What must local exhaust systems be capable of exhausting in the specified areas?

Local exhaust systems are designed to effectively remove contaminants from specific areas to ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment. The requirement for these systems is to maintain a minimum airflow rate that is sufficient to capture and remove harmful pollutants, fumes, or dust that may accumulate during various processes. This minimum airflow rate is crucial because it ensures that any generated contaminants are properly exhausted before they can lead to health risk or negative effects on the workplace atmosphere.

The design of local exhaust systems takes into account the specific needs of the application, ensuring that the airflow is adequate to mitigate exposure to hazards. If the airflow rate were to drop below the minimum threshold, the system would fail to function effectively, potentially exposing workers to unsafe levels of contaminants. Hence, compliance with the minimum airflow rate specified in codes and standards is crucial for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness in areas where local exhaust is implemented.