early [40]. Routine checks between tests, such as pre-use checks and weekly maintenance inspections [41], are set by your organisation and are not part of this record.

Schedule 4 sets a 1-month maximum for blasting during metal-casting manufacture and for jute cloth manufacture; it sets a 6-month maximum for the specified powered metal grinding, abrading or polishing processes and for non-ferrous casting processes giving off dust or fume. Check whether the exact process descriptions apply before setting a due date [1].

How to use this checklist

  1. Before the visit, find the commissioning report or other record of how the system is meant to perform. The examiner tests the system against it [9].
  2. Walk the system with the examiner and answer the condition checks.
  3. Add one entry in "Hoods and extraction points" for each hood tested, with the readings and units the examiner gives you. For an on-tool unit, add one entry for the extraction unit.
  4. When the report arrives, work through the follow-up section: repairs, re-checks, training and where the report is filed.
  5. Record the date the next test is due before you sign.

No item on this page is marked critical. The examiner's report says whether each part of the system is working as intended, and anything that fails is repaired and re-checked in the follow-up section.

What the rules say

  • HSE lists engineering controls provided to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances among the equipment that needs thorough examination, under regulation 9 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) [53].
  • Where LEV is one of your control measures, you must maintain it in efficient working order so it continues to provide the necessary protection [39].
  • LEV systems should be tested at least every 14 months [6], and the record must be kept for at least 5 years [21]. HSE also advises keeping records of examinations, tests and repairs to control equipment for at least five years [2].
  • Information on the installed system that confirms it gives adequate protection should be kept for the life of the equipment [35].
  • The person who carries out the thorough examination and test must be competent to do so [25].
  • Employees and operatives must be given suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training in the use of LEV [8].

HSE's guide HSG258, "Controlling airborne contaminants at work", describes the methods and techniques examiners use [33]. It is a separate HSE publication and is not reproduced here.

What this checklist does not cover

  • Designing, choosing, installing or commissioning a new LEV system. HSE's guide HSG258 covers these.
  • Whether a shorter maximum interval applies to your process. Schedule 4 to the COSHH Regulations sets shorter intervals for some processes; check regulation 9, Schedule 4 and your commissioning report before relying on 14 months.
  • The COSHH risk assessment, exposure monitoring and health surveillance.
  • Respiratory protective equipment and other control measures besides LEV.
  • Fire and explosion risks from dusts and vapours in the system, which fall under DSEAR, and noise from the system.
  • General ventilation of the building.
  • Northern Ireland. This page is written for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) only.

Questions

How often does LEV need to be tested?

Usually at least every 14 months [21]; the specified Schedule 4 processes have 1-month or 6-month limits [1]. The interval can also be shorter: the commissioning report should say if the testing frequency differs from the statutory 14 months [5].

How long do I need to keep LEV test records?

Keep the thorough examination and test record for at least 5 years [21]. Information on the installed system that shows it gives adequate protection, such as the commissioning report, should be kept for the life of the equipment [35].

Do LEV hoods have to have airflow indicators?

There is no specific legal requirement to fit airflow indicators [23], but you should have some way of checking that adequate airflow is being maintained [24]. HSE notes that an airflow indicator is currently the only method that shows the operator or supervisor immediately if there is a problem [34].

Does LEV have to be labelled after testing?

There is no specific legal requirement on employers or examiners to label LEV [38]. HSE guidance recommends that examiners label each hood with a test record [37], and put a red "Failed" label on any hood or system that has failed [47]. After repair, a competent person checks that it is effective before the label comes off [28].

What should I do if part of the LEV fails the test?

The report should clearly show what is wrong and what needs to be done to correct it [48]. Act on the recommendations in the report [22], and review your COSHH assessment where examination and test results suggest it is no longer valid [3].

Does on-tool extraction need a thorough examination and test?

Yes. The extraction unit should be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months [45]. If you hire the unit, you are responsible for making sure it is not used after its test has expired while it is on hire to you [31].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]COSHH 2002 Schedule 4: LEV examination and test intervals — UK legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  2. [2]HSE: COSHH basics - Control measures to prevent or limit exposure to hazardous substances — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]HSE: COSHH frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  4. [4]HSE: Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. [5]HSE: Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  6. [6]HSE: Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  7. [7]HSE: Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]HSE: Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  9. [9]HSE: LEV information for designers, installers and examiners — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  10. [10]HSE: LEV information for designers, installers and examiners — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  11. [11]HSE: LEV information for employees/users — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  12. [12]HSE: LEV information for employees/users — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]HSE: LEV information for employees/users — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]HSE: LEV information for employees/users — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]HSE: LEV information for employees/users — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. [16]HSE: LEV information for employers — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]HSE: LEV information for employers — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  18. [18]HSE: LEV information for employers — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]HSE: LEV information for employers — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  20. [20]HSE: LEV information for employers — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  22. [22]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
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  26. [26]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  27. [27]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  28. [28]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  31. [31]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  32. [32]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  34. [34]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  35. [35]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  36. [36]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  37. [37]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  38. [38]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  39. [39]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  40. [40]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  41. [41]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  42. [42]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  43. [43]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  44. [44]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  45. [45]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  46. [46]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  47. [47]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  51. [51]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  52. [52]HSE: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  53. [53]HSE: Equipment and machinery frequently asked questions (FAQs) — Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Retrieved September 24, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.