Which statement best describes a disadvantage of local exhaust ventilation?

Which statement best describes a disadvantage of local exhaust ventilation?

• A. It always eliminates all exposure without practices
• B. Worker access can be difficult and visibility limited
• C. It is inexpensive to install and maintain
• D. It reduces noise levels in the workshop

Answer: (B)

Local exhaust ventilation works by capturing contaminants at the source to keep the worker’s breathing zone cleaner, but a real drawback is that the equipment can get in the way. The capture hood, ducts, and hoses can restrict worker access to the workpiece and limit visibility, making tasks harder to perform and potentially slowing work or increasing the chance of mistakes or accidents. This practical hindrance is the primary downside of LEV. In contrast, no system perfectly eliminates exposure, installation and maintenance aren’t typically inexpensive, and LEV doesn’t inherently reduce noise (it can even add noise from the fan), so those statements don’t describe the main disadvantage.

Local exhaust ventilation works by capturing contaminants at the source to keep the worker’s breathing zone cleaner, but a real drawback is that the equipment can get in the way. The capture hood, ducts, and hoses can restrict worker access to the workpiece and limit visibility, making tasks harder to perform and potentially slowing work or increasing the chance of mistakes or accidents. This practical hindrance is the primary downside of LEV. In contrast, no system perfectly eliminates exposure, installation and maintenance aren’t typically inexpensive, and LEV doesn’t inherently reduce noise (it can even add noise from the fan), so those statements don’t describe the main disadvantage.