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Safety Smurf  
#1 Posted : 10 May 2011 11:12:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

I've just been asked if I knew off the top of my head what the rate of exchange of air in an office should be.

When I finished laughing at the thought I might be able to regurgitate this information on demand I said "No, but I know where I can find out".

It turns out it's not where I thought it would be. Anyone got any ideas?
Blest31834  
#2 Posted : 10 May 2011 11:51:11(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Blest31834

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but in my Workplace regulations book, Guidance paragraph 38 states:

‘The fresh air supply rate should not normally fall below 5 to 8 litres per second per occupant. Factor to be considered include the floor area per person, the processes and equipment involved and whether the work is strenuous’

It also states more detailed guidance on ventilation is in HSE publications and in publications by the Charted Institution of Building Services Engineers. So a further search may be in order!

Brgds Rod
Safety Smurf  
#3 Posted : 10 May 2011 11:54:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Cheers Rod, That's where I looked as well. Hoping to find some table or formula based on room size.
Safety Smurf  
#4 Posted : 10 May 2011 12:07:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

If it helps anyone ponit me in the right direction, it's an office internal to a warehouse and has no natural ventilation.
Blest31834  
#5 Posted : 10 May 2011 12:18:12(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Blest31834

Building Regs Part F1 Means of Ventilation any use?

http://www.planningporta...s/br/BR_PDF_ADF_2010.pdf
Holland80069  
#6 Posted : 10 May 2011 14:31:52(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Holland80069

Is this not aimed more at dwellings than an office?
Safety Smurf  
#7 Posted : 10 May 2011 14:39:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Holland80069 wrote:
Is this not aimed more at dwellings than an office?


That's what I thought as well.

This is proving to be a harder question to answer than I thought.
martinm  
#8 Posted : 10 May 2011 14:56:35(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
martinm

Hi there,

I was looking online at tables of air changes only last week, but now cannot find them.

However, I have just found the following at http://www.cibseenergyce...lation-in-buildings.html
"Under current regulations (Part F) an air change rate of 8 litres per second must be achieved for new build offices."

From memory, most of the tables I was looking at were around the 3-6 air changes per hour.

martin
leadbelly  
#9 Posted : 10 May 2011 14:56:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
leadbelly

The CIBSE Thermal Comfort Guide states 10 litres per second per person for a general office.

LB
ahoskins  
#10 Posted : 10 May 2011 15:01:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
ahoskins

3 or 4 air changes per hour is suggested here: http://www.engineeringto...nge-rate-room-d_867.html but to some extent it depends what you are trying to control - general air quality (including smells) or heat build up, etc.

The CIBSE Guides are THE place to look, but I can't (be bothered to) do the maths I'm afraid...

Good luck!

A
ahoskins  
#11 Posted : 10 May 2011 15:02:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
ahoskins

OK leadbebelly - you read quicker than I do...
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