Hi, working on a new school k-12 project with a chemistry lab. Does the 40 dBA background noise requirement need to be met concerning the fume hood? Can we assume that core learning activities will only occur when the fume hood is not operating
The fume hoods are an on/off system controlled by the teacher (a simple on/off switch on the wall) based on the curriculum or experiment being performed at that time. It will only be on when the teacher uses the hood. It is a bypass-style hood, so it does not reduce airflow when the sash is closed.
I figured to try the forum before submitting a LEED Coach inquiry.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5867 thumbs up
August 3, 2022 - 1:10 pm
It is a piece of ventilation equipment so I am not aware of a reason it would not apply or an exception that has been issued via LEED Interpretation.
Michelle Bombeck
Associate PrincipalO'Brien360
29 thumbs up
November 16, 2022 - 7:36 pm
Kai - Did you submit a Coach inquiry to confirm the need to meet the HVAC background noise criteria for intermittent, user controlled exhaust? We're coming up against the same question...
December 23, 2022 - 2:40 pm
We asked LEED Coach about user-controlled, intermittent ventilation equipment and the HVAC background noise requirement for Schools. This is the response:
According to ANSI S12.60-2010 Section 5.2.4 Equipment, machinery, and components associated with instruction, "The limits on background noise level established in 5.2.1 through 5.2.3 do not apply to portable or permanent (built-in) equipment, machinery, and components associated with instruction, such as computers, audiovisual equipment, shop machinery, fume hoods, kitchen exhaust, and similar devices provided such equipment can be turned off from within the learning space. Calculations of background noise level shall not include such equipment and all measurements shall be made with such equipment and emergency equipment turned off. Calculations of background noise level shall include all equipment that cannot be turned off from within the learning space except for emergency equipment."
Therefore, it would be acceptable to exclude exhaust fans used for lab or arts functions when evaluating compliance for a classroom as long as the exhaust can be turned off from within the space.