All pressure relief shall be designed and located so that the discharge from the device will not injure personnel or pose a hazard. Where should the discharge be directed?

• A. Toward the building interior
• B. Toward the ceiling
• C. In a location where it will not injure personnel or pose a hazard
• D. Directly onto the ground near the service entrance

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to keep people safe from the release itself. A pressure-relief discharge is a high-pressure jet, and directing it to a location where it could expose or harm personnel or create a hazard would defeat the safety purpose of the relief device. Therefore, the discharge must be routed to a place that will not injure people or introduce a hazard—typically an outdoor or properly vented exterior location that avoids occupied spaces, entrances, and air intakes. This is why the correct guidance is to direct the discharge to a location where it will not injure personnel or pose a hazard. Directing it into the building, toward the ceiling, or onto the ground near an entry could expose people or create new risks, which is not acceptable.