Playbook
Before Treating Industrial Duct Like Normal HVAC
Use for dust collection, fume exhaust, welded/heavy-gauge/high-negative-pressure duct, and specialty exhaust.
What this covers
The duct is industrial, heavy gauge, welded, stainless/aluminum, dust/fume exhaust, high pressure, or not normal comfort-air duct.
How to use this playbook
- Identify the system and approved construction method before assuming normal duct rules apply.
- Confirm system purpose: dust, fume, industrial exhaust, kitchen/grease, process, or comfort air.
- Check material, gauge, joint type, reinforcement, supports, access, slope, and cleanout requirements.
- Check if welding, flange hardware, gasket, sealant, or special material handling is required.
- Look for safety hazards: sharp/heavy material, hot work, corrosive residue, dust, or confined access.
- Take photos of labels, joints, supports, and conflicts.
- Ask before modifying, drilling, cutting, sealing, or substituting hardware.
Check
- System label
- Joint/flange
- Support detail
- Access/cleanout/conflict
Warnings
- Do not assume normal duct screws/mastic/tape apply.
- Do not guess gauge, reinforcement, or support spacing.
- Do not cut/weld/grind without safety controls.
- Do not ignore cleanout/access requirements.
Stop and ask
- Ask anytime industrial/specialty duct has material, support, access, weld, slope, pressure, or safety requirements you are not sure about.