If your business generates dust, fume, vapour, mist, or gas in the course of its work, you are very likely required to control workers' exposure. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are one of the most effective means of achieving this — but they only work if they are properly maintained and periodically examined. This guide explains the legal requirement, what an LEV examination involves, and what you should expect to pay.
What Is Local Exhaust Ventilation?
Local exhaust ventilation is a form of engineering control that captures airborne contaminants at or near the point of generation, before they can reach the breathing zone of workers. LEV systems are used across a wide range of industries and applications:
- Welding fume extraction
- Woodworking dust extraction
- Chemical process ventilation
- Laboratory fume cupboards
- Spray booth extraction
- Pharmaceutical powder handling
- Metal grinding and polishing
An LEV system typically consists of a hood or enclosure to capture the contaminant, ducting to transport it, a filter or separator to remove it, and a fan to drive the airflow.
The Legal Requirement for LEV Examination
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers who use LEV to control hazardous substances to ensure that the LEV system is maintained in efficient working order, good repair, and in a clean condition. Specifically, Regulation 9 requires that LEV systems used to protect workers against hazardous substances must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person.
The examination must produce a written report. This report must be kept for at least 5 years and made available to the Health and Safety Executive if requested.
Note: if the LEV controls a substance with a workplace exposure limit (WEL), the 14-month examination interval applies. For processes generating hazardous dusts, fumes, or other substances, the same rule applies. In some specific cases (such as blasting or certain processes covered by appendices to HSE guidance), more frequent examination is required.
What Does an LEV Examination Include?
A thorough examination of an LEV system by a competent person will typically include:
Hood and capture assessment The examiner will assess whether the hood or enclosure effectively captures the contaminant at the point of generation. This may involve smoke testing or velocity measurements at the hood face.
Airflow measurement The examiner will measure actual airflow (volume flow rate or face velocity) at the capture point and compare it against the design specification or a reference condition established at commissioning or previous examination.
Ducting inspection Visual and physical inspection of all duct runs for leaks, damage, blockages, or unauthorised modifications.
Fan and motor inspection Assessment of the fan condition, belt drives, motor, and any associated controls.
Filter or separator assessment Inspection of filtration units for condition, loading, and integrity. Bag filter systems, cartridge filters, and cyclone separators all require attention.
Functional check of controls and interlocks Where fitted, checking of airflow indicators, alarms, and interlocks that warn operators of LEV failure.
Report preparation The examiner must produce a written report in a prescribed format covering all findings, including any deficiencies and recommended remedial actions.
What Affects the Price of an LEV Examination?
LEV examination prices in the UK vary depending on several factors:
1. Number of LEV systems or extract points A single portable welding fume extractor costs much less to examine than a large centralised dust extraction system serving 20 workstations.
2. Complexity of the system High-containment enclosures, complex ducting arrangements, multi-stage filtration, and automated controls all require more examiner time.
3. Contaminant type Examination of LEV controlling highly toxic substances (such as certain carcinogens or respiratory sensitisers) may require more detailed assessment or air sampling. This adds cost.
4. Whether air sampling is required The LEV examination under COSHH Regulation 9 is separate from workplace air monitoring (Regulation 10). Some clients commission both simultaneously, which adds cost but can reduce total inspection time.
5. Site location and access Remote sites, or LEV systems installed at height or in confined areas, increase the time required.
6. Provider type Specialist LEV examination firms, occupational hygiene consultancies, and general inspection bodies all offer LEV examination services. Prices vary.
Indicative LEV Examination Prices in the UK (2025)
These are approximate ranges for budgeting purposes. Obtain specific quotes for your systems.
| System Type | Typical Cost Per System |
|---|---|
| Portable welding fume extractor | £80 – £200 |
| Single-point bench extraction unit | £100 – £250 |
| Woodworking extraction (per machine) | £120 – £300 |
| Multi-point centralised system (per extract point) | £60 – £150 |
| Laboratory fume cupboard | £150 – £350 |
| Spray booth | £250 – £600 |
| Complex industrial LEV (full system) | £500 – £2,500+ |
Many providers charge on a per-system or per-extract-point basis; others quote a half-day or day-rate. Day rates from specialist LEV examination firms typically range from £450 to £900.
What the LEV Examination Report Must Contain
The COSHH Regulations specify the minimum content of the examination report. It must include:
- The name and address of the employer
- Identification of the plant and the LEV system
- Date of the examination
- Conditions at the time of examination
- Methods used in the examination and test
- Results of measurements (airflows, etc.)
- Any defects found and whether they constitute a risk to health
- Remedial action required and by when
A report that does not meet these minimum requirements is not compliant. When comparing providers, ask to see an example examination report.
The Importance of Using a Competent Examiner
The legal standard for LEV examination is a competent person — someone with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the examination properly. In practice, this means someone with relevant technical training in ventilation engineering or occupational hygiene, and practical experience of LEV systems similar to yours.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) offers qualifications relevant to LEV examination, including the W301 and P601 modules. Many competent LEV examiners hold these or equivalent qualifications. When selecting a provider, it is reasonable to ask about qualifications and experience.
How to Get a Fair Price for LEV Examination
As with all statutory inspections, the best way to ensure you are paying a fair price is to compare multiple quotes. Provide each provider with:
- An inventory of your LEV systems (type, size, number of extract points)
- Site address and access details
- Details of the contaminants controlled (dust, fume, vapour, etc.)
- Date of last examination (if any) and whether reports are available
With this information, providers can quote accurately and you can compare like for like.
Compare LEV Examination Prices at Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering is the UK's inspection comparison marketplace. Request LEV examination quotes from multiple competent providers, compare pricing and credentials, and choose the right examiner for your systems.
Visit compareengineering.com to compare LEV examination prices.
This article is for general guidance only. Always consult a competent occupational hygienist or LEV specialist for advice specific to your systems and workplace.