Our Services
LEV Testing
BOHS P601 qualified engineers carrying out commissioning, maintenance, thorough examination and testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation systems.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing
Our qualified BOHS P601 engineers will carry out thorough examination and testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems to comply with current Health & Safety guidance (HSG 258) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations 2002.
Why do I need LEV Testing?
As set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is a legal requirement for any employer to maintain working conditions for employees. Any employer that uses LEV in the workplace must have equipment thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months or sooner to ensure it is working effectively and safely, to help protect your employees from substances hazardous to health.
- Legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- COSHH Regulations 2002 require thorough examination at least every 14 months
- Protects employees from substances hazardous to health
- Ensures LEV equipment is working effectively and safely
- Avoids costly enforcement action, fines or prosecution
- Demonstrates your duty of care as an employer
On-Tool Extraction
M Class & H Class On-Tool Dust Extractors
On-tool dust extractors are classed as LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) equipment and are therefore subject to the same legal requirements. Under COSHH Regulations 2002 and HSG258, all LEV systems — including on-tool extractors — must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person. 1ST Safety Ltd can carry out this testing alongside your wider LEV programme.
M Class extractors capture dust directly at source — attached to grinders, sanders and drills. They provide a minimum filtration efficiency of 99.9%, making them essential for wood dust, silica and other substances hazardous to health.
- Captures dust at source — before it enters the breathing zone
- Minimum 99.9% filtration efficiency
- Suitable for wood dust, silica & composite materials
- Complements LEV systems as part of a wider dust control strategy
H Class extractors are required for high-hazard dusts including asbestos, lead and carcinogenic materials. They provide a minimum filtration efficiency of 99.995% and are mandatory where exposure to highly toxic dusts is a risk.
- Minimum 99.995% filtration efficiency
- Required for asbestos, lead & carcinogens
- Mandatory in high-risk environments
- Highest level of worker protection available
What harm can be caused by not testing?
Occupational lung disease is a major cause of work-related ill health and is the result of long-term exposure to irritants being breathed into the lungs. Long-term exposure to hazardous, toxic, or irritating particles, gases, and even temperature conditions can have lasting effects on the lung, even once the exposure ends.
The HSE reports that there are approximately 12,000 lung disease deaths each year estimated to be linked to past exposures at work. By not ensuring your LEV is working properly you could be exposing your employees to harmful airborne contaminants which could be costly to their health and to your business.
Types of occupational lung disease include:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Occupational Asthma
Lung Cancer
Asbestos-related Lung Disease
Pneumoconiosis
Allergic Alveolitis
Silicosis
Infectious Diseases
What documentation will I receive?
Upon completion of the thorough examination and testing of your LEV, a summary of the assessment of control of your LEV plant will be issued in compliance with Regulation 9 of COSHH Regulations 2002. Contact us for more details or a quotation.
Need LEV Testing at your premises?
Get in touch with one of our BOHS P601 qualified engineers today.