Approved_Document_F_Flashcards
What is the purpose of Approved Document F?
To provide guidance on ventilation requirements for buildings to ensure adequate indoor air quality and occupant health.
When did the 2021 edition of Approved Document F come into effect?
15 June 2022.
Which types of buildings does Volume 1 of Approved Document F apply to?
Dwellings, including new homes, refurbished homes, and extensions.
Why is ventilation important in buildings?
To remove pollutants, control humidity, prevent condensation, and maintain good indoor air quality.
What are the three main types of ventilation covered in Approved Document F?
Background ventilation, extract ventilation, and whole dwelling ventilation.
Which other parts of the Building Regulations interact with Approved Document F?
Part L (Energy Efficiency), Part B (Fire Safety), and Part E (Sound Insulation).
How does Part L (Energy Efficiency) relate to ventilation?
It ensures that energy-efficient ventilation strategies are used without compromising 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 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?
Local authorities can withhold building approval or require modifications to ensure adequate ventilation.
What is background ventilation?
A continuous, low-level air supply provided through trickle vents or airbricks.
What is extract ventilation?
A ventilation system that removes pollutants and moisture from specific rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
What is whole dwelling ventilation?
A system designed to provide fresh air throughout an entire dwelling, such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
What is purge ventilation?
A method of rapidly removing pollutants by opening windows or using ventilation systems with high extract rates.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with Approved Document F?
Building designers, contractors, and building control authorities.
What is the purpose of Section 1 in Approved Document F?
To provide ventilation requirements for new dwellings to ensure good indoor air quality and prevent condensation.
What factors influence ventilation requirements in new dwellings?
Building airtightness, occupancy levels, room sizes, and sources of indoor air pollution.
What are the three main ventilation strategies recommended for new dwellings?
Natural ventilation, mechanical extract ventilation, and whole dwelling mechanical ventilation.
When is natural ventilation suitable for new dwellings?
When buildings are moderately airtight and include trickle vents and extract fans in wet rooms.
What is mechanical extract ventilation (MEV)?
A system that uses continuous or intermittent fans to remove stale air from kitchens and bathrooms.
What is mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)?
A system that provides fresh air while recovering heat from the extracted stale air to improve energy efficiency.
Why is ventilation particularly important in airtight dwellings?
To prevent the buildup of moisture, carbon dioxide, and indoor pollutants that can affect health.
What is the minimum background ventilation requirement for habitable rooms?
Equivalent ventilator area of at least 8,000 mm² per room.
What is the recommended ventilation rate for kitchens under intermittent extract systems?
At least 30 litres per second if using a cooker hood, or 60 litres per second if no cooker hood is installed.