Nail Salon Ventilation

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Outside Ventilation Compliance

IMC Code for Nail Salons

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Nail Salon Ventilation

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Nail Salon IMC Ventilation Code Compliance

HealthyAir® Source Capture Systems are engineered to meet salon ventilation code requirements.

For new nail salons, IMC code requires a source capture system capable of exhausting a minimum of 50 CFM per station with exhaust inlets located not more than 12 inches from the point of chemical application.

The implementation of local exhaust ventilation systems using Source Capture technology is of utmost significance in nail salons. These systems play a crucial role in reducing potential health risks associated with airborne contaminants, such as ultra-fine particles and chemicals like acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and formaldehyde.

In order to ensure the well-being of both workers and customers, it is imperative to effectively remove fumes generated by these chemicals within the salon. Ventilation Code 403.3 mandates the installation of a source capture system at each manicure and pedicure station.

As per the definition of a source capture system, the exhaust from a station in a nail salon must capture air contaminants at their origin and expel them into the outdoor atmosphere. A minimum exhaust rate of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) is mandated at each station, with exhaust inlets positioned no more than 12 inches horizontally and vertically from the point of chemical application.

When one or more required source capture systems operate continuously during salon occupancy, the exhaust rate from these systems may be applied to meet the exhaust flow rate specified in Table 403.3.1.1 for the nail salon.

Moreover, in accordance with Section 501.3.1, the second clause of the International Mechanical Code (IMC), the endpoint for exhaust outlets releasing outdoors must be positioned at a distance of 10 feet from the property line, 3 feet from exterior walls and roofs, 10 feet away from accessible openings into buildings, and elevated 10 feet above the adjacent ground level.

Nail Salon Ventilation Code Compliance Requirements

All HealthyAir® Source Capture® system fully comply with, and exceed, IMC Ventilation Code requirements for Nail Salons.

IMC Chapter 4 Ventilation Code requires:

  • A minimum of 50 cfm of air extraction from each nail station;

  • At least one exhaust inlet per nail station located <12” from the point of chemical application;

  • Exhaust of all extracted air from the nail salon to the outdoor atmosphere.

For Nail Salons IMC Chapter 5 Exhaust System code requires:

  • The termination point of exhaust outlets and ducts discharging to the outdoors shall be located with the following minimum distances:

  • For all environmental air exhaust (such as exhaust from HealthyAir® eHEPA® filtration systems): 3 feet (914 mm) from property lines; 3 feet (914 mm) from operable openings into buildings, and 10 feet (3048 mm) from mechanical air intakes.

  • For other product-conveying outlets (such as exhaust from HealthyAir® Fan-Filter filtration systems): 10 feet (3048 mm) from the property lines; 3 feet (914 mm) from exterior walls and roofs; 10 feet (3048 mm) from operable openings into buildings; 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade.

Added benefits of system use include:

  • The clean air output of each system can be applied to the total 0.6 cfm/ft2 that is required to be exhausted from overall salon air, which in turn conserves energy;

  • Prevents contaminated air from re-entering the salon and/or entering adjacent environments, including neighboring businesses or residences;

  • Prevents nail dust from accumulating in ductwork and creating potential hazards.

Nail Salon Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation exposes nail technicians to hazardous chemicals. About 30 such chemicals, including toluene and formaldehyde, are commonly found in nail products, leading to immediate discomfort and potential long-term health issues.

The risk varies based on exposure and susceptibility. Implementing Source Capture and Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems, following OSHA guidelines, reduces exposure and ensures a safer environment.

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