Health Code inspectors can offer workshops for salon owners, educating them about the importance of proper ventilation and the specific requirements of the IMC. Inspectors should collaborate with local health departments and ventilation experts to provide clearer guidelines and practical solutions for meeting the code requirements.
Exemplary inspectors should advocate for more comprehensive training on interpreting building codes and understanding the technical aspects of salon ventilation systems. A push for the development of standardized testing protocols will assess ventilation systems more effectively.
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) sets the standards for ventilation in nail salons. The code requires that nail salons have a minimum of 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of outdoor air per person, as well as a minimum of 50 CFM of exhaust ventilation per nail station. The exhaust ventilation (also known as SOURCE CAPTURE) must also be directed to the outside of the building, away from any windows or doors that could allow the fumes to re-enter the building.
