Problem #14:
Combustion Gases
Combustion odors can indicate the
existence of a serious problem. One
combustion product, carbon monoxide, is
an odorless gas. Carbon monoxide
poisoning can be life-threatening.
Examples
Vehicle exhaust
offices above (or connected to) an
underground parking garage
rooms near (or connected by pathways
to) a loading dock or service garage
Combustion gases from equipment
(e.g., spillage from inadequately vented
appliances, cracked heat exchanger, reentrainment
because local chimney is too
low)
areas near a mechanical room
distributed throughout zone or entire
building
Solutions
Seal to remove pollutant pathway
close openings between the contaminant
source and the occupied space
install well-sealed doors with automatic
closers between the contaminant source
and the occupied space
Remove source
improve maintenance of combustion
equipment
modify venting or HVAC system to
prevent backdrafting
relocate holding area for vehicles at
loading dock, parking area
turn off engines of vehicles that are
waiting to be unloaded
Modify ventilation system
install local exhaust in underground
parking garage (adjust HVAC system to
provide make-up air and test to verify
performance)
relocate fresh air intake (move away
from source of contaminants
Modify pressure relationships
pressurize spaces around area containing
source of combustion gases