ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ventilation design features. Ventilation must be employed when chemicals present a health, fire, or explosion risk. Ventilation is the most important tool for bringing a workplace into compliance. Several terms are used to describe ventilation characteristics. Air pressure is the force exerted by air molecules randomly colliding with a surface. Ventilation systems fall into two major classes: general and local exhaust ventilation. The General exhaust ventilation system must involve air exhaust facilities and corresponding air intake. Local exhaust ventilation systems remove air at the point the hazard is generated. A cleaner is used if the exhaust air is hazardous or a nuisance to the general public, or if the air is to be recirculated. Hood design should be appropriate to the contaminant being trapped, the geometry of the work area, the location of the worker, and the need of the worker to have access to the work in progress.
