COSHH LEV Inspections in Preston
Preston is the administrative centre of Lancashire and a major aerospace hub. BAE Systems operates from three interconnected sites at Preston (Strand Road), Warton Aerodrome, and Samlesbury, assembling Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II components.
About COSHH LEV Inspections in Preston
Local exhaust ventilation systems across Preston protect workers from hazardous airborne substances in settings ranging from aerospace composite manufacturing at BAE Systems to welding fume extraction in the city's engineering workshops. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 require that every LEV system is thoroughly examined and tested at least every fourteen months, and Safe Lee Inspection & Consultancy provides this statutory testing throughout Preston. Aerospace manufacturing generates particular LEV challenges — composite material processing produces resin fumes and fine dust, while metalworking operations create aluminium swarf, titanium dust, and cutting fluid mist, all of which require carefully designed extraction systems performing at their specified capacity. The engineering firms along the Riversway industrial corridor and around Red Scar produce welding fumes, grinding dust, and oil mist from conventional machining operations. Woodworking businesses in Preston — joineries, furniture makers, and timber merchants — depend on dust extraction connected to saws, planers, and routers. The city's food manufacturing sector generates flour dust, cooking fumes, and ingredient particulates that extraction systems must control. Vehicle body repair shops, concentrated around the Deepdale and Longsands areas, need spray booth extraction testing to ensure workers are protected from isocyanate paint fumes, one of the leading causes of occupational asthma. Our engineers test the complete LEV system, measuring capture velocities at each extraction point, inspecting ductwork for leaks and obstructions, assessing filter condition, and confirming fan performance against the design specification. We also evaluate whether the system's original design remains adequate for current processes — a critical check in Preston's industrial units where production methods may have evolved since extraction was first installed. Safe Lee delivers comprehensive statutory examination reports with practical improvement recommendations, serving Preston from our Irlam base via the M6.
Key Areas We Cover
- BAE Systems Strand Road
- Warton Aerodrome
- Samlesbury Aerodrome
- Roman Way Industrial Estate
- Riversway Business Village
Local Landmarks
BAE Systems Warton — headquarters of Military Air & Information, assembly site for Eurofighter Typhoon
Industries Requiring COSHH LEV Inspections in Preston
We work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors.
Aerospace
BAE Systems' Warton Aerodrome assembles the Eurofighter Typhoon, while the Samlesbury site manufactures F-35 Lightning II components. These facilities operate clean rooms, autoclaves, overhead cranes, and robotic systems requiring comprehensive PSSR, LOLER, and PUWER inspections.
Manufacturing
Preston's Roman Way Industrial Estate and the wider aerospace supply chain host precision engineering firms using CNC machines, lathes, and pressure systems requiring regular PUWER and PSSR inspections.
Construction
Preston's City Deal regeneration programme and new-build developments require WAHR inspections of scaffolding, tower cranes, and fall arrest systems across active construction sites.
Healthcare
Royal Preston Hospital operates autoclaves, sterilisation pressure vessels, and patient lifting equipment requiring statutory thorough examinations under PSSR 2000 and LOLER 1998.
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.
Preston is the administrative centre of Lancashire and a major aerospace hub. BAE Systems operates from three interconnected sites at Preston (Strand Road), Warton Aerodrome, and Samlesbury, assembling Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II components.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 compliance is not optional
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does the aerospace sector around Preston need?
BAE Systems' facilities at Warton, Samlesbury, and Preston's Strand Road require comprehensive statutory inspections: PSSR examinations for autoclaves used in composite curing, LOLER thorough examinations for overhead cranes and lifting rigs, PUWER inspections for CNC machines and robotic assembly systems, and COSHH LEV testing for clean room ventilation and paint shop extraction.
Do engineering firms in Preston's aerospace supply chain need statutory inspections?
Yes. Precision engineering firms on Roman Way Industrial Estate and across Preston's aerospace supply chain are subject to the same statutory inspection requirements as any manufacturer. Compressed air systems require PSSR inspections, lifting equipment needs LOLER examinations, and workshop machinery requires PUWER assessments. SafeLee serves the Preston area with all of these services.
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.
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.
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 Preston?
Speak to our experienced engineers today for a free, no-obligation quote.