Cost-Effective Ventilation of a Large-Aircraft Painting Facility at Robins AFB, Georgia

摘要

Spray painting of large aircraft requires moving enormous quantities of air in an ordered manner to (1) clear overspray particles from the coated surface; (2) dilute the paint solvent vapors below their Lower Explosive Limit (LEL); and (3) keep concentrations of air toxic vapors and particles in the vicinity of the painting crew below the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). Standards promulgated in 29 CFR 1910.94 and 1910.107 prohibiting the use of partial exhaust recirculation were based on consensus standards that have since been revised to accommodate technology advances. Whereas the language of 29 CFR has not been revised, a body of interpretations has accumulated that provides a clear picture that a facility using technology that provides 'equal or better protection' to its personnel enjoys immunity from citation under these standards. This paper describes the steps followed by a team of Robins AFB personnel to establish that an 80% recirculating design moving air at 60 ft/min will comply with 29 CFR 1910.1000 and National Fire Protection Association document 33, and to develop a set of design specifications for the construction of a climate-controlled hangar to paint C-5 aircraft at a cost saving of (caret)$1M per plane compared to a conventionally designed (fresh air, 120 ft/min airflow) hangar.