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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...

An explosion-proof fan is a type of industrial ventilation fan that helps to prevent fires and explosions in commercial and industrial applications where certain types of dust, gases, vapors, or particles are present. Since industrial fans have metal blades and housing, there are many ways a spark can ignite in around metal, dust, and fumes. Here is one scenario: A metal object could hit a fan blade, causing a spark. The spark is then ignited by fumes. A fan company cannot promise that fans will be completely explosion-proof, but this type of fan is made to minimize accidents caused when...

Inline duct fans are installed in remote locations to boost airflow and provide ventilation. They’re accessed by air ducts and allow noise reduction for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can be operated manually, or they can be installed with automatic controls. Inline fans come in single and multi-port models to provide ventilation for home, office, and industry. Inline explosion proof exhaust fans are required for industrial applications where dust, fumes, flammable fibers, and other ignitable materials are used. They are used when ventilation is necessary in small spaces or when space is at a premium, and many local, state,...