LEV Testing in Greater Manchester

Manufacturing industries generating hazardous airborne substances dominate LEV inspection demand across Greater Manchester. Automotive component manufacturing across Trafford Park and Eccles requires LEV testing for welding fume extraction — now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen for all welding fume types — and metalworking fluid mist. Food processing at Trafford Park, including facilities operated by Kellogg's and Princes, requires LEV testing for flour dust, spray booth ventilation, and process extraction. Woodworking businesses throughout Greater Manchester need LEV testing for hardwood and MDF dust. Vehicle refinishing businesses throughout the conurbation must test spray booth ventilation. Safe-Lee tests LEV systems across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs.

Under COSHH 2002, all Local Exhaust Ventilation systems used to control employee exposure to hazardous substances must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months. This is a statutory minimum — for higher-risk processes such as systems controlling welding fume, isocyanate paint spray, or silica dust, the HSE recommends more frequent examination or supplementary monitoring. The 14-month interval applies from the date of the last examination: there is no permitted extension for production schedule reasons. The examination record — including airflow measurements, system performance data, and any identified defects — must be kept for at least 5 years.