This guide outlines the statutory and regulatory requirements for the use of fans in UK industrial and manufacturing facilities. It summarises Building Regulations, British Standards, and sector-specific health and safety requirements to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant fan installations in factories, warehouses, process plants, and hazardous environments.
Building Regulations
|
Regulation |
Scope / Requirement |
Application |
|
Part F – Ventilation |
Ventilation for indoor air quality and fume removal |
Factories, warehouses, workshops |
|
Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power |
Fan efficiency, specific fan power (SFP), airtightness |
All new and refurbished industrial premises |
|
Part B – Fire Safety |
Smoke control, fire dampers, escape routes |
Industrial and commercial buildings |
British Standards
|
Standard |
Scope / What it Covers |
Application |
|
BS EN ISO 5801 |
Aerodynamic performance testing of fans |
All industrial fans |
|
BS EN ISO 12759 |
Efficiency of fan motor systems |
Fans >125 W under Ecodesign |
|
BS EN ISO 13350 |
Industrial fans – Performance testing using ducts |
Large-scale or ducted industrial fans |
|
BS EN 12101-3 |
Smoke and heat control fans |
Fire safety, smoke extract in industrial facilities |
|
BS EN 14986 |
Fans for explosive atmospheres (ATEX) |
Dusty or hazardous industrial environments |
|
BS EN 60079 series |
Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres |
Fans used in ATEX zoned areas |
|
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) |
Electrical installation safety |
All industrial fan installations |
|
BS 848 (Parts 1–7) |
Fan performance and noise testing |
Noise and performance validation |
Sector-Specific Guidance
Industrial and manufacturing facilities often require enhanced safety and performance measures:
• HSE COSHH / LEV (HSG 258) – Local exhaust ventilation systems must be tested at least every 14 months.
• DSEAR 2002 – Explosive atmosphere risk assessments must be carried out where applicable.
• Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – Noise exposure from fans must be managed.
• CIBSE Guides – Provide additional guidance on energy and ventilation strategies in industrial buildings.
Health & Safety / Workplace Considerations
Industrial fans must comply with workplace safety regulations including:
• PUWER 1998 – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations for safe use and maintenance.
• Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – Duty of care to maintain safe working environments
Certification & Labelling
• UKCA / CE marking – Required for all fans placed on the UK market.
• Ecodesign – Fans >125 W must meet MEPS efficiency levels (retained EU 327/2011).
• IP Ratings (BS EN 60529) – For fans installed in dusty or wet environments.
• ATEX certification – Required where installed in explosive atmospheres.
Disclaimer
This short form compliance guide is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, statutory guidance, or legal obligations. Other standards do apply that the purchasers need to be aware of but this short form report outlines those that we consider to be the most important. Users are responsible for verifying compliance with the latest UK Building Regulations, British Standards, and statutory requirements relevant to their projects. Inbuild UK accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or reliance on this document without professional consultation.
