Fresh air
The term ‘fresh air’ is commonly used to refer to air that is outside (or from outside) a building or enclosed space, as opposed to that which is inside. In order to ensure a good supply of fresh air, buildings need to be properly ventilated. Sometimes air that is not fresh is referred to as 'stale air'.
The provision of fresh air in a building is important to occupants’ wellbeing and has several benefits, including:
- Increasing oxygen availability and removing carbon dioxide.
- Maintaining a comfortable temperature.
- Enabling optimum brain functioning, increasing energy levels and improving concentration.
- Diluting and removing odours.
- Helping to moderate internal humidity.
- Reducing the accumulation of moisture, bacteria, dust, smoke and other contaminants.
Insufficient fresh air can result in occupants feeling tired, experiencing headaches, irritated eyes, and so on.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that an employer does what is needed to make sure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air. It states that the fresh air supply rate should not normally fall below 5-8 litres per second, per occupant. The appropriate rate should be decided by several factors, such as the amount of floor space per occupant, the work activity, possible sources of airborne hazards, and so on.
For more information see: Ventilation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air.
- Air conditioning.
- Air quality.
- Air Quality Taskforce.
- At a glance - Indoor air quality.
- Bringing a breath of fresh air to the design of indoor environments.
- Building related illness.
- Clean indoor air for healthy living - New air filter standards.
- Human comfort in buildings.
- Indoor air quality.
- Sick building syndrome.
- Re-circulation air.
- Stale air.
- Thermal comfort.
- Ventilation.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..