Information Center — The Workplace

A commercial ventilation exhaust system is designed to vent smoke, fumes, grease, and odors through a hood to the outside of a building and provide fresh replacement air from outdoors. Solid commercial kitchen ventilation design, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to foodservice for public health and safety, fire prevention, and emissions control. Exhaust fans need to meet the specific criteria for the intended application and provide adequate air quality controls. Without proper use and care, even the most superior equipment can fail to provide adequate ventilation to meet certain local, state, and federal guidelines. Staying in compliance means avoiding...

Finding high-quality, low-maintenance exhaust and air movement equipment can save money for agencies and business owners. Commercial and industrial ventilation can be expensive to install or update, and finding the right type and size of fan will keep companies and industries in compliance with codes and regulations and make working conditions safe for employees. Whether an industrial exhaust fan is used in a school, commercial kitchen, storage facility, gymnasium, factory, or outbuilding, getting the right equipment can make a difference. There are different types of fans to consider for ventilation and exhaust. Local exhaust ventilation fans, for example, can help...

Workers exposed to harmful levels of heat, humidity, fumes, and chemicals can be at risk for health problems. Among the common worker complaints and medical problems from overexposure are allergies, asthma, confusion, headaches, and nausea. In plants and factories where painting, blasting, welding, high temperatures, and fumes from chemical processes are the norm, it is the owner/operator’s responsibility to ensure employee comfort and health by meeting federal, state, and local guidelines for environmental controls. There are a few types of ventilation strategies for the workplace that can limit chemical exposure: Air conditioning and heating provides fresh air and temperature control,...

Exhaust fans can promote healthy and safe air quality for residential, commercial, and industrial settings; however, they can be hazardous if they’re not maintained or installed properly. Faulty exhaust can provide insufficient removal of humidity, toxic substances, and fumes. Faulty exhaust fan ventilation is also responsible for a number of fires each year. One major safety hazard from exhaust fans is as simple dust accumulation. Dust collects on fan blades and inside the housing unit. If fans are left to collect dust over long periods of time, the motor will labor or seize. The fan will continue to generate heat,...

Paint booths (or spray booths) can reduce risk of fire or explosion. They also keep workers and the environment safe from fumes that degrade the ozone layer and make people sick; however, paint booths can only offer safety controls if used properly. It is important to take the proper safety precautions before beginning a project or working with paints. Before considering paint booth work, you must obtain a permit from local authorities or the EPA. Check on regulations concerning the use of high-velocity, low-pressure spray guns.   If you’re at work using a paint booth, be sure you have the...