This code establishes the standard practices for designing, installing, and evaluating industrial ventilation systems. It covers natural ventilation, general mechanical (dilution) ventilation, and local exhaust ventilation to ensure safe occupational health standards, control airborne contaminants, and maintain worker thermal comfort.
Provides guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of industrial ventilation systems.
Quick Reference Values
Capture velocity for welding fumes0.5 to 1.0 m/s
Minimum duct velocity for fine dry dust10 to 15 m/s
Minimum duct velocity for heavy or moist dust20 to 25 m/s
General factory area air changes3 to 6 ACH
Recommended discharge stack height above roofMinimum 3 meters
Key Formulas
Q = V x A — Airflow rate equation where V is velocity and A is cross-sectional area of duct/hood
N = (60 x Q) / Vol — Number of air changes per hour (ACH) where Vol is room volume
Practical Notes
Always design local exhaust hoods to capture contaminants as close to the source as physically possible to minimize required airflow.
Ensure sufficient tempered make-up air is provided to replace exhausted air; otherwise, negative pressure will reduce exhaust efficiency and cause draft issues.
Avoid sharp bends in ductwork carrying particulates to maintain transport velocity and prevent material settling and fire hazards.