Is general ventilation an important source of make-up air for local exhaust systems?

General ventilation plays a crucial role in providing make-up air for local exhaust systems, which are designed to remove contaminants from specific areas within the workplace. When exhaust systems operate, they create a negative pressure environment in their vicinity, which can lead to issues such as backflow of contaminated air or insufficient air circulation.

By ensuring an adequate supply of make-up air through general ventilation, these systems can function effectively, maintaining a balanced air pressure and ensuring that fresh, uncontaminated air is available. This is essential for health and safety in environments where hazardous materials or fumes are present. Proper ventilation helps to dilute any remaining contaminants that may escape the local exhaust system, contributing to a safer and healthier work environment.

The effectiveness of local exhaust systems is therefore highly dependent on the presence of well-designed general ventilation, making it an important factor in overall workplace safety.