Approved_Document_F2_Flashcards
What is the purpose of Approved Document F: Volume 2?
To provide guidance on ventilation requirements for buildings other than dwellings, ensuring good indoor air quality and occupant health.
When did the 2021 edition of Approved Document F: Volume 2 come into effect?
15 June 2022.
Which types of buildings does Volume 2 of Approved Document F apply to?
Non-domestic buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals, commercial premises, and industrial facilities.
Why is ventilation important in non-domestic buildings?
To remove pollutants, control humidity, prevent condensation, and maintain good indoor air quality for workers and occupants.
What are the three main types of ventilation covered in Approved Document F: Volume 2?
Natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and mixed-mode ventilation.
Which other parts of the Building Regulations interact with Approved Document F: Volume 2?
Part L (Energy Efficiency), Part B (Fire Safety), and Part E (Acoustic Insulation).
How does Part L (Energy Efficiency) relate to ventilation?
It ensures that ventilation strategies are energy efficient while maintaining good indoor air quality.
Why is ventilation important for fire safety (Part B)?
Smoke ventilation systems help control smoke spread in case of fire, improving escape routes and firefighter access.
How does Approved Document F: Volume 2 relate to overheating in buildings?
It works alongside Approved Document O to prevent overheating while ensuring adequate ventilation.
What enforcement actions can be taken for non-compliance with Approved Document F: Volume 2?
Local authorities can withhold building approval or require modifications to ensure adequate ventilation.
What is natural ventilation?
A system that relies on openings such as windows, vents, or atriums to provide airflow.
What is mechanical ventilation?
A system that uses fans and ducts to supply fresh air and remove stale air.
What is mixed-mode ventilation?
A combination of natural and mechanical ventilation that optimises airflow and energy efficiency.
What is purge ventilation?
A method of quickly removing indoor pollutants by increasing ventilation rates, typically through windows or mechanical systems.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with Approved Document F: Volume 2?
Building designers, contractors, and building control authorities.
What is the purpose of Section 1 in Approved Document F: Volume 2?
To provide ventilation requirements for new non-domestic buildings to ensure good indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
What factors influence ventilation requirements in new non-domestic buildings?
Building size, occupancy levels, indoor pollution sources, and airtightness.
What are the three primary ventilation strategies for new non-domestic buildings?
Natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and mixed-mode ventilation.
When is natural ventilation suitable for non-domestic buildings?
When the building design allows for sufficient airflow through openings like windows, vents, and atriums.
What is mechanical ventilation in non-domestic buildings?
A system that uses fans and ducts to supply fresh air and extract stale air.
What is a mixed-mode ventilation system?
A system that combines natural and mechanical ventilation to optimise energy efficiency and air quality.
Why is ventilation particularly important in airtight non-domestic buildings?
To prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO₂), moisture, and indoor pollutants that can affect health and productivity.
What is the recommended minimum ventilation rate for offices and workplaces?
10 litres per second per person (L/s per person).
What is the recommended minimum ventilation rate for healthcare facilities?
15-20 litres per second per person, depending on the area and occupancy type.
What is the minimum ventilation rate for schools and educational buildings?
8 litres per second per person in classrooms and lecture halls.
What is the required ventilation rate for kitchens in non-domestic buildings?
At least 30 litres per second per m² of floor area for commercial kitchens.
What considerations must be made when designing ventilation systems in new non-domestic buildings?
Air distribution, noise levels, filtration, maintenance access, and energy efficiency.
How should air handling units (AHUs) be positioned in non-domestic buildings?
Away from external pollution sources and in locations that facilitate easy maintenance.
What documentation must be provided to demonstrate compliance with ventilation requirements?
Commissioning certificates, air quality reports, and system design documentation.
Who is responsible for verifying that ventilation systems meet Approved Document F: Volume 2 requirements?
The building designer, contractor, and building control authority.
What happens if a new non-domestic building does not meet ventilation requirements?
Modifications must be made before the building is approved for occupation.
What does Section 2 of Approved Document F: Volume 2 cover?
Ventilation requirements for existing non-domestic buildings, including refurbishments and retrofits.
Why is ventilation important in existing non-domestic buildings?
To maintain indoor air quality, remove pollutants, and prevent issues like damp and mould.
When must ventilation be improved in existing non-domestic buildings?
When significant alterations are made, such as improving airtightness or upgrading mechanical systems.
What are the three primary ventilation strategies for existing non-domestic buildings?
Natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and mixed-mode ventilation.
What is the minimum ventilation rate required for offices in existing buildings?
10 litres per second per person (L/s per person).
What is the recommended ventilation rate for schools and educational buildings in refurbishments?
8 litres per second per person in classrooms and learning spaces.
What is the required ventilation rate for healthcare facilities in existing buildings?
15-20 litres per second per person, depending on occupancy type.
What ventilation improvements should be made when upgrading airtightness in an existing building?
Additional background or mechanical ventilation must be introduced to maintain air quality.
What factors should be considered when retrofitting mechanical ventilation in existing buildings?
Duct routing, noise levels, filtration, system efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
What role do air purifiers play in ventilation for existing buildings?
They can supplement ventilation in areas where mechanical upgrades are not feasible.
What should be done if an existing building has inadequate ventilation after refurbishment?
Additional ventilation systems or air quality controls should be installed.
Who is responsible for ensuring that ventilation requirements are met in existing non-domestic buildings?
The building owner, contractor, and building control authority.
What documentation must be provided to demonstrate compliance with ventilation requirements in refurbishments?
System commissioning certificates, airflow test results, and maintenance records.
What are the consequences of inadequate ventilation in existing non-domestic buildings?
Poor air quality, reduced occupant health and productivity, and potential non-compliance with Building Regulations.
What is the purpose of Section 3 in Approved Document F: Volume 2?
To provide guidance on reducing the ingress of external pollutants into non-domestic buildings through ventilation systems.
Why is it important to minimise external pollutants in indoor environments?
To protect occupant health by reducing exposure to pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What are common sources of external air pollution that can enter non-domestic buildings?
Traffic emissions, industrial activities, nearby construction work, and natural sources like pollen and dust.
How can ventilation systems be designed to reduce pollutant ingress?
By using filtered air intake, positioning inlets away from pollution sources, and ensuring proper air circulation.
What is the recommended minimum air filtration level for mechanical ventilation systems in urban areas?
Filters should meet at least ISO ePM1 50% (F7) standard to remove fine particulates.
Where should air intake vents be positioned to minimise pollutant ingress?
Away from roads, industrial sources, and exhaust emissions, preferably at higher elevations.
How can window placement help minimise pollutant ingress?
By locating openable windows away from busy roads and high-emission areas.
Why is maintaining positive indoor air pressure beneficial in high-pollution areas?
It helps prevent unfiltered external air from entering through gaps and openings.
What role do trickle vents play in reducing external pollutants?
They allow controlled fresh air intake while limiting the entry of large pollutants and draughts.
What should be done if an air intake is unavoidably located near pollution sources?
High-quality filters and extended ducting should be used to reduce pollutant exposure.
How can air quality in mechanically ventilated buildings be monitored?
By using CO₂ sensors, particulate sensors, and air quality monitoring devices.
Who is responsible for ensuring ventilation systems reduce external pollution ingress?
The building designer, contractor, and building control authority.
What happens if a ventilation system fails to meet air quality standards?
Modifications, such as adding filtration or repositioning air intakes, must be made before approval.
What is the purpose of Section 4 in Approved Document F: Volume 2?
To provide a performance-based approach to ventilation, allowing flexibility in meeting air quality standards.
How does the performance-based approach differ from the prescriptive approach?
It focuses on achieving specified indoor air quality levels rather than following fixed ventilation rates.
What is the key performance metric for ventilation under this approach?
Maintaining indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels below 1000 ppm in occupied spaces.
What are the benefits of using a performance-based ventilation approach?
Greater flexibility, improved energy efficiency, and more effective ventilation tailored to building use.
What is the recommended maximum CO₂ concentration for offices and workplaces?
1000 ppm to ensure adequate fresh air supply.
How can ventilation be controlled to maintain good indoor air quality?
By using CO₂ sensors, humidity sensors, and automatic ventilation controls.
Why is CO₂ used as an indicator of indoor air quality?
Because it correlates with occupancy levels and ventilation effectiveness.
What additional air quality factors should be monitored in a performance-based approach?
Levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10).
What types of ventilation systems can be used in a performance-based approach?
Mechanical ventilation, hybrid ventilation, or natural ventilation with sensor-based controls.
How should ventilation systems be adjusted based on air quality monitoring?
Ventilation rates should increase when CO₂ or pollutant levels exceed recommended thresholds.
What documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with the performance-based approach?
Air quality monitoring data, commissioning reports, and system test results.
Who is responsible for ensuring that the performance-based approach meets Approved Document F: Volume 2 standards?
The building designer, contractor, and building control authority.
What happens if air quality targets are not met in a performance-based system?
Ventilation rates must be increased, or additional air purification measures implemented before approval.
What is Background Ventilation?
A continuous, low-level air supply provided through trickle vents or airbricks to maintain air circulation.
What is Extract Ventilation?
A system that removes stale air and pollutants from specific rooms like kitchens and restrooms.
What is Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)?
A system that extracts stale air while recovering heat to improve energy efficiency.
What is Purge Ventilation?
A method of quickly removing indoor pollutants by opening windows or using high-capacity ventilation systems.
What is the Performance-Based Approach to Ventilation?
A strategy that ensures indoor air quality by monitoring CO₂ levels and adjusting ventilation rates accordingly.
What is the recommended maximum CO₂ level in non-domestic buildings?
1000 ppm in occupied spaces to maintain good indoor air quality.
What is a Trickle Vent?
A small ventilation opening in a window frame that allows controlled airflow into a building.
What is a Hybrid Ventilation System?
A system that combines natural and mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality while reducing energy consumption.
What is a Ventilation Rate?
The volume of fresh air supplied to a space per unit time, measured in litres per second (L/s) or air changes per hour (ACH).
What is a Whole Building Ventilation System?
A ventilation system that supplies fresh air and extracts stale air throughout an entire non-domestic building.
What is BS 5250, and why is it important?
It provides guidance on controlling moisture in buildings to prevent damp and condensation.
What does BS EN 13141 cover?
It specifies performance testing methods for residential and non-domestic ventilation systems.
What is the purpose of BS EN 16798?
It sets ventilation requirements for energy-efficient buildings and indoor air quality standards.
What role does BS 5925 play in ventilation?
It provides guidance on natural ventilation strategies for non-domestic buildings.
What does BS EN 1886 regulate?
It specifies mechanical ventilation unit construction, including air leakage and thermal performance.
What is the function of BS 1363 in ventilation systems?
It covers electrical requirements for plug sockets, including those used for powered ventilation systems.
How does the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) relate to ventilation?
It ensures that electrical connections for mechanical ventilation systems meet safety standards.
Where can official guidance on ventilation standards be found?
On the UK Government website (www.gov.uk) and industry bodies such as BSI and CIBSE.
What is the Building Regulations 2010?
The primary legal framework governing building standards in England, including ventilation requirements.
What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
A European directive promoting energy efficiency, including ventilation standards in buildings.
What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
Legislation that places duties on employers to maintain safe working conditions, including proper ventilation.
What is the Clean Air Strategy 2019?
A UK government policy aimed at improving air quality by reducing pollution from buildings and transport.
What is the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy?
A plan to reduce carbon emissions, which includes improving ventilation efficiency in buildings.
What does Part L of the Building Regulations cover?
It sets energy efficiency standards for buildings, influencing ventilation strategies to balance energy use and air quality.
How does the IET Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality relate to ventilation?
It provides technical guidance on achieving good air quality in non-domestic buildings.
Where can official documents related to ventilation regulations be found?
On the UK Government website (www.gov.uk) and from professional bodies like the IET and BSI.
