From bakeries to beauty salons, industrial workshops to commercial kitchens, more UK businesses are under scrutiny for how they manage airborne hazards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has ramped up inspections in recent years, focusing on Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems in commercial environments.
From bakeries to beauty salons, industrial workshops to commercial kitchens, more UK businesses are under scrutiny for how they manage airborne hazards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has ramped up inspections in recent years, focusing on Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems in commercial environments.
Why? Because exposure to airborne contaminants—fumes, dust, vapours, or mists—can cause serious long-term health problems. And in most cases, general ventilation is not enough.
If you operate any business where hazardous substances are present, you are legally required to assess and control exposure. Often, this means installing and maintaining a fit-for-purpose LEV system.
This blog breaks down what LEV is, who needs it, how it works, and what your obligations are under UK law.
For expert advice or a tailored installation, visit https://www.climateworks.co.uk.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a mechanical system designed to extract airborne contaminants directly from their source before they spread into the workplace environment.
A typical LEV system includes:
The system is tailored to the specific processes and risks of each workplace.
If your business produces fumes, mist, dust, vapours, or gases during normal operation, LEV may be mandatory under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
Common industries where LEV is required:
If in doubt, you must carry out a risk assessment to determine whether LEV is required.
Mechanical or natural ventilation helps with background airflow, but it doesn’t stop employees breathing in dangerous substances at the point of emission. That’s where LEV comes in.
Key reasons general ventilation fails:
LEV is designed to capture contaminants immediately, preventing them from reaching breathing zones.
A furniture manufacturer in Hampshire contacted ClimateWorks due to repeated staff complaints about dust exposure. The workshop was producing large volumes of MDF dust through sawing and sanding.
We installed:
Post-installation air quality monitoring showed a 75% reduction in airborne dust, bringing the environment below HSE exposure limits.
If hazardous substances are present, you must:
Under Regulation 9 of COSHH:
Failure to comply can result in fines, enforcement notices, or worse—long-term health claims from staff.
Each business has unique processes, so LEV systems are designed to fit specific workstations and contaminant types.
Regular servicing and education are just as important as the install.
If any of these are familiar, it's time to take action.
We design, supply, and install LEV systems that comply with HSE guidance and meet COSHH obligations. Services include:
We’ve worked with workshops, commercial kitchens, labs, beauty salons, and small manufacturers across the South.
Ready to talk? Start at https://www.climateworks.co.uk
Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.
[1] Health and Safety Executive. (2023). COSHH: Local Exhaust Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/
[2] BESA. (2022). Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.thebesa.com
[3] Energy Saving Trust. (2024). Workplace Ventilation Standards. Retrieved from https://energysavingtrust.org.uk
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