Laboratory ventilation
Hello folks,
Appreciate your input and support.
Scientists are working daily with chemicals (mostly liquid) toxic, flammable , acids and alkaline and some inert gases (He, N2..)
They perform different experiments. For example testing heavy metals % in toys, consumables ; including plastic and metal forks, knives and many more things that are released after they pass to the market for public use.
My questions
do all labs general ventilation have to be negative pressured?
What are my source in terms of design to international code or where I should refer to?
Take in consideration that the preparation of chemicals is happening inside the fume hoods in each lab (chem reaction wise) then they move the mixture to the different machines to start the experiments until disposal..
Thank you all
Comments (1)
For the types of operations you're describing, the labs would not be required to be negatively pressured. Many labs are actually positively pressured to keep contaminants out.
There are a few resources for lab ventilation standards, and ASHRAE is a good place to start:
https://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/Technical%20Resources/Free%20Resources/Publications/ClassificationOfLabVentDesLevels.pdf
This article summarized several applicable codes and standards
http://www.aircuity.com/wp-content/uploads/Aircuity-White-Paper_Lab-Ventilation-ACH-Rates_Standards-Guidelines_ACHWP_20120103-2.pdf