Nail Salon Ventilation Requirements in Florida

Ensuring proper ventilation in nail salons is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for both technicians and clients. In Florida, specific regulations outline how nail salons must manage air quality and ventilation systems to mitigate the risks associated with indoor air pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in salon products.

Understanding the Florida Building Code

The Florida Building Code, based on the International Mechanical Code (IMC), is the primary source of regulations concerning ventilation requirements for commercial properties, including nail salons. Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 of the IMC code details the standards for mechanical and natural ventilation and exhaust systems.

Mechanical Ventilation & Exhaust Specifications Summary

• Source Capture System: Each nail station should have a source capture system, a mechanical exhaust system designed and constructed to capture air contaminants at their source.  The exhaust inlets of the system must be located within 12 inches of the point of chemical application at the manicure table or pedicure chair (i.e. manicure station or pedicure station).

• Minimum Airflow: According to Section 403.1.1, nail salons must provide mechanical ventilation systems capable of exhausting a minimum of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per manicure and pedicure station.

• Outside Exhaust: Mechanical exhaust of contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere (i.e. outside venting) is required, in accordance with Section 501.3.1, and the recirculation of air in such spaces is prohibited.

• Exhaust Air & Makeup Air: The exhaust 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.  To maintain a balanced system, the makeup air requirement is determined based on the square footage of the salon and the number of nail stations.

b. Mechanical exhaust required and the recirculation of air from such spaces is prohibited. Recirculation of air that is contained completely within such spaces shall not be prohibited.

h. For nail salons, each manicure and pedicure station shall be provided with a source capture system capable of exhausting not less than 50 cfm per station. Exhaust inlets shall be located in accordance with Section 502.2. Where one or more required source capture systems operate continuously during occupancy, the exhaust rate from such systems shall be permitted to be applied to the exhaust flow rate required by Table 403.3.1.1 for the nail salon.

Section 502.20 Manicure and Pedicure Stations.

Manicure and pedicure stations shall be provided with an exhaust system in accordance with Table 403.3.1.1h. Manicure tables and pedicure stations not provided with factory-installed exhaust inlets shall be provided with exhaust inlets located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally and vertically from the point of chemical application.

Section 501.3.1 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.

Achieve Compliance with HealthyAir® Systems

HealthyAir is committed to helping nail salon owners meet and exceed ventilation requirements through our advanced HealthyAir® Source Capture systems. Designed with compliance in mind, our systems provide:

• Regulatory Alignment: Our systems deliver the required airflow and source capture capabilities to meet Florida's minimum ventilation standards of 50 cfm per station.

• Effective Contaminant Capture: By integrating our patented eHEPA® filtration technology, HealthyAir® systems ensure thorough capture and deactivation of harmful airborne pollutants and VOCs.

• Out-of-the-Box Solutions: HealthyAir® systems offer a complete and ready-to-operate solution for your source capture needs, saving you time and energy. 

• Ease of Installation and Use: Designed to seamlessly fit into existing salon infrastructure or new salon build outs, our systems make it easier for you to achieve compliance without significant modifications.

• Durable Performance: Built for longevity, our air purification systems offer reliable operation with minimal maintenance, ensuring continued compliance and air quality improvement over time.

HealthyAir® System Installation Considerations

Nail salon owners must ensure their ventilation system installations comply with both state and local regulations.

A separate electrical permit may be required for the installation of ceiling-mount source capture systems and wall-mount source capture systems.

To connect the unit to an exhaust duct for outside ventilation, a local HVAC technician, plumber, general contractor or DIY enthusiast is required to install the exhaust ducting that will connect to the exhaust outlet port of the unit.

Depending on user preference and site considerations, there are several options for the exhaust duct material, the best of which for pressure drop characteristics include galvanized sheet metal duct or PVC.  Flex hose may also be used.

For multi-unit installations the exhaust ducts from individual units can be connected to a common header for a single exhaust line that vents out of the facility.

Continued Compliance and Best Practices

To remain compliant with Florida regulations:

• Regularly maintain and inspect all ventilation systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and efficiently.

• Document all cleaning and disinfection procedures, especially for pedicure equipment, to stay compliant with sanitation guidelines.

HealthyAir® is here to support you in your journey to achieving a healthier salon environment that adheres to Florida's rigorous standards. By investing in our state-of-the-art solutions, you can enhance safety, health, and satisfaction for both your clients and staff.