Understanding LEV Compliance in Schools, Colleges and Universities
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems play an important role in protecting staff and students from exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants generated during practical teaching activities. Across schools, colleges and universities, a wide range of departments may use processes capable of producing dusts, fumes, vapours or aerosols that require suitable extraction and control.
Despite this, LEV systems within educational environments are frequently overlooked, poorly maintained or tested inconsistently. In many cases, systems may have been installed years earlier and continue operating with limited understanding of their actual performance or legal compliance status.
For facilities managers, estates departments and responsible persons, understanding LEV duties is essential not only for regulatory compliance, but for protecting the long-term health of staff and students working within teaching environments.
What Is LEV?
Local Exhaust Ventilation is an engineering control system designed to capture airborne contaminants at or near the point where they are generated before they can disperse into the surrounding environment.
Within educational settings, LEV systems are commonly associated with:
- woodworking machinery
- welding bays
- science laboratories
- fume cupboards
- preparation rooms
- laser cutting equipment
- 3D printing areas
- design and technology workshops
The purpose of the system is to remove potentially harmful contaminants from the breathing zone and either filter or safely discharge them to atmosphere.
When operating effectively, LEV systems form one of the most important control measures under COSHH.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
Educational establishments have legal responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances.
Where LEV systems are used as a control measure, COSHH Regulation 9 requires that they are thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals. In most cases, this means formal LEV testing at least every 14 months, although some systems may require more frequent inspection depending on use and risk profile.
The primary technical guidance for LEV systems is contained within HSG258 — Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work: A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).
Importantly, compliance is not achieved simply by having an extraction system installed. Educational establishments must be able to demonstrate that systems:
- are functioning effectively
- remain suitable for the task
- are properly maintained
- are tested periodically
- are supported by appropriate records and documentation
Why Educational Facilities Often Struggle with LEV Compliance
One of the most common challenges within schools and colleges is that LEV systems are often inherited rather than actively managed.
Equipment may have been installed as part of workshop or laboratory fit-outs many years earlier, with responsibility for ongoing inspection gradually becoming unclear over time. In some facilities, systems continue operating despite damaged ductwork, blocked filters, poorly positioned extraction hoods or reduced airflow performance.
Another common issue is that practical teaching staff may assume extraction systems are functioning correctly simply because airflow can still be felt at the hood or grille. In reality, effective contaminant capture depends on far more than visible airflow alone.
Without formal testing and performance measurement, systems may fail to adequately control exposure despite appearing operational.
Woodworking and Design Technology Risks
Design and technology departments frequently contain some of the highest-risk LEV systems within educational environments.
Woodworking machinery can generate fine airborne dust particles that may present both respiratory and occupational health risks. Certain hardwood dusts are classified as carcinogenic, meaning exposure must be adequately controlled under COSHH.
In many schools, extraction systems connected to saws, sanders and planers may suffer from:
- damaged flexible ducting
- poor transport velocities
- excessive dust accumulation
- inadequate airflow balancing
- poorly maintained extract fans
Over time, these issues can significantly reduce system effectiveness.
Because woodworking areas are often heavily used during term time, regular inspection and testing are essential to maintaining safe operation.
Science Laboratories and Fume Cupboards
Science laboratories and preparation areas present different challenges due to the potential use of chemicals, solvents, gases and vapours.
Fume cupboards are designed to contain and remove hazardous airborne contaminants generated during laboratory work. However, their effectiveness depends on maintaining suitable airflow patterns and face velocities.
Poorly performing systems may allow contaminants to escape into occupied areas, potentially exposing staff and students to hazardous substances.
Common problems identified during inspections include:
- obstructed airflow
- incorrect sash positions
- poor maintenance
- inadequate airflow alarms
- damaged seals or ductwork
Because many educational facilities operate ageing laboratory infrastructure, ongoing verification and maintenance are particularly important.
The Importance of Thorough Examination and Testing
Formal LEV testing involves more than simply checking whether air is moving through a system.
A proper Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) typically includes inspection of the system condition, airflow measurement, performance assessment and verification that the system remains suitable for controlling the identified hazard.
Testing may involve:
- airflow measurement
- static pressure readings
- hood velocity checks
- filter condition assessment
- fan inspection
- system integrity review
The results should then be documented within a formal LEV report identifying whether the system is performing adequately and highlighting any remedial actions required.
This documentation forms an important part of demonstrating compliance under COSHH.
Common Issues Identified During LEV Inspections
Many issues identified within educational facilities develop gradually over time and may not be immediately obvious to staff using the systems daily.
Common examples include damaged flexible ducting, disconnected branches, blocked filters, excessive dust accumulation and poorly positioned extraction hoods. In some cases, systems may have been modified following equipment replacement without reassessing the extraction requirements.
A further issue often encountered is the absence of user awareness. Staff may not fully understand the limitations of the extraction system or the importance of correct equipment positioning during practical activities.
Effective LEV management therefore relies not only on engineering performance, but also on user understanding and operational controls.
Why LEV Compliance Matters
Poorly performing LEV systems can increase the risk of long-term occupational exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants.
Within educational environments, this may affect:
- teaching staff
- technicians
- maintenance personnel
- students undertaking practical work
Beyond health risks, inadequate LEV management can also create compliance issues during inspections, audits or incident investigations.
Educational establishments are increasingly expected to demonstrate proactive management of health and safety systems, including engineering controls such as LEV.
How Safe Solutions Can Help
Safe Solutions Group provides specialist AirCare compliance support for schools, colleges, universities and technical teaching environments across Scotland and the UK.
Our services include LEV Thorough Examination and Testing, system inspections, airflow performance assessment, workshop extraction reviews and practical compliance support aligned with COSHH and HSG258 guidance.
We understand the operational realities of educational environments and focus on practical, proportionate and defensible compliance solutions.
Over the coming months, Safe Solutions will continue expanding its educational LEV resource library with additional guidance covering woodworking extraction, fume cupboard testing, welding fume control, flexible ducting issues, dust transport velocities and common compliance failures identified during inspections.
This article forms part of our ongoing commitment to improving understanding of practical LEV compliance and airborne contaminant control within educational facilities.
