6.3 Ventilation

There shall be adequate means of ventilation provided for people in the building.

(Approved Document F)

Ventilation is defined in the Building Regulations as the supply and removal of air (by natural and/or mechanical means) to and from a space or spaces in a building .

In addition to replacing stale indoor air with fresh outside air, the aim of ventilation is also to:

• limit the accumulation of moisture and pollutants from a building which could, otherwise, become a health hazard to people living and/or working within that building;

• dilute and remove airborne pollutants (especially odours);

• control excess humidity;

• provide air for fuel burning appliances.

Further Info Note: The requirements of the 2006 edition of Approved Document F have also been designed to deal with the products of tobacco smoking.

In general terms, all of these aims can be met if the ventilation system:

• disperses residual pollutants and water vapour;

• extracts water vapour from wet areas where it is produced in significant quantities (e.g. kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms);

• rapidly dilutes pollutants and water vapour produced in habitable rooms, occupiable rooms and sanitary accommodation;

• extracts pollutants from areas where they are produced in significant quantities (e.g. rooms containing processes or activities which generate harmful contaminants);

• is designed, installed and commissioned so that it:

  • is not detrimental to the health of the people living and/or working in the building;

  • helps maintenance and repair;

  • is reasonably...