Use this checklist to quickly evaluate whether your salon, studio, or medi spa meets International Mechanical Code (IMC) ventilation requirements for nail services.

✅ Workstation Ventilation

• ☐ Each manicure station provides a minimum of 50 CFM of exhaust airflow

• ☐ Exhaust airflow is continuous during services

• ☐ Airflow can be verified or documented per station

✅ Source Capture Placement

• ☐ Ventilation inlet is located within 12 inches of the nail service area

• ☐ Inlet is positioned to capture contaminants before they enter the breathing zone

• ☐ System captures dust, fumes, vapors, and odors at the source

✅ Exhaust & Filtration

• ☐ Contaminated air is properly exhausted or filtered per code requirements

• ☐ Filtration is designed to handle VOCs and fine particulates

• ☐ System prevents re-circulation of untreated contaminated air

✅ General Ventilation Support

• ☐ HVAC system supports overall room air exchange

• ☐ Source capture operates independently of general HVAC airflow

• ☐ Thermal comfort is maintained without reducing exhaust effectiveness

✅ Inspection & Documentation

• ☐ Ventilation system design aligns with IMC language and intent

• ☐ Manufacturer specifications confirm CFM per station

• ☐ Installation supports easy inspection and ongoing compliance

Tip for Salon Owners:
If your ventilation system cannot demonstrate 50 CFM per station with inlets within 12 inches of the service area, you may not meet IMC requirements—regardless of how strong your general HVAC system is.

Salon Pure Air® source capture systems are designed specifically to support IMC-aligned ventilation strategies. By delivering localized exhaust at each workstation, they help salons, tattoo studios, and medi spas meet—and exceed—current mechanical code standards while creating healthier, more professional environments.