LEV Testing vs Air Quality Monitoring | Understanding Workplace Compliance | PassLEV

LEV Testing vs. Air Quality Monitoring – What’s the Difference?

Businesses often use both Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing and air quality

monitoring to protect workers from airborne contaminants. While these services share a

common goal, they measure different aspects of workplace safety. Understanding the

difference helps you choose the right service for your compliance needs.

What Is LEV Testing?

LEV testing focuses on how effectively your extraction system removes harmful substances

such as dust, fumes, vapours, or mist at the source. Under COSHH Regulations, LEV systems

must undergo a ‘Thorough Examination and Test’ at least every 14 months. The process

includes airflow measurements, pressure readings, hood checks, and performance

verification to ensure the system is operating efficiently and protecting employees.

What Is Air Quality Monitoring?

Air quality monitoring measures the concentration of airborne contaminants within the

workplace atmosphere. It assesses what workers are actually breathing by collecting

samples and analysing them for specific substances such as respirable dust, metal fumes, or

solvent vapours. Monitoring results are compared with Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

defined by the HSE.

Key Differences Between LEV Testing and Air Quality Monitoring

While both contribute to a safe working environment, they serve different functions:

- **LEV Testing** checks if the extraction system is controlling contaminants effectively.

- **Air Quality Monitoring** checks if airborne contaminant levels are below HSE limits.

LEV testing focuses on the engineering control; air monitoring focuses on the worker

exposure level.

When Should You Use Each Service?

Use LEV testing when you have installed extraction systems that require periodic validation

under COSHH. Choose air quality monitoring when you suspect exposure levels may still be

high despite having LEV controls, or when introducing new materials or processes.

Combining both provides a comprehensive safety strategy.

The Compliance Angle: COSHH and HSE Guidance

HSE guidance (HSG258 and EH40) makes clear that employers must both maintain

engineering controls and verify their effectiveness. Regular LEV testing plus occasional air

quality monitoring demonstrate due diligence and help prevent enforcement action.

Choosing the Right Service with PassLEV

PassLEV specialises in LEV testing, servicing, and repairs across the UK. We also work with

trusted partners who provide air quality monitoring, ensuring that your workplace meets

every HSE requirement. Whether you need a routine test or a full compliance assessment,

our qualified engineers are ready to help.

Book Your LEV Test or Consultation Today

Stay proactive about workplace air quality and compliance. Contact PassLEV today to

schedule an LEV test or discuss monitoring options with one of our experts.

Call: 01772 846843

Email: info@passlev.co.uk

Website: www.passlev.co.uk