VENTILATION Older readers will recall byelaw requirements for air bricks in habitable rooms, kitchens and bathrooms,

but over the passage of time these provisions have been eroded an d any ventilation problems arising compounded by fashionable draught-proofing. Now we find that the main purpose of Part F is to raise the standard of ventilat ion, partly in response to concern about increased condensation risks and also to imp rove air quality. Mechanical ventilation is now advocated in kitchens, bathrooms and shower rooms together with a new expression background ventilation in addition to openable wind ows in habitable rooms. Passive stack ventilation is an alternative option to mechanical extraction for domestic kitchens, bathrooms and sanitary accommodation. The requirements for the ventilation of roof spaces apply to roofs as a whole an d to all building types. The requirements of F1 are that there should be adequate means of ventilation, and this is directed towards the avoidance of condensation in addition to ensuring a supply of pure air for the occupants to breathe. Three modes of ventilation are advocated: moisture extraction occasional rapid ventilation trickle ventilation. A ventilation opening should have a smallest dimension of not less than 5 mm for slots or 8 mm for square or circular holes. Performance It is the Secretary of State s view that F1 will be satisfied if ventilation, as p rovided, will under normal conditions be capable if used of restricting the accumulation of moisture which may give rise to mould growth; restricting the accumulation of pollutants arising within a building which would otherwise become a hazard to the health of people in the building. Aim to achieve by provision of ventilation before it becomes generally widespread, water vapour arising in significant quan tities should be extracted. Examples are from kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms. before they become generally widespread, pollutants which are a hazard to health arising in significant quantities should be extracted. Examples are rooms where processes generate harmful contaminants, and rest rooms where smoking is allowed . when necessary dilute rapidly pollutants and water vapour arising in habitable r ooms, occupiable rooms and sanitary accommodation. provide over long periods a minimum supply of fresh air for occupants. Where necessary disperse residual water vapour. This kind of ventilation should (a) not significantly affect comfort (b) be reasonably secure (c) provide protection against rain penetration. Air conditioning or mechanical ventilation for non-domestic buildings would sati sfy the above performance standards if they are designed, installed and commissioned to function in a manner which is not detrim ental

to the health of people in the building, and designed to ensure ease of maintenance.