Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT) duties

Ensure you understand your duties when conducting TExT of microbiological safety cabinets (MBSCs) and other laboratory-based LEV systems

There is increasing evidence to suggest that some sectors using MBSCs and other laboratory-based LEV systems do not fully understand their TExT duties under Regulation 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (as amended).

While testing to the relevant standard (for example, BS EN 12469: 2000) is encouraged, this does not fulfil all the requirements of Regulation 9(2) of COSHH, which has additional information and testing requirements.

You can find information about what a suitable record should contain in paragraph 186 of the associated COSHH Approved Code of Practice.

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.

HSE advises you to review your 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.

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