Static field route #19097

What do I do when a smoke exhaust jet fan is too close to combustible framing?

Grease Duct, Kitchen Exhaust & Industrial Exhaust🛑 STOP / GET DIRECTIONV191 answer-gap expansion

📖 Verified core answer

Smoke/heat exhaust equipment must maintain the listed clearance around hot equipment. Hold the install and verify the nameplate/submittal before lowering, shifting, or coordinating removal of combustible material.

Open in Field Rescue Open category

Field verification checklist

Stop before energizing or covering the conflict.
Verify equipment tag, listing/nameplate, and clearance requirement.
Identify nearby combustible or heat-sensitive materials.
Measure actual clearance and document with photos.
Coordinate relocation or material removal before acceptance.

Ask foreman

The smoke exhaust fan at [location] is too close to combustible framing. I checked the nameplate/submittal clearance. Do you want the fan lowered/shifted or the framing moved before we continue?

Text to foreman

Route options

AMake the field correction only if it is within your assignment and the approved method.

BHold and document the condition if the fix affects airflow, access, life safety, pressure class, rated assemblies, equipment, or another trade.

CBring the foreman/detailer the location, what you checked, and what decision you need before cover, startup, or rework.

Do not do this

Do not trim, ignore, or bury combustible clearance conflicts around smoke/heat exhaust equipment.

Why this matters

Bad clearance around emergency exhaust equipment can create a fire hazard and fail life-safety inspection.

Final verification

Use this as field training guidance. Final direction still comes from the foreman, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer installation instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements.

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