1. The intention of this Part is to ensure reasonable provision for an adequate supply of air for human occupation of a building. Ventilation can be provided by natural means, natural with mechanical assistance or wholly mechanical.
2. The standards apply to all buildings covered by the Regulations except to a building, or part of a building, to which the Factories Act applies. Buildings subject to the Factories Act have very diverse ventilation requirements which will be determined by the Factories Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive. Those involved in the provision of such a building are advised to consult the Inspectorate at an early stage.
3. The ventilation of a building can have a significant affect on energy consumption and a thorough assessment of natural as against mechanical ventilation should be made as the decision could significantly affect the energy efficiency of a building.
4. Increased standards of insulation and "tighter" construction of buildings, which reduces the number of natural air changes, increase the risk of condensation particularly in dwellings. The standards of ventilation given for moisture producing areas are the minimum necessary to provide means of combating condensation. The effect of these standards will be determined by design and workmanship both of the ventilation arrangements and the building as a whole.
5. There are other requirements for ventilation which will have to be taken into account in certain cases. Part E for example, has requirements for smoke ventilation of escape routes in case of fire. Where these would meet the requirements of this Part the provision need not be duplicated. Part F has requirements related to combustion appliances, in particular, where an open-flued appliance takes combustion air from within a dwelling. These are in addition to, and must be kept separate from, any openings required by this Part. It is therefore particularly important that, as in common with all work requiring building warrant, this Part is read in conjunction with all other Parts and particularly Part F.
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Ventilation of buildings |
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23. |
(1) A building to which this regulation applies shall have means of providing an adequate supply of air for users of the building. |
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(2) This regulation shall apply to all buildings except buildings or any part of a building to which the Factories Act 1961 (a) applies. |
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(a) 1961 c.34 |
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