Engineering controls are physical modifications to the workspace or equipment designed to isolate or remove hazards from the operator.
Preferred Exhaust Methods
When required, utilize one of the following preferred ventilation methods to isolate emissions:
- Enclosure: An enclosure exhausted outdoors.
- Fume Hood: A standard chemical fume hood.
- Snorkel Exhaust: A dedicated snorkel exhaust system designed to Berkeley Lab standards
General Ventilation Context
There are currently no California (Cal) OSHA or building code requirements specifying minimum air changes per hour (ACH) solely for 3D printers in office environments:
- Cal OSHA: Regulates exposure to contaminants through Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), but does not dictate a minimum ACH for 3D printers.
- ASHRAE 62.1: Building codes set ventilation requirements based on occupancy and room area, often resulting in less than 1 ACH in standard offices.
- Standard Limits: Unlike laboratory environments, standard office ventilation guidelines do not specifically address 3D printer emissions.
Room Ventilation
- General Placement: 3D printers should be located in laboratory or technical areas unless a Hazard Assessment approves office or conference room use.
- Low-Hazard Exceptions: Some low-hazard printers (such as PLA printers) may be approved for office use on a case-by-case basis. This will be determined by the Hazard Assessment.
High-Volume or High-Hazard Operations
Rooms containing high-volume or high-hazard operations must be located in rooms with a minimum of 6 ACH. This applies to areas with:
- More than three non-PLA printers, or
- Industrial 3D printers
- Note: If 6 ACH is not available, additional engineering controls or a dedicated exhaust may be required based on the Hazard Assessment.
Placement Restrictions
- Closets: Do not place 3D printers in small, enclosed spaces such as a closed closet.
- Recirculation: Do not place printers in areas operating with 100% recirculated air.
