bathroom / restroom return air

[dlsmith]

doing a job out at the airforce base. Duct job design by them. have a large locker/shower room with return air to it. not only is this a bad idea, where can I find where it may be a code vilation and health risk.

[petaco]

Check the International Mecanical Code book, section 403.2.1 may give you an idea.
Good luck

[amickracing]

Could always search and print off posts from these forums. If thats not enough call an instpector and have them plead for you aswell. Granted the city inspector most likely doesn't inspect stuff on the base, but his proof should still be good enough.

[cem-bsee]

most generally, all gov enities are exempt from normal restrictions, esp Fed! you can only suggest in writing.

[markwolf]

Oh wonderful!I suppose they have no exhaust there either!lol

[dlsmith]

it was a job that the base was going to do themselves, bought all equipment, ductwork, then change their mind. i was called in to install the stuff using their design, and change anything i thought needed to be changed. of course i removed the returns from bathroom/locker/shower room, and install the return in hallway. there is a little bit of exhaust in shower area. now they question the fact that i moved the return . i guess the military people crap doesn't stink

[wedge hicks]

The International Mechanical Code does not allow return air from Locker/Shower rooms. Check table 403.3 and see subscript "b" which applies to Locker Shower rooms.

[hvac-learning]

maybe the return air you are talking about are supposed to be stright exhaust upblast with humidity sensors

[bldgcode1]

A few points on Military work.
1) IT does not matter what any code says you do what the ENGINEERED plans say to do. (they are exempt from all local, state codes. They do have a Uniform Access standard that they are bound to but that doesn't help in Mechanical work)
2) Depending upon the base location there might actually be a need to return from the locker room - but avoid the areas of worst offense. If the room doesn't have enough exhaust and there is no natural way to depressurize eventually the fan will reach a point where it can no longer blow air into the space. (if the space is tight and no or little air leeks are present).
3) If they were going to do it themselves they still have to have a stamped engineered set of plans, even if the ROICs office authorized the work. USE THE PLANS! If they don't have a set of engineered plans, tell them the need to do it. They are under law to that in a government structure.