Who can carry out an LEV thorough examination and test?
The law requires competence; it does not appoint Vendor Atlas or a single trade badge as the approval authority. The examiner needs enough theoretical knowledge, practical skill and experience to examine the particular system and interpret whether it controls the contaminant.
Check my situationMatch competence to the system and decision
A basic single-hood woodworking extractor, a recirculating filtration system, a spray booth and a laboratory containment device do not present identical measurement or judgement demands. Ask who will attend, what they have examined before and how their method follows HSG258.
- Request the named examiner’s training, relevant experience and current calibration evidence.
- Ask for a redacted example report for a comparable system, not only a certificate template.
- Confirm how benchmarks, missing commissioning data, defects and retests will be handled.
What to do next: Shortlist providers only after the proposed person and method are clear. Record public evidence as a lead, then verify named-person competence, insurance, capacity and conflicts directly before appointment.
Useful evidence
BOHS P601 is a commonly cited proficiency qualification for thorough examination and testing, but the buying decision should also consider practical experience, process knowledge, calibrated instruments, report quality and the ability to make defensible professional judgements.
Qualifications can support competence; they do not prove that every holder is current or experienced with every system. Ask for evidence relevant to the work actually being commissioned.
Test the method before appointment
The proposal should address physical condition, intended performance, measurements, observation of the process, comparison with benchmark data, judgement of control and prioritised remedial actions.
- Equipment list and identification method
- Instrumentation and calibration
- Operating conditions during testing
- Report contents and defect priorities
- Retest arrangements after remedial work
Independence and repairs
HSE does not prohibit the examiner’s organisation from maintaining or repairing equipment, but the employer still needs a competent, reliable judgement. Ask how the examination conclusion is separated from product sales and remedial quotations.
A transparent provider can identify defects, explain evidence, offer repairs separately and permit retesting without presenting every recommendation as a mandatory purchase.