Posted By Michelle L Dugard
Does anyone have references to legislation and/or guides for the frequency of air exchange within an office environment.

We have an office approx 180 sqm, 6 staff and no form of air exchange. Windows cannot open due to location, doors must be closed due to security and there is no mechanical air handling system.

No complaints from staff, however, I have been asked to present a case to install a VRV system and was wondering if there is anything out there to support me.

Thanks

Posted By Granville Jenkins
Hi Michelle

If you wish to push the case, I would suggest that you look into CISBE guidelines their recommended air change rate is 6 air changes per hour, but this could go up to 10 air changes per hour if you are using printers and such, and will also depend on the heat load in the offices both from people, office equipment, lighting etc. and any thermal gains entering from outside the building.

The minimum requirement is for 4 air changes per hour, however, this is unlikely to be sufficient to purge the office.

Most important aspect is that at present the offices do not meet the requirements of the 'Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations - Specifically Section 6(1) "Effective and suitable provision shall be made to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air."
If your employer throws "so far as is reasonably practicable" at you - then tell them doing nothing is not an option under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

I would be more than welcome to provide you with the contact details of an excellent Consultant Engineer who's services I have employed on a number of occasions and who's opinions I have developed a lot of respect for.
If you would like to take up this offer please email me at granvillejenkins@msn.com

Regards
Granville