This guide outlines the statutory and regulatory requirements for the use of fans in UK schools and education buildings. It covers ventilation, indoor air quality (IAQ), energy efficiency, fire safety, and acoustic considerations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant fan installations in classrooms, lecture theatres, laboratories, and sports facilities.
Building Regulations
|
Regulation |
Scope / Requirement |
Application |
|
Part F – Ventilation |
Sets ventilation and IAQ requirements |
All education buildings |
|
Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power |
Energy efficiency and specific fan power (SFP) |
New and refurbished schools, colleges, universities |
|
Part B – Fire Safety |
Smoke control, escape routes, and fire dampers |
Education buildings, especially high-occupancy spaces |
|
Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings |
Accessibility requirements; ventilation in accessible facilities |
All schools and universities |
British Standards
|
Standard |
Scope / What it Covers |
Application |
|
BS EN ISO 5801 |
Performance testing of fans |
All fan installations in schools |
|
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 – IAQ |
Classrooms, lecture theatres, labs |
|
BS EN 16798 series |
Energy performance of buildings – ventilation modules |
Education building ventilation design |
|
BB 101 |
Ventilation, IAQ, and thermal comfort in schools |
Schools and educational facilities |
|
BS 8233:2014 |
Indoor noise level guidance |
Fans in classrooms and learning environments |
|
BS EN 12101-3 |
Smoke and heat control fans |
Smoke ventilation in assembly halls, sports facilities, etc. |
|
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) |
Electrical installation safety |
All school fan installations |
|
BS 9999:2017 |
Fire safety in non-residential buildings |
Smoke control and fire engineering in schools/universities |
Sector-Specific Guidance
Schools and education facilities have particular ventilation and IAQ requirements:
• BB 101 – Sets minimum ventilation rates, IAQ targets, and thermal comfort conditions for schools.
• CIBSE Guide B – Guidance on HVAC design including ventilation for classrooms and lecture theatres.
• CIBSE TM57 – Integrated design for low-energy schools.
• Building Bulletin 93 (BB 93) – Acoustic design of schools, ensuring fan noise levels are within acceptable limits.
• BS 8233:2014 – Indoor noise levels, applicable to classrooms and study spaces.
Health & Safety / Workplace Considerations
Education buildings must also comply with health and safety legislation where fans form part of laboratories, workshops, or technical areas:
• HSE COSHH / LEV – Extraction systems for fume cupboards and workshops must be tested every 14 months.
• PUWER 1998 – Ensures powered fans and extraction equipment are maintained safely.
• HASAWA 1974 – Duty of care to provide safe learning and 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 exposed or specialist environments.
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.
