For a mechanical draft system, the exit terminal adjacent to public walkways shall be no less than how many feet above finish ground level?

For a mechanical draft system, the exit terminal adjacent to public walkways shall be no less than how many feet above finish ground level?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 7 feet
• C. 9 feet
• D. 12 feet

Answer: (B)

Safety clearance for exhaust terminations near public walkways is the key idea. The exit terminal should be at least seven feet above finished ground level so pedestrians passing by won’t come into contact with the exhaust plume, heat, or odors, and so the discharge stays above head height as people walk by. Seven feet provides a practical minimum that protects people without adding unnecessary height. Lower heights could expose pedestrians to the exhaust or heat, while higher heights would add cost without significantly increasing safety in typical settings.

Safety clearance for exhaust terminations near public walkways is the key idea. The exit terminal should be at least seven feet above finished ground level so pedestrians passing by won’t come into contact with the exhaust plume, heat, or odors, and so the discharge stays above head height as people walk by. Seven feet provides a practical minimum that protects people without adding unnecessary height. Lower heights could expose pedestrians to the exhaust or heat, while higher heights would add cost without significantly increasing safety in typical settings.