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.
What is the required extract ventilation rate for bathrooms and WCs?
At least 15 litres per second for bathrooms and 6 litres per second for WCs.
How is whole dwelling ventilation calculated?
Based on floor area and number of occupants, with a minimum rate of 0.3 litres per second per m² of floor area.
What considerations must be made when installing ventilation systems?
Noise levels, air filtration, accessibility for maintenance, and compliance with energy efficiency standards.
How should trickle vents be positioned in new dwellings?
Above window frames to encourage airflow without causing draughts.
What documentation must be provided to demonstrate compliance with ventilation requirements?
Commissioning certificates, system design reports, and installation test results.
Who is responsible for verifying that ventilation systems meet Approved Document F requirements?
The building designer, contractor, and building control authority.
What happens if a new dwelling does not meet ventilation requirements?
Modifications must be made before building approval is granted.
What does Section 2 of Approved Document F cover?
Ventilation requirements for existing dwellings, including refurbishments, extensions, and retrofitting ventilation systems.
Why is ventilation important in existing dwellings?
To maintain indoor air quality, reduce condensation, and prevent mould growth, especially when making a building more airtight.
When must ventilation be improved in existing dwellings?
When energy efficiency measures such as insulation, draught-proofing, or double glazing are installed.
What are the three primary ventilation strategies for existing dwellings?
Natural ventilation, mechanical extract ventilation, and whole dwelling mechanical ventilation.
What is the minimum background ventilation requirement for habitable rooms in existing dwellings?
Equivalent ventilator area of at least 5,000 mm² per room.
What is the minimum extract ventilation requirement for kitchens in existing dwellings?
At least 30 litres per second for a cooker hood or 60 litres per second without a cooker hood.
What is the minimum ventilation requirement for bathrooms in existing dwellings?
At least 15 litres per second for bathrooms and 6 litres per second for WCs.
What should be done if an existing dwelling has inadequate ventilation after refurbishment?
Additional background or mechanical ventilation must be installed to maintain indoor air quality.
How should ventilation be provided in an extension?
By extending the existing ventilation system or installing new background and extract ventilation where necessary.
What is the minimum purge ventilation requirement for an extension?
Openable windows providing at least 1/20th of the floor area must be available for rapid ventilation.
When is mechanical ventilation required in an extension?
If the extension significantly increases airtightness or lacks sufficient natural ventilation.
Who is responsible for ensuring that ventilation requirements are met in existing dwellings?
The homeowner, contractor, and building control authority.
What documentation must be provided to demonstrate compliance with ventilation requirements in refurbishments?
Installation certificates, system testing results, and commissioning reports.
What are the consequences of inadequate ventilation in existing dwellings?
Increased condensation, poor air quality, mould growth, and potential health risks for occupants.
What is the purpose of Section 3 in Approved Document F?
To provide guidance on reducing the ingress of external pollutants into 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 buildings?
Traffic emissions, industrial activities, 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 good 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?
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 living rooms and bedrooms?
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 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 kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet rooms.
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 dwellings?
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 Dwelling Ventilation System?
A ventilation system that supplies fresh air and extracts stale air throughout an entire dwelling.
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 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 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 residential and commercial 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.
