Updated BESA TR40 Guide Strengthens LEV Best Practice and COSHH Compliance
03 Jun 2026
The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) is pleased to highlight the release of the April 2026 update to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) TR40: Guide to Good Practice for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). This important industry document provides clear, practical guidance to support both contractor competence and duty-holder compliance under COSHH regulations.
What is BESA TR40?
The BESA TR40 Guide to Good Practice is an industry-developed resource designed to translate regulatory requirements into practical, actionable steps. While legislation defines what organisations must achieve, TR40 provides the essential guidance on how to achieve it effectively.
The guide covers key aspects of LEV systems, including:
- Designing and installing LEV systems
- Commissioning and verifying performance
- Carrying out Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT)
- Maintaining systems to ensure ongoing effectiveness
- Producing documentation aligned with HSE expectations
By setting out these processes in a structured and accessible way, TR40 supports organisations in maintaining high standards across the lifecycle of LEV systems.
Supporting Compliance with HSE Regulations
TR40 closely aligns with core regulatory requirements, including:
- COSHH Regulation 7 – Effective control of exposure
- COSHH Regulation 9 – Maintenance of control measures and TExT
- Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA), Sections 2 and 3 – Safe systems of work
The guide reflects what HSE inspectors expect to see when assessing LEV systems, offering a consistent framework that supports compliance and reduces ambiguity for both contractors and duty-holders.
Raising Standards Across Industry
The updated TR40 has been developed to help improve:
- Contractor competence and consistency
- Overall LEV system effectiveness
- Quality and reliability of TExT reporting
- Duty-holder understanding of what constitutes good LEV practice
This is particularly important in supporting the HSE’s continued focus on reducing occupational respiratory disease across high-risk sectors.
Why TR40 Matters
Referencing and adopting TR40 across industry and stakeholder communications offers several clear benefits:
- Improved consistency: Establishes a recognised benchmark for LEV work, helping to reduce variability in quality.
- Clearer guidance for contractors: Provides step-by-step processes aligned with regulatory expectations and enforcement priorities.
- Support for duty-holders: Enables organisations to better assess the competence of LEV services and ensure compliance.
- Reduced enforcement risks: Helps minimise issues such as inadequate TExT reporting, poorly designed systems, and ineffective exposure control.
- Greater clarity across sectors: Supports a shared understanding of best practice, particularly in industries with higher exposure risks.
You can access the TR40 Guide here
