Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

In a ventilation system, what does high capture velocity help to alleviate?

1. Temperature control

2. Odor issues

3. Pollutant escape

4. Humidity levels

The correct answer is: Pollutant escape

High capture velocity in a ventilation system plays a critical role in preventing the escape of pollutants. When air is moving quickly through a system, it has a stronger ability to draw in contaminants before they disperse into occupied spaces. This is especially important in environments where hazardous substances are used or generated, such as in laboratories or manufacturing facilities. By ensuring that the velocity at which air is captured is high enough, the system can effectively "capture" and contain pollutants, minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful airborne particles. This is particularly crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. In such settings, if the capture velocity is insufficient, pollutants may escape the designated areas, potentially leading to health risks for employees and others in proximity. The other options—temperature control, odor issues, and humidity levels—are relevant to ventilation systems, but they do not directly relate to the primary function of high capture velocity in mitigating pollutant escape. High capture velocity is specifically tailored to ensure that harmful substances are managed effectively at the source.