PPT Basic Ventilation Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS)

PPT Course Goals To understand the basic concept of ventilation To understand reasons for ventilation To understand and apply proper ventilation techniques

PPT Student Objective Be able to define what ventilation is Be able to apply ventilation to different applications Be able to determine best method of ventilation Be able to move air

PPT Ventilation The process of "changing” or replacing air in any space to provide high quality indoor air To:  Remove unpleasant smells and moisture  Introduce outside air  Improve circulation, etc. In firefighting, refers to a tactic of creating a draft to control the release of heat and smoke

PPT Reasons for Ventilation To remove or control: Hazardous/obnoxious odors Smoke and smoke odor Odors Asbestos Chemicals Gases Fumes Particulates Burned Popcorn-Ugh! Note: There are specific requirements for certain contaminants that require specialized training and equipment

PPT Types of Ventilation Vertical Moving air up and out Horizontal (lateral) Moving air out through windows and doors

PPT Methods of Ventilation Mechanical/Forced  Fans  Cooling  Dilution  Exhaust  Circulation Filtration  Scrubbers Exhaust Systems  Chemical

PPT How Air Moves Natural + No cost - Difficulty controlling - Increased time to utilize Mechanical/Forced + Easy to control direction - Need power source - Fumes - Cost

PPT Ventilation Safety Never use gasoline powered fans inside a building, structure or confined space Make sure fans are grounded If a flammable atmosphere exists make sure fans are intrinsically safe (i.e. explosion proof) Ensure area safe to set up equipment Trip hazards – block off area, wires, fans

PPT Ventilation Steps Determine: What the problem is Smoke, odor, chemical, etc. Where it is located What type of structure, building layout, occupancy What is the cause or source Origin of problem that needs ventilated Is it safe for me Main concern: can you do it safely without endangering yourself or others?

PPT Ventilation Steps If unknown or dangerous: Seek further assistance from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Emergency services (either public or private contractors may be considered an option) 911 If material can be identified and handled in a safe manner proceed to the next step Follow company policy

PPT Ventilation Steps If you can start ventilation: Determine where you are going to direct the flow of air  Avoid contaminating clean areas  Avoid directing into high occupancy area  Will it be a nuisance or hazard to anyone down wind? If odors or other conditions are too strong, contact EHS for further evaluation

PPT Vapors Check the corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product being ventilated Review “Vapor Density” listed on SDS Vapor Density = measure of a vapor’s weight when compared to air (air assigned value of 1) Denser vapors tend to sink to floor level, less dense vapors tend to rise to ceiling level

Directing Air Flow PPT Opening & closing doors Opening & closing windows Hanging plastic tarps in uncontaminated areas

Directing Flow PPT A draft is better created with the flow coming in one direction and funneling out the opposite end Closing additional doors or windows will increase the flow of air out of room/area Additionally, remove any screens or curtains that may be in the way Make sure the wind is not naturally coming in the way you intend to exhaust the odor

Directing Flow PPT Close off open hallways or unaffected areas  Utilize plastic tarps or plastic sheets  Shower curtains with open hooks also work  Tension rods  Duct tape  To meet standards, some items will require top to be more sealed up to prevent additional contamination

Let’s Ventilate PPT Stairs 17PPT How could you ventilate this area? Windows Doors Stairs Use Natural, Mechanical, Combination of both

Example of Stricter Requirements PPT Asbestos  Asbestos training required  Do not disturb or enter  Required items: o Signage o Negative air machines o Air lock o Restricted entry o PPE (respiratory)

Evaluate the Area PPT Evaluate before allowing occupants (e.g. students, staff, etc.) to return Senses may not be the best testing factor; may depend upon what is being ventilated ▪ Use meters if necessary ▪ Utilize someone not on site previously (some items may desensitize your ability to smell them)

Summary PPT Ventilation is not difficult, but does take some thinking as to where to move contaminated air Never move contaminated air into non- contaminated areas If necessary, move occupants out of an area before ventilating Determine the best method for effective ventilation If material involved is hazardous, or you are not sure: stop and consult EHS for instructions

Questions PPT