EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00784

HI ALL
i wonder if there is a special requirments for ETO EXHAUST FAN RELATED TO STERILIZER VOLUME AND HIGHT OF OUTDOOR DUCT. horse power for example

Dear Samir,

According to ANSI AAMI ST41:
A local exhaust hood should be installed as closer as possible to the source of EO. (for some sterilizers it will be necessary to position the hood above the door, for others below the door) the face velocity of air entering the exhaust hood should be high enough to ensure the capture of most of ETO being released. The sterilizer manufacturer, the exhaust hood manufacturer, or a qualified industrial hygienist or engineer with expertise in ETO ventilation should be consulted for specific recommendations.
Exhaust duct should terminate away from areas where people work or walk. The duct should be located at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) away from the building air intake source. State or local ETO emission regulation might dictate longer distance or prohibit altogether the discharge of ETO into the environment.
A lot of technical information may be obtained from the NIOSH publication (1989): http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/89-120.html

Regards,
Yaffa Raz