LEV Extraction Systems and Welding Fume Control
Welding fume control is changing rapidly. The HSE now confirms that all welding fumes are carcinogenic and that general ventilation is no longer an acceptable control method. As a result, UK businesses must take action to stay compliant and protect their workforce. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is no longer optional; it is the standard every welding environment must meet.
At The Fume Cupboard Company Ltd, we provide fully compliant, high‑performance LEV extraction systems designed to keep welders safe and workplaces inspection‑ready. Our services include bespoke LEV system design, installation, servicing, and statutory testing. Because HSE expectations are now far stricter, reviewing your fume controls has never been more important. If you have not assessed your setup recently, now is the ideal time to do so.
Why LEV Extraction Systems Are Now Essential
The Health and Safety Executive has tightened its position on welding fume exposure. Since the reclassification of all welding fumes as carcinogenic, employers must use engineering controls to protect their teams. General ventilation, which many workplaces once relied on, is no longer acceptable for any welding activity, whether short or long in duration.
As a response to these changes, LEV systems have become the primary method of controlling exposure. These systems capture fumes at the source, preventing them from spreading across the workspace. At The Fume Cupboard Company Ltd, we specialise in designing and maintaining certified LEV extraction systems that meet the latest HSE standards.
Indoor Welding Requirements
Welding indoors produces hazardous fumes containing gases, vapours and metal particles. Therefore, every indoor welding activity requires LEV to capture fumes directly at the point they are generated.
Your LEV system must be correctly designed, installed, tested and maintained. All welding tasks, no matter how short or simple, need extraction at source. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can be used as an additional measure, although it should never replace proper fume extraction. Because no safe exposure level exists for welding fumes, installing compliant LEV is both a legal duty and a vital step in protecting workers.
Outdoor Welding Requirements
Working outdoors does not remove the risks associated with welding fumes. Natural airflow cannot reliably disperse harmful contaminants. Welders therefore require suitable RPE when working outside. In some situations LEV may still be used outdoors if it is practical to do so. When LEV is not an option, RPE with a minimum APF of 20 must be provided. This ensures welders receive consistent protection in any environment.
Why General Ventilation Is No Longer Enough
Before 2019, many workplaces depended on open doors, fans or naturally ventilated areas to clear welding fumes. Scientific evidence has since proven that these methods do not protect against the risks of lung cancer, kidney cancer or occupational asthma. Consequently, the HSE no longer recognises general ventilation as an acceptable control measure. Employers must rely on LEV extraction systems as the primary method of exposure control. This shift has increased compliance demands across the welding and fabrication industry.
Control Measures Required for All Welding Tasks
Every welding task produces fumes that must be controlled. There is no safe duration and no safe exposure level. Any weld, whether lasting a few minutes or several hours, must use LEV indoors or RPE outdoors. Even quick repairs require the same level of protection as more demanding welding work. Because of this, businesses need to ensure effective control measures are in place at all times.
What HSE Inspectors Will Check in 2025 and 2026
HSE inspections now focus closely on welding fume control. Inspectors look for evidence that systems are not only installed but also performing correctly. They may review:
- Proper installation and daily use of LEV systems
- Proof of Thorough Examination and Testing every 14 months
- Exposure monitoring and COSHH documentation
- RPE suitability, face fit testing and maintenance
- Worker training, supervision and operational competence
Clear evidence of these practices helps demonstrate a safe and compliant workplace. The HSE expects welding to stop entirely if suitable extraction is not in place.
LEV Services from The Fume Cupboard Company Ltd
We supply complete LEV solutions tailored specifically for welding and fabrication environments.
LEV System Design, Supply and Installation
Custom engineered systems that capture fumes directly at the source.
Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT)
Legally compliant inspections and certification every 14 months.
RPE Programme Support
Guidance on selecting and managing RPE when additional protection is required.
Planned Maintenance and Servicing
Regular support to ensure your LEV system remains efficient and compliant.
COSHH Risk Assessment Support
Help with documentation, monitoring and meeting regulatory obligations.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant and Stay Future Ready
With enforcement tightening and welding fumes now recognised as a serious health hazard, this is the right time to upgrade your LEV extraction systems. Contact The Fume Cupboard Company Ltd for expert guidance, system improvements or complete site‑wide LEV installation.
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Let’s create a safer environment today while future proofing your welding operations for tomorrow’s standards.