Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of dilution ventilation?

1. To eliminate hazardous waste

2. To control high toxicity gases

3. To control low toxicity vapors

4. To increase air circulation

The correct answer is: To control low toxicity vapors

The primary purpose of dilution ventilation is to control low toxicity vapors in a work environment. This method involves introducing a large volume of fresh air into a space to dilute airborne contaminants to levels that are considered safe for workers. By lowering the concentration of these vapors, dilution ventilation helps to minimize the potential for exposure to hazardous substances, ensuring that air quality remains within acceptable limits. This approach is particularly effective for substances that are not highly toxic. Instead of capturing and removing contaminants directly, dilution ventilation works on the principle of mixing clean air with contaminated air, which allows for a safer breathing environment. This method is commonly applied in situations where the volume of emitted contaminants is relatively low and does not pose an immediate health risk. While eliminating hazardous waste and controlling high toxicity gases may require a different ventilation strategy, dilution ventilation specifically targets low toxicity vapors to improve air quality without necessitating extensive filtration or localized exhaust systems. Additionally, while increasing air circulation can be a beneficial outcome of dilution ventilation, the primary focus remains on controlling the concentration of low toxicity vapors.