FUME EXHAUST SYSTEM REGULATIONS
In industrial and commercial environments, there are many sources of indoor air pollution, including those that cause significant negative health impacts. Given that the hazards of inhaling fumes are numerous, the government has placed essential regulations on certain types of buildings, mandating that there be systems in place to manage indoor air quality.
Central to these systems is the presence of a fume extractor—or extractors, depending on the size of your property. These devices pull in air pollutants that could harm your employees—think vapors, gases, dusts, mists, and fumes—then filter them out and push clean air back into the building.
The presence of a fume extractor in your business is not optional; it is required by law. Here is what you need to know about fume exhaust system regulations.
Fume Filtration System Regulations: The Basics
While certain regulations are established at the national level, your state, county, and city may have their own laws that require more from you than federal entities. You need to make certain you fully understand all the current laws that apply to your place of business and that you keep up with any changes to them as the years go by.
Regulations focus on more than just the presence of a fume extraction system. They also establish guidelines for use and maintenance, set exposure limits, and outline training programs. You should aim to meet or exceed fume filtration system guidelines as this protects you from both fines and lawsuits.
If you are uncertain what guidelines apply to you, consult with your local OSHA office.
On top of these guidelines, your place of business is required to have the correct fume extraction system in place for your property. To determine what type of system you need, ask yourself the following questions:
- How large is your property?
- Is your HVAC system open, covering the whole facility, or is it closed, with individual systems for individual areas?
- What specific pollutants impact your facility?
- Do your workers move their equipment around or are their tools fixed in place?
Your answers to these questions will determine the type and capacity of fume extraction you need. Options include:
- Diluter systems
- Extraction hoods
- Multiple arm systems
- Push-pull systems
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Downdraft table
- Portable high vacuum
Whether you need an SMT line smoke absorber or a portable filtration system, IP Systems can help you find and install the ideal fume filtration setup for your place of business. Contact us to schedule your consultation
