What does the term 'negative pressure' refer to in a work area?

The term 'negative pressure' in a work area specifically refers to a system that pulls air in through filters while resulting in lower air pressure compared to the surrounding environment. This is typically created using specialized equipment such as air filtration devices or exhaust fans which remove air from the space. The lower pressure created inside the work area helps to contain any potentially hazardous airborne particles, such as asbestos fibers, preventing them from escaping into the surrounding environment.

By maintaining negative pressure, the workspace is also protected from outside contaminants since air naturally flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. This principle is crucial in asbestos abatement and similar operations where controlling air quality is essential for safety and compliance with health regulations.