What is the main purpose of mechanical ventilation in machinery rooms, according to ASHRAE standards?

The main purpose of mechanical ventilation in machinery rooms, according to ASHRAE standards, primarily focuses on ensuring safety by diluting refrigerant concentrations in the air. In environments where refrigerants are used, there is always a potential risk for leaks, which can lead to hazardous situations. Implementing mechanical ventilation helps maintain air quality by effectively removing or diluting any accumulated refrigerants, thus reducing the risk of exposure to employees and safeguarding against flammability and toxicity concerns.

While cooling machinery, maintaining ambient temperature, and controlling humidity are important aspects of overall system design and operation, the priority given to mitigating refrigerant exposure directly aligns with the safety guidelines specified in ASHRAE standards. This highlights the critical role that ventilation plays in protecting human health in environments where refrigerants are present.