Fume Cupboard Testing for Industrial & Higher Education
Safelab provides fume cupboard testing, LEV testing, servicing and maintenance for industrial, university, research and higher education laboratories across the UK.
Our trained engineers carry out Thorough Examination and Test visits on ducted and ductless fume cupboards, microbiological safety cabinets, laminar flow workstations, forensic drying cabinets and chemical storage cupboards, helping customers meet their legal compliance duties under COSHH Regulation 9.
Important: Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, including fume cupboards, must be subjected to a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every 14 months under COSHH Regulation 9.
Need to arrange LEV or fume cupboard testing for your laboratory?
Best suited for
Safelab’s industrial and higher education testing service is suitable for laboratories and specialist facilities that need reliable, compliant testing and maintenance support.
- Industrial laboratories
- University laboratories
- Higher education facilities
- Research and development laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and life science facilities
- Laboratory managers and safety officers
- Estates and facilities teams
- Sites needing COSHH Regulation 9 LEV testing
- Facilities with ducted or ductless fume cupboards
- Laboratories using microbiological safety cabinets or laminar flow workstations
Equipment we test and maintain
Safelab can test and maintain a range of laboratory safety equipment for industrial and higher education environments.
- Ducted fume cupboards
- Ductless and recirculating fume cupboards
- Class I and Class II microbiological safety cabinets
- Laminar flow workstations
- Forensic drying cabinets
- Chemical storage cupboards
What our Thorough Examination and Test includes
- Containment interference checks — checking and advising on possible factors that may affect containment.
- Visible inspection — checking the condition and operation of the fume cupboard.
- Service checks — checking the operation and condition of fume cupboard services.
- Airflow assessments — carrying out qualitative smoke testing and quantitative anemometer airflow assessments.
- External fan checks — checking the operation and condition of external fans*
- Ductwork checks — checking the condition of ductwork*.
*where applicable
All Safelab fume cupboard test equipment is regularly calibrated to help ensure accurate results.
Why choose Safelab for industrial and higher education fume cupboard testing?
Choose Safelab if your laboratory needs an experienced service provider for fume cupboard testing, LEV testing, servicing and maintenance.
Our engineers support industrial, university and research laboratories with routine Thorough Examination and Test visits, specialist filter testing, containment testing, defect advice and remedial works where required.
- Testing and maintenance for industrial and higher education laboratories
- Ducted and ductless fume cupboards covered
- Microbiological safety cabinets and laminar flow workstations covered
- P601-trained service engineers
- Engineers located across the UK
- Test equipment regularly calibrated
- Testing protocols aligned with COSHH Regulation 9, HSG258, BS EN 14175, and BS EN 17242
- Remedial works available if defects are identified
- Airflow monitor retrofitting available for many fume cupboards
- Fume cupboard and ductwork decontamination services available
Specialist testing services
Additional testing may be carried out according to the equipment type, application and laboratory requirements.
HEPA filter testing
HEPA filter testing is mandatory for laminar flow workstations and Class I and Class II safety cabinets. Where HEPA filters are fitted to ductless or recirculating fume cupboards, a DOP test can be carried out under operational conditions to verify the integrity of the HEPA filter, seals, and housing.
An aerosol is dispersed upstream of the filter, and the downstream face and seals are scanned for leaks using a calibrated photometer.
Containment testing
Where a quantitative measure of fume cupboard containment is required, Safelab can carry out KI-Discus testing.
A spinning disc located inside the fume cupboard disperses a potassium iodide aerosol. External air is sampled and a Protection Factor is calculated.
Activated carbon filter testing
For ductless or recirculating systems fitted with activated carbon filters, Safelab can carry out activated carbon filter testing as part of the examination process.
A calibrated monitor fitted with a Figaro sensor is placed in the exhaust airflow of the unit, and an ethanol-based spray is introduced to the cabinet intake airflow while the unit is running. The monitor alerts the engineer to any level of the substance reaching the sensor.
This provides a general indication of filter condition and helps confirm that the filter is seated and sealed satisfactorily, which is particularly important after filter replacement.
COSHH Regulation 9 and LEV testing
Under COSHH Regulation 9, Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, including fume cupboards, must be subjected to a Thorough Examination and Test at least once every 14 months.
Routine LEV and fume cupboard testing helps laboratories demonstrate that extraction systems and safety equipment are being examined, maintained and kept in effective working order.
Safelab supports industrial and higher education laboratories with planned testing visits, helping laboratory managers, safety officers and estates teams stay on top of their compliance responsibilities.
Standards and guidance
Safelab’s testing protocols conform to relevant standards and guidance, including:
- COSHH Regulation 9
- HSG258
- BS EN 14175
- BS EN 17242
- CLEAPSS G9 for Schools
LEV testing vs servicing and remedial works
LEV testing, servicing and remedial works are related, but they are not always the same thing. Testing checks whether the system is operating correctly and supports compliance requirements. Servicing and remedial works help maintain or restore safe operation where issues are identified.
Simple comparison
| LEV and fume cupboard testing | Servicing and remedial works |
|---|---|
| Checks performance and condition | Maintains, repairs, or restores operation |
| Supports COSHH Regulation 9 compliance | Helps address defects or performance issues |
| Includes inspection and airflow assessment | May include replacement parts, monitor upgrades, or repairs |
| May include HEPA, carbon filter or containment testing | May include airflow monitor retrofitting or decontamination |
| Required at least every 14 months for LEV systems | Carried out when required or as part of planned maintenance |
| Produces evidence of examination/testing | Supports continued safe use of equipment |
Not sure whether your laboratory needs LEV testing, servicing or remedial works? Safelab can advise on the most suitable service for your equipment.
Fume cupboard testing and servicing for industrial and higher education laboratories across the UK
Safelab provides professional fume cupboard testing, LEV testing, servicing and maintenance for industrial facilities, universities, research laboratories and higher education institutions across the UK.
Our qualified engineers carry out Thorough Examination and Test visits on ducted and ductless fume cupboards, microbiological safety cabinets, laminar flow workstations and other laboratory safety equipment, helping customers maintain safe, compliant working environments.
With nationwide coverage, specialist testing capability and extensive experience in laboratory safety equipment, Safelab is a trusted partner for fume cupboard testing, LEV compliance and ongoing laboratory maintenance support.
Common questions
Need LEV or fume cupboard testing for your laboratory?
If your facility needs routine fume cupboard testing, LEV testing, HEPA filter testing, containment testing, activated carbon filter testing, servicing or remedial works, Safelab can help you stay compliant and keep your laboratory environments safe.
Speak to our team for advice on testing and maintenance for industrial laboratories, universities, research facilities and higher education environments.