What is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)?
LEV systems remove airborne hazardous materials. They can range from an individual fume cupboards and extraction systems fitted to woodworking equipment to a multi-point system that operates throughout the site. LEVs are designed to capture hazardous substances at source before they can escape into the surrounding atmosphere. LEVs can provide a very effective means of exposure control. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) requires Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are maintained to standards suitable for their purpose. In addition the Regulations specify that all LEV systems must be subject to a thorough inspection and test at intervals not exceeding fourteen months (in practice annually). Within the County Council these inspections are carried out by the County Laboratory Health & Safety Team. Records of LEV inspections should be retained for at least 5 years and should show the outcome of weekly visual checks, the results of the thorough inspection
