Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in County Durham

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) captures dust, fume, vapour or mist at the source, such as a welding bench, saw or spray booth, before workers breathe it in. We design and install LEV and arrange the thorough examination and test that COSHH requires at least every 14 months.

Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, and we work throughout County Durham, from Chester-le-Street, Billingham, Stanley, Consett and Darlington. Visits for this work are charged, with the price agreed before we arrive.

LEV in County Durham at a glance

Area: County Durham
Towns listed: 14, largest Darlington
Postcode districts: DL1, DL2, TS24, TS25, TS18 and TS19
Price region: North East
Survey: Charged visit, price agreed first

How we do it

Under the COSHH Regulations, employers using LEV to control exposure must keep it maintained and have it thoroughly examined and tested, at least every 14 months under COSHH regulation 9 (more often for some processes), with records kept for at least five years. HSE guidance HSG258 sets out how LEV should be designed, commissioned and tested. We install extraction arms, hoods, booths, ductwork and fans, set them up to the capture velocities the process needs, and provide commissioning information and user checks so operators know the system is working day to day.

Fume extraction arms

Articulated arms for welding and soldering benches.

Dust extraction

Woodworking, cutting and grinding extraction with filtration.

Booths and hoods

Enclosing hoods and spray or mixing booths.

Guide prices in County Durham

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) guide prices in County Durham
Work	Guide price
LEV thorough examination and test with written report (per system)	£180–£365 + VAT
LEV design and install: extraction arm, booth or hood, ductwork and fan (per system)	£2,250–£8,250 + VAT

North East rates shown. Prices exclude VAT. The fixed price is confirmed in writing after we have seen the job.

When to get it looked at

Visible dust or fume escaping the hood
A new process or workstation
HSE or insurer action points

Rules in England

Under COSHH, LEV must be thoroughly examined and tested, at least every 14 months under COSHH regulation 9 (more often for some processes).

How the job runs

Assess
Design
Install
Commission
Test

Towns we cover in County Durham

Questions about local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in County Durham

Are prices different in County Durham?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In County Durham we use North East rates, so LEV thorough examination and test with written report is typically £180 to £365 + VAT per system.

How much does a new LEV system cost?

A single extraction arm, booth or hood with ductwork and fan typically costs £2,450 to £8,950 excluding VAT.

Do we need a commissioning report?

Yes. A commissioning report sets the benchmark performance that later tests are compared against.

Is the survey free in County Durham?

This is a charged visit because it is servicing, testing or repair work. We tell you the cost before booking. Surveys for new installations on the UK mainland are free.

Which rules apply to ventilation in County Durham?

In England, ventilation in new and altered homes is covered by Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. Landlords also have duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and workplaces must be ventilated under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.