What equipment is typically used for smoke control in a confined space?

The use of smoke ejectors and ventilation fans is integral for smoke control in confined spaces, especially within military vessels where smoke can rapidly accumulate, impair visibility, and pose serious health risks to personnel. These systems work by creating a negative pressure environment that helps remove smoke and toxic gases, thus improving air quality and increasing the safety of the area for both personnel and equipment.

Smoke ejectors are specifically designed to pull smoke and fumes out of an enclosed space, allowing fresh air to circulate in. Ventilation fans complement this function by introducing clean air into the space, effectively diluting harmful smoke concentrations. This is crucial not only for visibility but also for ensuring that crew members can perform damage control and firefighting operations effectively.

In addition to enhancing visibility, removing smoke also plays a critical role in preventing further hazards, as smoke can obscure emergency exits and firefighting equipment. Therefore, the combination of smoke ejectors and ventilation fans is the preferred method for managing smoke in confined environments, making them essential tools in the damage control toolkit on Navy ships.