From the 2024 UPC Illustrated Training Manual, Chapter Chapter 13, HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS
1313.2 Location. The exhaust shall be located as follows:
(1) Outdoors.
(2) At least 25 feet (7620 mm) from any door, window, air intake, or other openings in buildings or places of public assembly.
(3) At a level different from air intakes.
(4) Where prevailing winds, adjacent buildings, topography, or other influences will not divert the exhaust into occupied areas or prevent dispersion of the exhaust. [NFPA 99: 5.1.3.7.7.2]
Termination of the vacuum exhaust must be outside the building, located at least 25 feet from any door, window, air intake or other openings into the building, provided further that the termination shall be at a different level from air intakes. This method should eliminate the possibility of contaminated waste entering any other systems. The exhaust pipe terminus shall be turned downward and screened to prevent the entry of anything that could cause a blockage.
From the 2024 UMC Illustrated Training Manual, Chapter Chapter 6, DUCT SYSTEMS
607.2 Requirements. Ventilating ceilings shall comply with the following:
(1) Suspended ventilating ceiling material shall have a Class 1 flame spread classification on both sides, determined in accordance with the building code. Suspended ventilating ceiling supports shall be of noncombustible materials.
(2) Luminaires recessed into ventilating ceilings shall be of a type approved for that purpose.
This section regulates the installation of ventilating ceilings, as defined in Section 224.0. In addition to the requirements of this section, the space above a ventilating ceiling must comply with the definition of a “Plenum,” as defined in Section 218.0, and, therefore, must also comply with the following applicable requirements of Sections 603.10 and 602.2:
• “Exhaust ducts and venting systems under positive pressure shall not extend through ducts or plenums.”
• “Materials exposed within ducts or plenums shall be noncombustible or shall have a flame-spread index not to exceed 25 and a smoke-developed index not to exceed 50 where tested as a composite product in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.”
Figure 607.2 illustrates the requirements for installation of a ventilating ceiling.
VENTILATING CEILING REQUIREMENTS
(This is not to be considered the official position of IAPMO, nor is it an official interpretation of the Codes.)
IAPMO
IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code®,the most widely recognized code of practice used by the plumbing industry worldwide; Uniform Mechanical Code®; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code®; and Uniform Solar Energy, Hydronics and Geothermal Code™ — the only plumbing, mechanical, solar energy and swimming pool codes designated by ANSI as American National Standards — and the Water Efficiency Standard (WE-Stand)™. IAPMO works with government, contractors, labor force, and manufacturers to produce product standards, technical manuals, personnel certification/educational programs and additional resources in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry in protecting public health and safety.
Last modified: May 16, 2024