According to ASHRAE standard 15-1994, what should activate an alarm and mechanical ventilation in a machinery room?

According to ASHRAE standard 15-1994, what should activate an alarm and mechanical ventilation in a machinery room?

• A. Temperature exceeding limits
• B. Refrigerant concentrations exceeding TLV-TWA
• C. System pressure dropping too low
• D. Equipment malfunction

Answer: (B)

The activation of an alarm and mechanical ventilation in a machinery room, as outlined by ASHRAE standard 15-1994, is primarily based on safety concerns regarding refrigerant exposure. Specifically, the threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA) refers to the maximum acceptable concentration of refrigerants in the air over an 8-hour work period, which ensures that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of refrigerants. When the concentration of refrigerants surpasses the TLV-TWA, it signals a potentially hazardous environment that could endanger personnel health. Activating an alarm and mechanical ventilation serves both to notify individuals in the vicinity of the danger and to help mitigate the risk by increasing air circulation and reducing refrigerant concentration in the air. The focus on refrigerant concentration as the trigger for safety measures emphasizes the importance of maintaining air quality and protecting workers from short- and long-term health effects associated with exposure to certain chemicals. This proactive approach is a key aspect of ensuring safety in the operation of low-pressure refrigerant systems.

The activation of an alarm and mechanical ventilation in a machinery room, as outlined by ASHRAE standard 15-1994, is primarily based on safety concerns regarding refrigerant exposure. Specifically, the threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA) refers to the maximum acceptable concentration of refrigerants in the air over an 8-hour work period, which ensures that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of refrigerants.

When the concentration of refrigerants surpasses the TLV-TWA, it signals a potentially hazardous environment that could endanger personnel health. Activating an alarm and mechanical ventilation serves both to notify individuals in the vicinity of the danger and to help mitigate the risk by increasing air circulation and reducing refrigerant concentration in the air.

The focus on refrigerant concentration as the trigger for safety measures emphasizes the importance of maintaining air quality and protecting workers from short- and long-term health effects associated with exposure to certain chemicals. This proactive approach is a key aspect of ensuring safety in the operation of low-pressure refrigerant systems.