COSHH LEV Inspections in Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow-in-Furness is dominated by BAE Systems Submarines, which is the town's largest employer with 14,500 workers — roughly one-third of the working-age population. The shipyard builds all of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines including the Astute-class, Dreadnought-class, and SSN-AUKUS programmes.
About COSHH LEV Inspections in Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow-in-Furness generates a concentration of airborne workplace hazards driven by its heavy manufacturing, engineering, and construction activities, and local exhaust ventilation systems are the primary means of protecting workers from these substances. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 require every LEV system to be thoroughly examined and tested at intervals not exceeding fourteen months, and Safe Lee Inspection & Consultancy provides this statutory testing throughout Barrow and the Furness peninsula. The engineering and fabrication firms supplying the BAE Systems submarine programme — many based around Waterfront Business Park and Channelside Industrial Area — generate welding fumes, grinding particulates, and metalworking fluid mist that extraction arms, downdraft tables, and enclosure-type LEV systems must control at source. Welding fume extraction is particularly critical given the 2019 reclassification of mild steel welding fume as a carcinogen, affecting every welding operation in the town's numerous engineering workshops. Composite material processing in the advanced manufacturing sector produces hazardous dusts and resin vapours requiring carefully designed extraction. Paint application and surface treatment operations across Barrow's marine and engineering supply chain use spray booths and extraction systems to control isocyanate and solvent vapours. Woodworking businesses serving the construction boom — joineries, shop fitters, and timber frame manufacturers — depend on dust extraction connected to every cutting and machining operation. The construction sector itself generates silica dust from cutting, drilling, and grinding concrete and masonry, controlled by on-tool extraction and mobile LEV units that require testing. Our engineers assess every component of each LEV system — capture velocities at hoods and slots, duct integrity and cleanliness, filter condition and loading, and fan output compared to design specifications. We commonly find systems that appear to be operating but are delivering significantly reduced extraction performance. Safe Lee provides the comprehensive statutory reports COSHH requires, reaching Barrow from our Irlam base via the M6.
Key Areas We Cover
- BAE Systems Submarine Shipyard
- Devonshire Dock Hall
- Waterfront Business Park
- Channelside Industrial Area
Local Landmarks
BAE Systems Devonshire Dock Hall — the UK's sole nuclear submarine construction facility, with £1 billion of recent investment
Frequently Asked Questions
What statutory inspections are needed at the BAE Systems submarine shipyard?
BAE Systems' Barrow shipyard — the UK's sole nuclear submarine construction facility with 14,500 employees — requires the most comprehensive range of statutory inspections. This includes LOLER examinations for heavy-lift cranes in the Devonshire Dock Hall, PSSR inspections for pressure testing equipment and reactor component systems, PUWER assessments for welding, fabrication, and machining equipment, and COSHH LEV testing for welding fume and paint extraction systems.
Do submarine supply chain businesses in Barrow need equipment inspections?
Yes. The submarine supply chain in Barrow-in-Furness includes specialist engineering firms manufacturing precision components, pipework, and structural assemblies. These businesses operate CNC machines, welding equipment, overhead cranes, and pressure testing rigs — all requiring statutory inspections under PUWER, LOLER, PSSR, and COSHH regulations.
What does a COSHH LEV inspection involve?
A COSHH LEV inspection involves a thorough examination and test of your local exhaust ventilation system. This includes visual inspection of ductwork, hoods, and fans, airflow measurements at capture points, static pressure readings through the system, and checks on filters and discharge points to ensure the system effectively controls hazardous substances.
How often is a COSHH LEV inspection required?
Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. Some specific processes have shorter intervals — for example, LEV for certain blasting operations must be examined every month, and spray-painting booths every 6 months. Your system should be examined according to whichever interval applies.
What equipment does a COSHH LEV inspection cover?
COSHH LEV inspections cover all local exhaust ventilation systems including fume cupboards, extraction arms, downdraft benches, spray booth ventilation, dust extraction systems, welding fume extraction, woodworking extraction, and any other system designed to capture and remove airborne contaminants at source.
Industries Requiring COSHH LEV Inspections in Barrow-in-Furness
We work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors.
Maritime
BAE Systems Submarines employs 14,500 people at Barrow, building all Royal Navy nuclear submarines including Astute-class, Dreadnought-class, and SSN-AUKUS boats. The Devonshire Dock Hall operates heavy-lift cranes, pressure testing equipment, and reactor components requiring comprehensive LOLER, PSSR, and PUWER inspections.
Manufacturing
The submarine supply chain in Barrow supports engineering firms manufacturing precision components, pipes, and structural assemblies using CNC machines, welding equipment, and pressure testing rigs requiring PUWER, PSSR, and COSHH LEV inspections.
Construction
Team Barrow's £220M programme to overhaul housing, transport, and infrastructure, alongside £1 billion of BAE Systems site investment, generates major demand for WAHR inspections of scaffolding, tower cranes, and work at height equipment.
Our COSHH LEV Inspections Process
A straightforward, professional approach from first contact to ongoing compliance.
- 1
Initial Consultation
We discuss your requirements, the equipment involved, and any specific regulatory obligations relevant to your site.
- 2
Site Survey
Our engineer visits your premises to assess the scope of the inspection and identify any immediate concerns.
- 3
Thorough Examination
A detailed, hands-on inspection of all relevant equipment carried out to the applicable statutory standards.
- 4
Report & Recommendations
You receive a comprehensive written report detailing findings, defects, and clear recommendations for remedial action.
- 5
Ongoing Support
We provide follow-up guidance, schedule future inspections, and help you maintain continuous compliance.
Is Your Business Compliant?
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, employers and duty holders are legally required to ensure equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. Failure to comply can result in significant fines, enforcement action, and — most importantly — puts your workforce at serious risk.
Barrow-in-Furness is dominated by BAE Systems Submarines, which is the town's largest employer with 14,500 workers — roughly one-third of the working-age population. The shipyard builds all of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines including the Astute-class, Dreadnought-class, and SSN-AUKUS programmes.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 compliance is not optional
What Our Clients Say
“Lee is a fantastic engineer and very approachable. He delivers examinations with minimal disturbance to your operations in a timely manner. If you need or are unsure if your equipment requires an examination, contact Lee and he will guide you through the process of becoming and staying compliant.”
Lee Stanaway
Reviewed on Google
“Brilliant company! Can't recommend Lee enough. Great communication throughout and speedy reporting to ensure kit is compliant with LOLER and PUWER.”
Thomas Bullivant
Reviewed on Google
“Great service, very knowledgeable regarding my lifting equipment. If you're needing a LOLER examination carried out, get on to Safe Lee!”
Sean Crawford
Reviewed on Google
Need COSHH LEV Inspections in Barrow-in-Furness?
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