Exhaust/Ventilation requirements for Evidence Storage

[jcwalter]

Hey,

Currently working on a police project with an evidence storage room. I am looking for some kind of guidance on recommended exhaust rates for this type of space. 62.1 does not specifically address this kind of room, although I had though about using the same rate for a chemical storage room (1.5 CFM/SF). I found a newsletter online from the Illinois Association of Property and Evidence Managers that mentions ASHRACE (how they spelled it...) recommends at least 10-12 ACH, but they do not cite the source nor could I find anything in the handbooks mentioning this. The owner specifically requested that the space be heavily exhausted due to smell from narcotics, I am just trying to gauge what a reasonable value is without going overboard.

Thanks in advance,

Jon

 

[317069]

Call the association who issued the news letter and ask them about their referance

 

[chicopee]

Use the 10-12 ACH and the volume of the room to figure out the CFM and compare that value to the 1.5CFM/SF of floor area and make an engineering judgment if the numbers make sense. I think that I would be as equally concerned about controlling the relative humidity. I would probably base my ACH on libraries or archives ventilation systems if nothing else is available.

 

[jcwalter]

Good point on the humidity control as that will be important as well. Also will be keeping the space negative and exhausting outside. The values are honestly pretty similar, so I have no apprehension in using either. Thank you for the help!

 

[ChasBean1]

Ventilate like any other unoccupied space: 0.06 cfm/ft2 plus 5 cfm per occupant, unless you suspect there will be storage of things like fuel oil and open chemical containers.

 

[jcwalter]

Hmmm I don't think so. An evidence storage room could end up storing all sorts of items, including chemicals, weapons, organic items, etc. Not to mention the client specifically requested extra exhaust capacity due to the smell of marijuana. Thank you for the comment though.

 

[ChasBean1]

Ok. To conform to code, think about what I said. To go beyond, engineer it (there are plenty of good ones out there)

 

[NegativeZero]

If this is a Police station I would ask the contracting officer overseeing the work for some guidance. I completed a GSA job with an evidence storage room and they had particular requirements we had to meet with exhaust, temp and security requirements. Depending on the room they may ask for 24/7 temp control. But many get around it by keeping a refrigerator in there.

 

[EnergyProfessional]

Look through these guidelines by the "international Association for Property and Evidence"
Talk to the people managing that evidence area if they have other sources from their association.

 

[chicopee]

I don't know where you are located, however, if you are near Hartford, CT. go to their relatively new ( 1980's) Police Department and talk to the Police Chief about some of the requirements.