COSHH LEV Inspections in Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen is a former textile manufacturing centre with multiple modern industrial estates along the M65 corridor. Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Shadsworth Business Park, and Greenbank Business Park support engineering, manufacturing, and logistics businesses.
About COSHH LEV Inspections in Blackburn
Blackburn's manufacturing and workshop economy generates a wide range of airborne hazards that local exhaust ventilation systems must control, and 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. Safe Lee Inspection & Consultancy provides COSHH LEV testing across Blackburn, serving businesses from Whitebirk Industrial Estate through to the smaller workshop premises on Roman Road and Shadsworth Business Park. Engineering firms on Whitebirk produce welding fumes, grinding dust, and oil mist from machining operations — all substances that cause serious occupational illness without effective extraction. Blackburn's plastics manufacturing sector generates fumes during moulding and extrusion processes that extraction systems must capture at source. The town retains a number of textile finishing and printing operations where chemical vapours from dyes, solvents, and adhesives are present, a direct legacy of Blackburn's weaving heritage now requiring modern LEV protection. Woodworking businesses including joineries, kitchen manufacturers, and shopfitters depend on dust extraction connected to saws, planers, and routers — wood dust being a known carcinogen that demands effective control. Vehicle body repair shops across Blackburn operate spray booths with downdraft extraction systems that must be tested to confirm they protect workers from isocyanate paint fumes. Our engineers assess the entire extraction pathway, from capture hood design and face velocity through ductwork condition and filter performance to fan output and discharge arrangements. We identify systems that have degraded since installation — a common finding where ducts have accumulated debris, filters have not been replaced on schedule, or fan belts have stretched. Safe Lee provides the statutory examination reports COSHH requires you to keep, along with practical guidance on restoring underperforming systems. We serve Blackburn from our Irlam base with straightforward access via the M65.
Key Areas We Cover
- Whitebirk Industrial Estate
- Shadsworth Business Park
- Greenbank Business Park
- Walker Industrial Park
Local Landmarks
Shadsworth Business Park — major employment site adjacent to Junction 5 of the M65 motorway
Frequently Asked Questions
Do manufacturers at Whitebirk Industrial Estate need PUWER inspections?
Yes. Manufacturing businesses on Whitebirk Industrial Estate in Blackburn must ensure all work equipment is maintained and inspected under PUWER 1998. This includes power presses, guillotines, lathes, and any other machinery with specific risks. Where equipment poses particular dangers, regular inspections by a competent person are required with written records.
What inspections do businesses at Shadsworth Business Park need?
Businesses at Shadsworth Business Park near Junction 5 of the M65 require statutory inspections based on their equipment. Manufacturing firms typically need PSSR inspections for compressed air systems, LOLER examinations for overhead cranes and forklifts, PUWER assessments for production machinery, and COSHH LEV testing for extraction ventilation controlling hazardous substances.
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 Blackburn
We work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors.
Manufacturing
Blackburn's Whitebirk Industrial Estate and Shadsworth Business Park host engineering and manufacturing firms operating overhead cranes, compressed air systems, and industrial machinery requiring LOLER, PSSR, and PUWER inspections.
Aerospace
BAE Systems' Samlesbury Aerodrome is located between Blackburn and Preston, and the local aerospace supply chain includes precision engineering firms requiring regular PUWER and PSSR inspections of workshop equipment.
Construction
Blackburn's town centre regeneration and new industrial developments along the M65 corridor create demand for WAHR inspections of scaffolding, harnesses, and guardrails.
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.
Blackburn with Darwen is a former textile manufacturing centre with multiple modern industrial estates along the M65 corridor. Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Shadsworth Business Park, and Greenbank Business Park support engineering, manufacturing, and logistics businesses.
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 Blackburn?
Speak to our experienced engineers today for a free, no-obligation quote.