By David Glover, Technical Director, Plasma Clean Air
In industries where hazardous dusts, fumes, vapours or mists are generated, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are often the first and most critical line of defence in protecting workers’ health. But installing an LEV system isn’t a one-and-done fix. To stay compliant, effective, and safe, these systems need regular testing—and that’s where LEV testing and the P601 qualification come in.
What is LEV and Why Is It So Important?
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are designed to capture harmful airborne substances at source—before they enter the worker’s breathing zone or spread throughout the workplace. You’ll find LEV in settings as diverse as woodworking shops, welding bays, pharmaceutical manufacturing lines, and food production facilities.
These systems reduce the risk of respiratory diseases such as occupational asthma, silicosis, and long-term lung damage. Without proper control measures like LEV, harmful substances can build up in the air, exposing workers to unacceptable levels of risk.
The Legal Duty: COSHH and Regular LEV Testing
Under the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, there is a legal requirement to control exposure to hazardous substances. Regulation 9 specifically states that LEV systems must undergo a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months to ensure they continue to perform effectively.
This is not optional. It is a statutory obligation. And it applies to employers across sectors—from large industrial manufacturers to small workshops using even basic extraction systems.
What Does an LEV Test Involve?
A thorough LEV test goes well beyond a cursory inspection. It includes:
- Visual checks of ductwork, hoods, filters, and fans
- Airflow and pressure measurements to verify that the system is capturing contaminants as intended
- Smoke or tracer gas tests to check airflow direction and capture efficiency
- Filter condition assessments to determine whether they are clogged or degraded
- Evaluation against design specifications or performance benchmarks
Following the test, a report is issued outlining the condition and effectiveness of the system, along with any remedial actions required to bring it back to standard.
Why P601 Matters: Competence in Testing
So, who should carry out these inspections?
According to the HSE, LEV testing must be done by a “competent person.” While this isn’t strictly defined in law, it means someone with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to thoroughly examine and test the system.
That’s where P601 comes in.
P601 is a professional qualification offered by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). It’s widely recognised as the industry standard for demonstrating competence in the thorough examination and testing of LEV systems.
What Does P601 Cover?
The P601 course equips individuals with:
- A solid theoretical foundation in LEV principles
- The skills to evaluate airflow and capture velocity
- The ability to assess system performance against legal and design requirements
- The knowledge to generate compliant LEV reports and recommendations
This qualification is invaluable for LEV engineers, system designers, contractors, occupational hygienists, and health and safety professionals involved in air quality management.
Not Just a Tick-Box Exercise
While it’s not mandatory to hold a P601 qualification to perform LEV testing, the HSE strongly recommends it. At Plasma Clean Air, we agree. We’ve seen first-hand how competent testing makes the difference between systems that appear to be working and those that are genuinely protecting people.
We also believe that, just as you’d expect an electrician to hold proper certification, those tasked with evaluating critical safety systems like LEV should meet a recognised standard.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to maintain and test LEV systems can lead to:
- Increased health risks: Workers may be exposed to harmful substances, leading to chronic illness and lost productivity.
- Legal consequences: Employers risk fines, enforcement action, or prosecution if found in breach of COSHH regulations.
- Reputational damage: Poor safety compliance can undermine trust among staff, clients, and regulatory bodies.
In short, skipping LEV testing or using unqualified personnel isn’t worth the risk.
What This Means for Businesses
Throughout the UK, any business using LEV must ensure they meet COSHH requirements. That means:
- Testing systems at least every 14 months
- Using competent professionals—ideally P601-qualified—for testing
- Acting swiftly on any recommendations from test reports
At Plasma Clean Air, we provide LEV testing services carried out by competent, qualified engineers, including those with P601 certification. We also offer practical guidance for system improvements, filter replacement, and full-service maintenance.
Get in Touch
If your business relies on LEV systems to protect your people, don’t leave safety—or compliance to chance.
✅ Contact Plasma Clean Air today to schedule your next LEV inspection.
✅ Need support with system performance or unsure if your testing is up to scratch? We’re happy to advise.
✅ Want peace of mind that your team is protected and your business is compliant? We’ll help you get there.
📞 Call us on 0800 652 3325
📧 Email us at [email protected]
Let’s keep your workplace safe, your operations compliant, and your team breathing easy.
