New LEV Guidance 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Is Your LEV System Still Compliant?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems help protect employees from harmful airborne contaminants like welding fumes, wood dust, silica dust, flour dust, oil mist, and solvent vapours. But simply installing an LEV system is not enough. Businesses need to make sure their systems keep working well and stay compliant with UK health and safety laws.

As guidance and best practices change, employers should regularly check their LEV systems to make sure they are protecting their staff and meeting legal requirements.

Why LEV Matters

Every year, thousands of UK workers are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants that can lead to serious health conditions, including:

• Occupational asthma

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Silicosis

• Cancer from welding fumes and wood dust

• Allergic reactions

• Long-term respiratory illness

  
  

A good LEV system catches harmful substances right where they are made, so employees are much less likely to breathe them in.

What Employers Should Be Reviewing

No matter if your LEV system is new or has been running for years, now is a good time to check it over.

LEV Testing

The COSHH Regulations say most LEV systems must have a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) at least every 14 months. Regular testing shows if the system is still working as it should and helps spot problems before they become expensive to fix.

Filter Performance

If filters are dirty or blocked, airflow and extraction do not work as well. Without good maintenance, dangerous dust or fumes can get back into the workplace.

Airflow Measurements

Even if fans are running, damaged ductwork, leaks, or worn parts can lower airflow. Hence, it is no longer safe. Fans must be positioned correctly to capture contaminants at the source. Changes in production layouts often reduce system effectiveness without anyone noticing.

Maintenance Records

Keeping records of maintenance shows you are following the rules and helps you spot problems before they turn into big repairs.

Common Reasons LEV Systems Fail

Many systems lose performance gradually over time. Common issues include:

• Blocked filters

• Damaged flexible hoses

• Air leaks in ductwork

• Incorrect hood positioning

• Worn fan impellers

• Poor system balancing

• Lack of preventative maintenance

  
  

These problems usually build up over time, so businesses might not notice their staff are being exposed to more dangerous substances.

Industries That Should Review Their LEV

LEV is essential across many industries, including:

• Metal fabrication

• Welding workshops

• Manufacturing

• Woodworking

• Pharmaceutical production

• Food manufacturing

• Bakeries

• Vehicle workshops

• Laboratories

• Schools and colleges

• Film and television production

• Defence and military facilities

  
  

Every industry has its own airborne hazards, so each one needs the right kind of extraction system.

Beyond Compliance

Looking after your LEV system is not just about following the law. It can also:

• Improve employee health

• Reduce sickness absence

• Increase productivity

• Improve product quality

• Reduce cleaning costs

• Extend equipment life

• Lower maintenance costs over time

  
  

Spending money on regular maintenance usually costs less than fixing a system that has been ignored.

How A-Mac Environmental Can Help

At A-Mac EnvironmeAt A-Mac Environmental, we design, install, test, maintain, and repair Local Exhaust Ventilation systems throughout Scotland. Our skilled engineers help businesses of all sizes keep their extraction systems safe, efficient, and up to standard. If you need a new installation, a statutory LEV test, routine maintenance, or expert advice on improving your existing system, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with A-Mac Environmental today to set up an LEV assessment or talk about your workplace ventilation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should LEV be tested?

Most LEV systems require a Thorough Examination and Test at least every 14 months under the COSHH Regulations, although some systems may require more frequent inspections depending on the process.

What happens if my LEV fails testing?

Your engineer will find out what is causing the problem and suggest how to fix it. After repairs, the system can be tested again to make sure it meets the right standard.

Does law require LEV?

Where hazardous substances cannot be adequately controlled by other means, employers are legally required to provide suitable control measures such as LEV under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Can older LEV systems be upgraded?

Yes. Many older systems can be made better by redesigning them, adding new extraction arms, upgrading fans, improving filters, or rebalancing, without needing to replace everything.