COSHH LEV Inspections in Manchester

Under COSHH 2002, all Local Exhaust Ventilation systems used to control welding fume must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. This is a minimum requirement — the HSE's EH40 guidance strongly recommends more frequent checks for high-use extraction systems in busy welding bays. The 2019 revision to WEL guidance reclassified all welding fume (including mild steel) as a Group 1 carcinogen, significantly increasing HSE enforcement activity in Manchester's manufacturing sector. An LEV system that was adequate at installation may fail to achieve original design parameters due to duct blockage, fan wear, or filter saturation.

Yes. Spray paint booths used in vehicle refinishing and manufacturing operations are among the LEV systems most frequently identified by the HSE as failing at examination. Under COSHH 2002, they must be tested at least every 14 months. For booths used for isocyanate-based paints — the most common in vehicle refinishing — HSE guidance treats these as a higher-risk process, and the examination should verify airflow meets the design specification across the full face of the working zone. Safe Lee tests spray booths throughout Greater Manchester.

Yes. Dust extraction systems fitted to woodworking machinery — including band saws, routers, spindle moulders, and CNC routing centres — are Local Exhaust Ventilation systems within the scope of COSHH 2002. They must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months. Hardwood and MDF dust are both classified as hazardous to health, and an extraction system operating below its design airflow provides inadequate protection even when running. The examination must verify capture velocity, duct condition, filter integrity, and fan performance.

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.

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.

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.