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Ventilation |
By itself, the term does not indicate whether the exhausted air is filtered or cleaned before being discharged. Likewise, it does not indicate whether the incoming ("make-up") air is treated is heated, cooled or otherwise treated. Ideally, ventilation provides constant temperature, humidity and air quality within the enclosed space.
| ![]() When ventilation isn't enough, respirators from Safety Emporium may help. |
One can reduce the need for ventilation by reducing or minimizing the amount of airborne contaminant generated. Examples of such practices include:
Ventilation systems for the control of hazardous materials in the workplace can be broken into two broad classes:
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Local exhaust ventilation is clearly the preferred method whenever feasible! In addition, local exhaust ventilation moves a much smaller quanitity of air much more efficiently - this results in large savings in heating and cooling costs.
Local exhaust ventilation systems typically have the following components:
Some specific examples of local exhaust ventilation systems include:
Fume Hoods - These specialized, fixed cabinets contain and draw in contaminants and vent the contaminated air remotely (usually through a stack on the roof of the building). A good supply of properly conditioned makeup air is required so these systems require professional installation and maintenance. | ![]() |
Ventilating Blowers - These have an inlet and outlet hose to collect and move contaminated air away from the source. The model shown here (without the hoses) is portable, making it ideal for use in a garage or workshop. Ventilating blowers generally have the lowest capital cost of the systems shown. | ![]() |
Fume Extractors - These are small air cleaning devices used to filter mists, dusts and fumes. The filtered air is recycled - making it good for many common dusts. Because the air is recycled, this is not a suitable choice for toxic or flammable vapors. | ![]() |
Filtering Stations - Are fundamentally similar to the fume extractors shown above, but have better mobility. | ![]() |
Down Draft Work Stations or Tables - These use a blower to pull air away from the worker through slots or holes in the table top or work surface. Down draft stations can have a filtering/recirculating configuration (like the filtering station above) or the exhaust can be ducted to a remote point (like the ventilating blower above). | ![]() |
SDS Relevance
Also remember that flammable materials or combustible dusts can be ignited if your ventilation system is not properly designed and maintained.
Further Reading
See also: administrative controls, dust, engineering controls, fume, personal protective equipment (PPE), respirator. | ![]() Safety Emporium carries signage and other items to help comply with OSHA confined space entry requirements. |
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