This guide outlines the statutory and regulatory requirements for the use of fans in UK office and commercial buildings. It covers ventilation, energy efficiency, fire safety, and acoustic performance to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant fan installations in workplaces, retail environments, and public buildings.
Building Regulations
|
Regulation |
Scope / Requirement |
Application |
|
Part F – Ventilation |
Sets airflow rates, IAQ, and purge ventilation requirements |
All offices and commercial premises |
|
Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power |
Energy efficiency, specific fan power (SFP) |
All new builds and refurbishments |
|
Part B – Fire Safety |
Smoke control and fire dampers in escape routes |
Office and commercial buildings |
|
Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings |
Accessibility requirements; ventilation in accessible toilets and areas |
All public/commercial buildings |
British Standards
|
Standard |
Scope / What it Covers |
Application |
|
BS EN ISO 5801 |
Performance testing of fans |
All commercial fan installations |
|
BS EN ISO 12759 |
Efficiency of fan motor systems |
Fans >125 W under Ecodesign |
|
BS EN 13779 / ISO 17772-1 |
Ventilation for non-residential buildings |
Indoor air quality and comfort in offices, retail, public spaces |
|
BS EN 16798 series |
Energy performance of buildings – ventilation modules |
Commercial and office buildings |
|
BS 8233:2014 |
Acoustic guidance for indoor spaces |
Noise levels from fans in offices and workplaces |
|
BS EN 12101-3 |
Smoke and heat control fans |
Smoke ventilation in commercial buildings |
|
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) |
Electrical installation safety |
All fan installations |
|
BS 9999:2017 |
Fire safety in the design, management and use of non-residential buildings |
Offices, retail, assembly and other non-domestic buildings – smoke control and fire strategy |
Sector-Specific Guidance
Offices and commercial buildings require fans that balance indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and comfort:
• CIBSE Guide B – Provides detailed design guidance on ventilation, noise, and energy performance.
• CIBSE TM52 – Guidance on avoiding overheating in offices.
• CIBSE TM57 – Integrated design of commercial offices for energy efficiency.
• Workplace Regulations – Require adequate ventilation and thermal comfort.
• BS 9999:2017 – Provides fire safety and smoke control guidance for non-domestic buildings, often used by fire engineers as a performance-based alternative to Approved Document B.
Health & Safety / Workplace Considerations
Fan installations in offices and commercial environments must also comply with:
• Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – Duty of care to provide safe working environments.
• PUWER 1998 – Ensures powered fans are safely maintained and operated.
• Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – Where fans contribute to occupational noise exposure.
Certification & Labelling
• UKCA / CE marking – Mandatory for all fans on the UK market.
• Ecodesign – Fans >125 W must comply with retained EU 327/2011 (MEPS).
• IP Ratings (BS EN 60529) – For fans installed in exposed or plant areas.
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.
