What is LEV COSHH?
Understanding the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations for LEV
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are a set of UK laws designed to protect employees and others from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
If your business produces or uses dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists, chemicals or biological agents that could affect health, you have legal responsibilities under COSHH.
At A-Mac Environmental, we help businesses understand their COSHH obligations by designing, installing, testing and maintaining effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems that control airborne contaminants and improve workplace air quality.
How A-Mac Environmental Can Help
We provide complete COSHH support through:
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Supply and installation
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System upgrades
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Air quality improvements
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Technical advice
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Ongoing compliance support
Whether you require a new extraction system or testing of an existing installation, our experienced engineers can help you meet your legal obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is COSHH a legal requirement?
Yes. COSHH Regulations are a legal requirement for UK employers where hazardous substances are present in the workplace.
Does every business need a COSHH assessment?
If hazardous substances are used or generated during work activities, a COSHH assessment is usually required.
Does COSHH only apply to chemicals?
No. COSHH also applies to hazardous dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, biological agents and many other substances generated during work activities.
Is LEV required under COSHH?
Where airborne contaminants cannot be prevented by other means, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is often one of the most effective engineering controls available to reduce employee exposure.
How often should LEV systems be tested?
Most LEV systems require a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) at least every 14 months, although some applications require more frequent testing.
What Does COSHH Stand For?
COSHH stands for:
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
The regulations require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take appropriate steps to prevent or adequately control employee exposure.
The aim is simple:
Protect people from substances that could damage their health.
What Are Hazardous Substances?
Hazardous substances are found in almost every industry and workplace.
Examples include:
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Silica dust
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Paint and solvent vapours
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Chemical fumes
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Cleaning chemicals
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Laboratory chemicals
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Smoke
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Biological agents
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Metalworking fluids
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Many hazardous substances are invisible, making effective control measures essential.
Employer Responsibilities Under COSHH
Under COSHH, employers must:
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Identify hazardous substances used or generated in the workplace
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Assess the risks to employees
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Prevent exposure wherever possible
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Adequately control exposure when prevention is not reasonably practicable
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Maintain control measures, including LEV systems
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Ensure equipment is regularly examined and tested
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Provide information, instruction and training to employees
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Monitor exposure where required
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Review assessments when processes change
Failure to comply with COSHH can place employees at risk and may lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
How Does LEV Help Meet COSHH Requirements?
One of the most effective ways to control airborne contaminants is through Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).
An LEV system captures hazardous dust, fumes, vapours and airborne particles at the point where they are generated before they can be inhaled by employees.
Effective LEV systems can control exposure to:
A correctly designed and maintained LEV system plays an important role in helping businesses comply with COSHH.
Industries That Require COSHH Controls
COSHH applies across a wide range of industries, including:
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Manufacturing
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Engineering
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Welding and fabrication
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Woodworking and joinery
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Food production
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Bakeries
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Pharmaceutical manufacturing
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Healthcare
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Schools and universities
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Laboratories
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Automotive workshops
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Distilleries and breweries
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Chemical processing
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Printing
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Agriculture
If hazardous substances are present in your workplace, COSHH is likely to apply.
COSHH and LEV Testing
Installing an LEV system is only part of the process.
Most LEV systems require a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) at least every 14 months, although some systems require more frequent testing depending on the application.
Regular LEV testing helps ensure:
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The system continues to perform effectively
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Airflow remains within design parameters
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Filters are operating correctly
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Employees remain protected
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Your business continues to meet COSHH requirements
A-Mac Environmental provides professional LEV testing and certification carried out by qualified P601 engineers.
