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Ventilation System For Lube Pit

NDR

Registered User
Joined
May 23, 2019
Messages
2
Location
Texas
I am a project manager for a real estate development firm. One of our clients is an automotive repair facility that also performs oil changes. All locations have a lube pit (basement) under the bays where oil changes are completed. Currently our architect and engineers are designing each of the facilities with ventilation systems in the lube bays. Prior to our company acting as the developer the client was not installing ventilation systems in the lube bay and never had a City or inspector require it. They are questioning our architects and engineers if this is required by code. My question is what code(s) specifically relate to this and show if it is or is not required?
 
It has to do with eliminating the hazardous location for the pit in accordance to
the National Electric Code. Not done before doesn't mean it is right. I have had
contractors tell me that they have been doing it this way for thirty years........It
kind of takes the wind out of their sails when you quickly pipe up with "and you're
still doing it wrong". Now where are these locations so we can investigate and
ensure correctives actions are taken.
 
Floor areas in major repair garage up to 18" AFF are considered classified, unless 4 ACH mechanical ventilation is provided and the vents for exhaust and makeup air are within 12" of the floor
Ventilation must be continuous during occupied hours.
[F] 502.15 Repair garages.
Where Class I liquids or LP-gas are stored or used within a building having a basement or pit wherein flammable vapors could accumulate, the basement or pit shall be provided with ventilation designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors therein.
https://books.google.com/books?id=3...the auto repair mechanical code "pit"&f=false
 
gas
Oil is not a Class I Liquid however if flammable vapors from other repairs can travel across the floor and into the pit it must be ventilated.
I don't know what all is going on in the reminder of the building
We have Hydrogen and NG vehicles repaired in the same facility as the oil change pit
Gasoline leak? Type II?
 
There was a study done moons ago on this

Showing oil change only not a problem

Not sure how to find the study
 
I was under the impression the ventilation system was required if the oil changing station also changed fuel filters.
 
Hey Guys, thank you for all of the input so far. Currently the locations we are building are throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth areas and the Houston areas in Texas. The code the architect is looking at is IMC 404.1 and 404.2 and Section 403.3.1.1
 
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