New HSE LEV Commissioning Rules 2025 – Stay Compliant with Purex
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has quietly raised the bar. On 28 March 2025, it published a brand-new guidance page, “Commission your local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system.” The message is crystal clear: no commissioning report, no compliance HSE.
A qualified specialist is required to check that each hood, fan, and filter is installed correctly, measure the airflow to prove it captures dust and fumes, and record the results. This signed report is your proof that the system works, and your workforce is protected.
Below, we unpack the new expectations and show why thousands of duty-holders trust Purex to take the commissioning headache off their plate.
Why Did HSE Update the Guidance?
- Too many “dodgy tests”. Inspectors kept finding LEV systems that had never been properly installed.
- Health first. Uncommissioned systems can leak fumes, dust, or solvent vapours, putting operators at risk of asthma, COPD, and other occupational illnesses.
- Enforcement drive. HSE’s 2024-25 inspection plan targets sites with poor documentation; one missing report can trigger a deep dive and potential prosecution.
What the New Requirements Demand
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New requirement (March 2025) |
What this means for you |
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You must produce evidence that the hood, duct, fan, and filters control exposure “from day one”. |
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Includes photos/ID of each hood, airflow, and capture-velocity readings, smoke-visual tests, fan duty, filter spec – signed by a competent, impartial tester. |
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Each capture hood must carry a tag showing the commissioning date and target airflow.
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Competence and independence |
HSE will challenge any report done by unqualified staff or suppliers without proven credentials. |
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More HSE site visits |
Inspectors are making more unannounced checks and will delve deeper if paperwork or labels are missing, so keep reports and tags up to date and easily accessible. |
Failure to comply is a breach of COSHH Regulation 9. Penalties range from Improvement and Prohibition Notices to unlimited fines and, in severe cases, custodial sentences for directors.
From Commissioning to Continuous Compliance
Our certified engineers install both Purex and non-Purex units to the highest standard, deliver you a COSHH-ready LEV logbook, and book the first 14-month performance test before they leave the site. That logbook becomes the living record of every service, repair, and filter change, making HSE inspections painless.
Need ongoing help? Purex ties the new commissioning rules to a lifetime of compliance, safety and peace of mind. Contact us today to become compliant.
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How Purex can help
We provide an excellent level of service and support, including our 24-hour technical support service and start-to-end projects. Get in touch with our expert team today to find out more.