What is a common use of exhaust ventilation in confined spaces?

Exhaust ventilation is primarily used in confined spaces to replace hazardous air with fresh air, making the work environment safer for personnel. In confined spaces, there may be the accumulation of toxic gases, fumes, or insufficient oxygen levels due to the confined nature of the area. By using exhaust ventilation, these harmful substances can be removed from the space and replaced with clean, breathable air. This is essential for ensuring the safety of workers, as it minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful pollutants and improves overall air quality.

While other options pertain to specific functions related to confined spaces, they do not directly represent the primary purpose of exhaust ventilation. Creating a pressure vacuum is not typically the role of exhaust systems; rather, they focus on air exchange. Similarly, cooling the environment may be a secondary benefit in some cases, but it is not the main purpose of exhaust ventilation. Monitoring air quality, on the other hand, involves assessing the conditions but does not involve actively changing the air composition, as exhaust ventilation does. Therefore, the selection of replacing hazardous air with fresh air accurately captures the essential role of exhaust ventilation in confined spaces.