Dipping Operations - Ventilation

OSHA regulates dip tanks with specific ventilation requirements. Vapor areas must keep the airborne concentration of any substance below 25 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL) through proper ventilation procedures. Tank covers or material that floats on the surface of the liquid in a dip tank can be used to replace or supplement ventilation.

In addition to regulations set forth by OSHA, other organizations regulate mechanical ventilation for dip tanks, such as:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

Mechanical ventilation must draw the flow of air into a hood or exhaust duct.

Mechanical ventilation used for dip tanks must have an independent exhaust system. An independent exhaust system is not needed only when the combination of substances being removed will not contribute to hazards, such as:

• Fire
• Explosion
• Chemical reaction

To learn more about Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations visit our Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations Online Training web page.