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Do I Need Vehicle Exhaust Removal?

The quality of air within our environments, both indoor and outdoor, continues to be a growing concern. Occupational environments where cars, trucks, and other vehicles undergo maintenance or repair and run idle or higher are at risk of over-exposure to dangerous vehicle exhaust emissions.

Vehicle exhaust is known to emit carbon monoxide (CO), but also introduces nitrogen dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and other particulate matter into the air stream. Each of these air contaminants poses its own risks. Some exhaust fumes can result in immediate harm, and others can occur over long periods, making it harder to identify. CO is a toxic air contaminant that is colorless, odorless, and can lead to dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death. Nitrogen dioxide irritates the lungs and increases the chance of respiratory infections. Benzene and formaldehyde are known carcinogens, and particulate matter can find its way into the lungs, resulting in respiratory issues and conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

When uncontrolled, vehicle exhaust can reach toxic levels within minutes, presenting serious health and safety risks to technicians and surrounding employees. Vehicle exhaust removal systems are essential for indoor or enclosed shops, garages, and facilities because they eliminate the risk of overexposure. Exhaust removal systems capture emissions directly at the source - drawing contaminated air away from the work area. Capturing vehicle exhaust at the source minimizes air movement, reduces energy usage, and keeps the air clean and breathable. Maintaining clean air is critical for the health and safety of vehicle repair and maintenance professionals.

The number one reason to implement vehicle exhaust removal systems is to protect the health and safety of your staff. Occupational safety and health standards, such as those enforced by OSHA, mandate specific requirements to protect workers' health. The OSHA Act of 1970 was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. Non-compliance with OSHA regulations can lead to penalties and legal consequences.

Fume-A-Vent overhead vehicle exhaust removal system installed to capture and exhaust emissions away from the work environment.

By reducing the risk of exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions, employers help their technicians and staff remain healthy and productive. Vehicle exhaust removal systems decrease the risk of sickness or fatigue related to poor air quality, resulting in lower sick days, improved efficiency, and greater morale in the workplace.

The exhaust removal system that best meets your application requirements will vary based on the dynamics of your facility, including factors like the size of the space, the number of vehicles handled, and the type of work being done. Before choosing an exhaust removal system, we highly recommend consulting with one of our specialists. To give you an idea of the benefits of our systems, we've broken down the top 3:

Top 3 Ways to Remove Vehicle Exhaust

Fume-A-Vent motor operated hose reel show with attached exhaust hose.

1. Hose Reels

Spring operated and motor operated hose reels are clean, user-friendly, and convenient solutions for removing vehicle exhaust and emissions.

• Manual spring operated reels are ideal for applications where the hose reel is within reaching distance of the operator.

Motorized hose reels are best suited for environments where hose reels are beyond the reach of the operator or when a larger diameter hose is required and must be fitted to a remote control or wall switch.


Overhead exhaust system equipped with spring balancer.

2. Overhead Systems

Our overhead systems are available in two variations, rope and pulley and spring balancer. Each solution is designed to meet the demands of a range of applications. Overhead exhaust removal systems integrate various hose types and lifting configurations.

• Hose types range from high-temperature silicone to medium-temperatures polyester.

• Lifting configurations generally include ropes and pulleys and cable balancers.

• Overhead systems connect to ductwork and central fans.

• For stand-alone systems, don't forget direct mount fans.


Crushproof rubber hose for vehicle removal.

3. Crushproof Exhaust Hoses

The most simple and cost-efficient method for extracting exhaust from vehicles that run at or higher than idle indoors is with a crushproof garage exhaust hose system. Crushproof is a smarter long-term investment because it retains its form even after being repeatedly driven over or stepped on!

Crushproof exhaust hoses can be used to ventilate exhaust fumes if the vehicle is close to the garage or within reach of a plug-in garage ventilation system.


Remember, maintaining clean air isn't just critical for the health and safety of vehicle repair and maintenance professionals — it's a crucial step in remaining compliant. Investing in vehicle exhaust removal systems protects the well-being of your employees and aligns your operations with regulatory standards. To learn more about vehicle exhaust removal and how you can benefit, get in touch with us today.

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