Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT) duties

Published 10th February 2025

The name and address of the employer responsible for the LEV;
The date of the thorough examination and test;
The date of the last thorough examination and test;
The identification and location of the LEV, and the process and hazardous substance concerned;
The operating conditions at the time of the test and whether this was normal production or special conditions;
A simple diagram of the LEV layout and location, with test points;
The general condition of the LEV system, including hood serial numbers and, where appropriate, photographs of relevant parts;
Information about the LEV plant which shows: – its intended operating performance for adequately controlling the hazardous substance for the purposes of regulation 7. (Note: If there is no information available on this, it indicates a need for a further assessment in accordance with regulation 6 to show compliance with regulation 7); – whether the plant is still achieving the same performance; – if not, the adjustments, modifications or repairs needed to achieve that performance;
The methods used to judge performance and the action to be taken to achieve that performance, e.g. visual, smoke test, airflow measurements, pressure measurements, dust lamp, air sampling, tests to check the condition and effectiveness of the filter;
The results of any air sampling relevant to LEV performance;
Information on the way operators use the LEV;
Information on general system wear and tear and whether components may need repair or replacement before the next test;
The name, job title and employer of the person carrying out the examination and test;
The signature of the person carrying out the examination and test;
The details of any minor adjustments or repairs carried out to make the LEV system effective;
The details of any critical defects identified.”

HSE’s publication Controlling airborne contaminants at work: a guide to LEV contains further advice on how to conduct TExT of LEV systems.

To ensure workers are protected in the workplace, HSE will be tightening its enforcement expectations when visiting sites using LEV in laboratory activities in the next few months.

To re-iterate the advice given by HSE, we recommend that relevant employers review their organisation’s procedures, competencies and processes related to the TExT of LEV systems in laboratory settings and keep suitable records to avoid any enforcement actions in the future.

To ensure your business does not fall foul of health and safety law in 2025.

Conduct risk assessments as and when required (prior to undertaking activities).
Provide training regarding the risks involved and how to manage them.
Supervise risk management, as necessary, until competence is demonstrated.
Formally review risk assessments and associated safe systems of work, regularly.
Update training provided (toolbox talks, in-house or external formal training).
Keep / update records of all the above processes.

If you need help with any health & safety related issue do not hesitate to contact your health & safety consultancy. We can provide advice / assistance with:

Your legal requirements with regards to safety and health.
The management of health and safety – generally or specific to business activity.
The risk assessment process and how to conduct and record risk assessments
Required conduct – as per legal requirements to meet when managing an activity.
Required health surveillance – as per the activity.
How to evidence due diligence conducted.
Training needs and how they can be met (provided and recorded).

Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT) duties

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