Determine the mechanical/local-exhaust ventilation thresholds OSHA requires for a welding bay, citing the correct general-industry vs. construction standard.

Steps

1. For general industry, pull 29 CFR 1910.252(c) — mechanical ventilation is required in spaces under 10,000 cubic feet per welder, rooms with ceiling height under 16 feet, confined spaces, or spaces with obstructing partitions; absent local exhaust/booths or approved airline respirators, minimum general ventilation is 2,000 CFM per welder.
2. For construction, pull 29 CFR 1926.353 instead — local exhaust hoods must be freely movable and placed close to the work by the welder/burner, with contaminated air discharged clear of any air intake.
3. Confirm the toxic-fume concentration limit referenced (the 1910.1000 general-industry air-contaminants table) applies alongside the ventilation minimums — ventilation requirements and exposure limits are two separate checks.
4. Check whether the specific base metal (e.g., stainless/chrome alloys, galvanized/zinc coatings, cadmium-plated) triggers additional substance-specific standards (e.g., hexavalent chromium 1910.1026) layered on top of the general ventilation rule.
5. Size actual LEV/smoke-eater equipment to the CFM figures required by the applicable standard, not a generic vendor recommendation, and document the basis in your safety program.