Hazardous Exhaust System Requirements

Proper ventilation of exhaust systems is an essential requirement under federal guidelines. To regulate the use of ventilation systems in hazardous exhaust set ups, federal guidelines provide a legal mechanism through which the systems can be safely utilized. Appropriate design, installation and maintenance of hazardous exhaust systems in line with stipulated federal guidelines ensures safety of workers and the general public from exposure to harmful exhaust fumes.

Exhaust System Coverage

• Under federal guidelines, the regulations cover aspects of proper design of hazardous exhaust systems, how to utilize the exhaust systems and safe maintenance regulations of the exhaust systems. According to North Carolina University regulations on exhaust ventilation for hazardous material, the federal guidelines encompass additional aspects such as laminar chemical hoods and biological safety cabinets connected to safely designed duct work.

Ohio Administration Code (OAC) 4101:2-5

• As part of the federal requirements governing hazardous exhaust systems, the Ohio administration code 4101:2-5 outlines mechanical codes and building standards associated with hazardous exhaust systems. The code defines standards through which hazardous exhaust materials such as flammable vapors, toxic fumes and other materials can be safely managed.

Hazardous Exhaust System Locations

• According to Ohio Administration Code, proper exhaust systems should be provided and properly maintained, especially in hazardous areas occupied by installations such as machines, furnaces, forges and salamanders. These exhaust locations should be located in positions where the hazardous materials are highly concentrated.

Design Requirements

• According to federal guidelines as observed from OAC 4101:2-5, equipment, appliances and service rooms that hold hazardous emissions should be safely designed. In addition, the design systems for sources of odors, toxic fumes, noxious gases, smoke, steam, dust and spray should be constructed as per the federal safety guidelines. According to OAC 4101:2-5, these systems housing hazardous contaminants should be designed and constructed so as to prevent spreading of the contaminants to other occupied parts of the building.

Aircraft Fueling and Defueling Compartments

• According to OAC 4101:2-5, aircraft compartments housing hazardous exhaust systems such as fueling and defueling compartments should be properly ventilated. In this regard, the piping housings, pumps, air eliminators and water separators should be adequately ventilated from the floor or roof level.

Battery Storage Systems

• For industrial trucks and equipment, battery-charging areas should be properly ventilated. Ventilation services should be provided to avoid accumulation of toxic hazardous flammable gases. Under section 608 of the International Fire Code, ventilation of stationary storage battery systems should be adequately provided.

Hydrogen Limits

• According to section 502.4.1 of the Ohio Administration Code, hydrogen concentration limits have to be contained below one percent of total air volume in enclosed surroundings such as rooms. With hydrogen being highly hazardous, proper ventilation of systems housing flooded lead acid, nickel cadmium and VLRA batteries should be undertaken in line with federal guidelines.