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LEV inspection checklist and test report

An LEV inspection checklist for the thorough examination and test of local exhaust ventilation under COSHH regulation 9, laid out along HSE's HSG258. Record the client, the information you used and the operating conditions, then add each extraction system in the area where it works: process and substance, hood type, a visual and structural check, face, capture or duct velocity and static pressure readings against the design or commissioning values you enter, smoke and dust lamp tests with photos, how operators use it, defects and the result. The form passes or fails each reading and checks your next date against the legal interval. Pair it with the COSHH assessment.

For LEV examiners and ventilation engineers who test extraction for clients, and for employers who need to know what the report should hold.

This form follows UK law (COSHH, Great Britain). Elsewhere, use your own rules for intervals; the readings and checks still apply.

  • Client, examiner, instruments, information used and operating conditions on page 1
  • Each LEV system as an item in its area, with the COSHH Schedule 4 interval if the process is listed
  • Readings against the design or commissioning values you enter, each marked pass or fail with the % of design
  • Smoke and dust lamp tests with photos, operator use, repairs made, critical defects and wear
  • Result and label per system, the next date checked against the legal interval, actions and signatures
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How often does LEV need a thorough examination and test?

An LEV test report is useful when every reading sits next to the design or commissioning value it is judged against, each system has a clear pass or fail, and a failure says what is wrong, why, and what to do before the system is used again. That is what lets the employer act on it.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 9 (legislation.gov.uk), COSHH Regulations 2002, Schedule 4 (legislation.gov.uk), HSE HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work, a guide to LEV and HSE: LEV frequently asked questions.

How to record an LEV thorough examination and test

Run the process as normal, with the commissioning report or previous report to hand.

  1. Set up

    Enter the client, the date of the last test, your instruments and calibration dates, the information you have on intended performance, and the operating conditions.

  2. Stage 1: look

    For each system, check hoods, ducts and hoses, dampers, the filter and its cleaning device, the fan, indicators and alarms, the discharge, and settled dust around the hoods.

  3. Stage 2: measure

    At each marked test point, enter the design or commissioning value, the acceptable limit and your reading. Do smoke and dust lamp tests with the process running and photograph them.

  4. Stage 3: judge control

    Watch how operators use the LEV, record repairs made, critical defects and wear, then give the system its result and fit a test or red fail label.

  5. Next test and sign

    Set the interval and next date, add actions with owners and dates, and sign with the client.

What makes an LEV test report useful

Each system: readings against the design or commissioning value, smoke and dust lamp tests, result

Joinery workshop in Wakefield, 20 October. LEV-2 spindle moulder: capture velocity at the cutter 0.9 m/s against 1.5 m/s at commissioning (60 percent); smoke drifts towards the operator; dust lamp shows fine dust escaping. Cause: flexible hose split 150 mm at the hood clamp. Result: fail, red label fitted, moulder not to be used until the hose is replaced and the system retested.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Recording air velocities with no design value beside them, so nobody can tell whether 0.9 m/s is good or bad.

What happens next

Have the defects repaired, retest the failed system before it is used, and give the client the report to keep for at least five years.

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Every question in the LEV inspection checklist template

The LEV examiner's thorough examination and test record under COSHH reg 9, laid out along HSE HSG258: client and site, information used, then each LEV system by area with process and substance, hood type, Schedule 4 interval, visual and structural checks, face, capture and duct velocity and static pressure readings against the design values you enter with pass or fail, smoke and dust lamp tests with photos, operator use, repairs, defects, result and label per system, the next due date, actions and signatures. 4 sections and 99 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Employer responsible for the LEV (client): the project's customer

Client, site and examination

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Employer responsible for the LEV (client)Short answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Examination and test date*Date
  • Examiner*Short answer
  • Date of the last thorough examination and testDate

    From the previous report. Leave blank if there is none.

  • Examiner job title*Short answer
  • Examiner employer*Short answer
  • Instruments used, with serial and calibration dateNotes

    For example: vane anemometer, Pitot tube and manometer, smoke generator, dust lamp.

  • Information used to judge performanceTick all that apply
    • Commissioning report
    • User manual
    • Logbook
    • Previous thorough examination and test report
    • Air sampling records
    • Supplier performance data
    • None available
  • CheckNo information on the intended performance. HSE: record how you judged whether performance is adequate; the client may need a further assessment or commissioning of the system.
    Shown when “Information used to judge performance” includes “None available”
  • Operating conditions during the test*Choose one
    • Normal production
    • Special conditions
  • Describe the conditionsNotes
    Shown when “Operating conditions during the test” is “Special conditions”
  • Any changes to the LEV, layout or process since the last test?Yes or No
  • What changedNotes
    Shown when “Any changes to the LEV, layout or process since the last test?” is Yes
  • GuidanceThe law. COSHH reg 9: LEV provided to control exposure is kept in efficient working order and good repair, and thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months, or more often for the processes in Schedule 4. The employer keeps a record of each examination and test, and of the repairs that follow, for at least 5 years. HSE guidance HSG258 sets out the stages and what the record should contain.
  • GuidanceThis is the examiner's record. The user's own pre-use, weekly or monthly checks of the LEV are a separate log.
  • GuidanceOutside Great Britain this form follows UK law (COSHH). Use your own rules for intervals; the measurements still apply.

LEV systems

  • GuidanceFor each system: stage 1, a thorough visual and structural check; stage 2, readings against the design or commissioning values with the process running; stage 3, how well it controls exposure, including how operators use it. If a system is unsafe, stop and warn the client (HSG258).
  • Areas
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Area*Short answer

      For example: Machine shop; Finishing room.

    • LEV systems in this area
      Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
      • LEV system or hood reference*Short answer

        For example: LEV-1 panel saw.

      • Fan or extraction unit plateScan a label: make, model, serial number, volume flow, motor power

        Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

      • Process*Short answer
      • Hazardous substance(s)*Short answer
      • Hood type*Choose one
        • Full enclosure
        • Partial enclosure or booth
        • Receiving hood (canopy, grinding hood)
        • Capturing hood (slot, open face, on-machine)
        • On-tool extraction unit
        • Mixed
      • Number of hoods or extraction pointsNumber
      • COSHH Schedule 4 process?*Choose one
        • Not a Schedule 4 process
        • Blasting in or incidental to cleaning metal castings (1 month)
        • Dry grinding, abrading or polishing of metal articles, over 12 hours a week (6 months)
        • Non-ferrous metal castings giving off dust or fume (6 months)
        • Jute cloth manufacture (1 month)
      • Simple diagram of the layout with test pointsPhotos
      • Hoods and enclosures present, undamaged and placed right for the processChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Ducts and hoses: no damage, holes, loose joints or blockage (internal check where possible)Choose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Dampers set as commissioned and securedChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Air cleaner or filter: correct type, fitted, fabric sound; cleaning device worksChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Fan or air mover: drive and belt sound, turns the right wayChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Airflow indicators, gauges and alarms workChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Discharge and any return of air to the workroom in good conditionChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • No heavy settled dust around the hoods; no unusual vibration or noiseChoose one
        • Acceptable
        • Action needed
        • Not checked
        • Not applicable
      • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Stage 2: readings
        Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
        • Test point*Short answer

          As marked on the diagram, for example: H1 face; branch B2.

        • Measurement*Choose one
          • Face velocity (m/s)
          • Capture velocity (m/s)
          • Duct velocity (m/s)
          • Hood static pressure (Pa)
          • Static pressure across filter (Pa)
          • Fan inlet static pressure (Pa)
          • Volume flow (m3/s)
          • Other
        • Design or commissioning valueNumber

          From the commissioning report, user manual or previous report.

        • Lowest acceptable valueNumber

          Leave blank if only a maximum applies.

        • Highest acceptable valueNumber

          Leave blank if only a minimum applies.

        • Measured value*Number
        • Measured as % of designWorked out by the form
          Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
        • Reading resultWorked out by the form
        • r_failWorked out by the form
      • Smoke test with the process runningChoose one
        • Contained or captured, no visible escape
        • Some escape, eddying or breathing zone reached
        • Not done
      • Smoke test photosPhotos
      • Dust lamp test with the process runningChoose one
        • No visible escape
        • Escape seen
        • Not done
      • Dust lamp photosPhotos
      • Stage 3: how operators use the LEV*Choose one
        • Used as intended
        • Not used as intended
      • Operators trained to use and check it?Yes or No
      • What operators were doingNotes
        Shown when “Stage 3: how operators use the LEV” is “Not used as intended”
      • Air sampling results relevant to this LEV, if anyNotes
      • Minor adjustments or repairs made during the testNotes
      • Critical defects foundNotes
      • Wear and tear: parts that may need repair or replacing before the next testNotes
      • Photos of the system and any defectsPhotos
      • l_read_failsWorked out by the form
      • l_vfailsWorked out by the form
      • l_obsWorked out by the form
      • Readings and checksWorked out by the form
      • Result for this system*Choose one
        • Pass
        • Pass with recommendations
        • Fail
      • Label fittedChoose one
        • Test label
        • Red fail label
        • No label
      • CheckHSE recommends a red fail label on a failed hood or system, with a short written report of what is wrong and what to do.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • WarningA reading failed but the system is marked as a pass. Explain why in the notes, or change the result.
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • l_failWorked out by the form
      • l_issuesWorked out by the form
      • l_s4Worked out by the form
    • w_systemsWorked out by the form
    • w_failsWorked out by the form
    • w_issuesWorked out by the form
    • w_s4Worked out by the form
  • Systems examinedWorked out by the form
  • Systems failedWorked out by the form
  • Systems needing actionWorked out by the form
  • max_monthsWorked out by the form

Next examination

  • Longest interval allowed for these systems (months)Worked out by the form
  • Interval you recommend (months)*Number

    14 months is the COSHH maximum for most LEV; shorter for Schedule 4 processes or where wear will reduce performance.

  • Next thorough examination and test due*Date
  • Days from this test to the nextWorked out by the form
  • WarningThe interval is longer than COSHH allows for these systems. Shorten it.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • WarningThe next date is later than the interval you set. Check the date.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Recommendations before the next testNotes

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Now: stop the process or use other controls
      • Within 7 days
      • Within a month
      • Before the next test
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • All systems passed
    • Passed: recommendations to act on
    • One or more systems failed: repair and retest
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Examiner nameShort answer
  • Examiner signature*Signature
  • Employer representative nameShort answer
  • Employer representative signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed LEV inspection checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

LEV inspection checklist FAQs

What should an LEV test report contain?

HSE's HSG258 lists what a suitable record should normally contain: the employer's name and address, the date of this and the last test, the identification and location of the LEV with the process and substance, the operating conditions, a simple diagram with test points, its general condition with photographs where appropriate, its intended performance and whether it still achieves it, the methods used, air sampling results, how operators use it, wear and tear, minor repairs made, critical defects, and the examiner's name, job title, employer and signature. The form has a field for each.

Source: HSE HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work, a guide to LEV.

What are the three stages of an LEV thorough examination?

HSG258 describes stage 1, a thorough visual and structural examination; stage 2, a review of technical performance against the commissioning report or other information, using smoke tests, dust lamp tests and air velocity and static pressure measurements; and stage 3, an assessment of control effectiveness, including how operators use the LEV. The form follows those stages for each system.

Source: HSE HSG258: Controlling airborne contaminants at work, a guide to LEV.

What if there is no commissioning report?

HSE says the examiner ideally needs to know what the system was meant to do. Without a commissioning report, the user manual, a previous report, supplier data or recognised guidance may help. Where nothing is available, the examiner can still record current performance and should say how the judgement was reached. Tick 'None available' on page 1 and the form reminds you to say so.

Source: HSE: LEV frequently asked questions.

Do LEV hoods have to be labelled after testing?

There is no specific legal requirement, but HSE guidance recommends a test label on each hood and a red 'Failed' label on a hood or system that has failed, with a short written report of what is wrong and what to do. The form records which label you fitted and reminds you when a failed system has no red label.

Source: HSE: LEV frequently asked questions.

Is this the weekly LEV check?

No. This is the examiner's thorough examination and test. The employer must also keep the LEV in efficient working order, and HSE describes pre-use checks and more detailed (for example weekly) maintenance inspections by the user, for example for on-tool extraction. Those checks belong in the user's logbook or a simple weekly record, not in this report.

Sources: COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 9 (legislation.gov.uk) and HSE: LEV frequently asked questions.

Does this form work outside the UK?

The legal intervals and record rules in this form are from the COSHH Regulations, which apply in Great Britain. Outside Great Britain, follow your own rules for how often and by whom; the stages, readings and smoke tests in the form still work for any extraction system. The form records the test; it does not make the employer compliant.

Sources: COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 9 (legislation.gov.uk) and COSHH Regulations 2002, Schedule 4 (legislation.gov.uk).

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