AIRAH Discussion Paper - Revision AS 1668 2 - 2002 100311
AIRAH Discussion Paper - Revision AS 1668 2 - 2002 100311
AIRAH Discussion Paper - Revision AS 1668 2 - 2002 100311
PAPER
REVISION OF AS 1668.2‐2002
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 2
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1. HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. NEED ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. ASSOCIATED ISSUES .................................................................................................................................... 4
2. ADDRESS OUTSTANDING CONCERNS RAISED BY THE ABCB/BCC ........................................................... 5
2.1. AS 1668.2‐2002 NOT A BCA REFERENCE ..................................................................................................... 5
2.2. NATURAL VENTILATION ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1. Background .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.2. The problem ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.3. The solution .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3. ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE (ETS) ...................................................................................................... 6
2.3.1. Background .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3.2. The problem ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3.3. The solution .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.4. MINIMUM OUTDOOR AIR VENTILATION RATES .................................................................................................. 7
2.4.1. Background .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.2. The problem ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.4.3. The solution .................................................................................................................................. 8
3. ADDITIONAL AREAS TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE REVISION PROJECT ..................................................... 10
3.1. BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2. SPECIFIC ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2.1. General ....................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2. Energy efficiency ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.3. Exhausts ..................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.4. Recirculation ............................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.5. Minimum airflow rates ............................................................................................................... 11
3.2.6. Supply ventilation ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.7. Carparks ..................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.8. Jet fans ....................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.9. Task ventilation .......................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.10. Demand controlled ventilation ................................................................................................... 11
3.3. FULL TECHNICAL REVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 12
4. TYPE OF REVISION PROJECT ............................................................................................................... 13
4.1. MANAGING THE REVISION PROJECT .............................................................................................................. 13
4.2. OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.1. Option 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2.2. Option 2 ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2.3. Option 3 ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3. RECOMMENDED OPTION ............................................................................................................................ 13
4.4. NEXT STEPS ............................................................................................................................................. 14
APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................................... 15
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This paper summarises the issues surrounding the proposed revision of AS 1668.2‐2002 The use of
ventilation and airconditioning in buildings Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant
control (excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke exposure).
Both the Australian Building Codes Board and Standards Australia have committed to resolving the
issues surrounding AS 1668.2‐2002 and AIRAH has offered to facilitate these discussions. This
discussion paper is intended to identify the issues and provide a recommended way forward.
Several core issues need to be resolved so that the revised standard can be referenced in the
National Construction Code BCA Volume One.
The core issues are:
• Indoor smoking and the associated environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) air contaminants
should be excluded from the revised standard.
• The natural ventilation design provisions of Section 3 of AS 1668.2‐2002 should be made
informative (non‐mandatory) in the revised standard with the mandatory deemed to satisfy
requirements for natural ventilation remaining within the BCA. (For consistency, this might
also be applied to the natural ventilation for carparks)
• Minimum outdoor air ventilation rates of AS 1668.2‐2002 should be revisited and revised
with a clear direction being provided to the subcommittee in respect to the project
outcomes.
• Minimum (mandatory) outdoor air ventilation rates specified in the standard should
represent minimum standards nominated to achieve the listed functional statements and
performance requirements of the BCA.
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1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose
This Discussion Paper has been prepared as a first step in the revision of AS 1668.2‐2002. The
purpose of this Paper is to identify the issues associated with the revision of the standard to scope
potential solutions, and to recommend a way forward.
Comments on this Discussion Paper are sought from all stakeholders including:
• ABCB
• BCC
• Standards Australia
Currently there are two editions of AS 1668.2 available. AS 1668.2‐1991 which is referenced in the
Deemed to Satisfy provisions of Building Code of Australia (BCA Volume One) and AS 1668.2‐2002
which is not referenced in the BCA. The existence of two different versions of the standard can
cause difficulties with design and compliance.
The Australian Building Codes board (ABCB), Standards Australia and AIRAH have made a
commitment to working through all outstanding issues to ensure that any revised AS 1668.2
standard will meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Ultimately the purpose of this paper is to encourage early resolution of key technical and
administrative barriers to the referencing of a revised AS 1668.2 Standard within the National
Construction Code BCA (Volume One). Many of the conclusions and recommendations outlined in
this discussion paper have been informed by discussions with ABCB, SA, AIRAH and technical
committee ME‐062‐02 committee members.
1.1. History
Since its introduction, the 1996 edition of the Building Code of Australia (BCA96) has referenced AS
1668.2‐1991. In 2002, Standards Australia published a new edition titled AS 1668 The use of
ventilation and airconditioning in buildings, Part 2 Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant
control (AS 1668.2‐2002). However, AS 1668.2‐2002 has not been referenced in the BCA (volume
one) which continues to reference the 1991 edition.
1.2. Need
This discussion paper is needed to highlight the specific issues, associated with the revision of AS
1668.2‐2002, that need to be addressed prior to commencing the revision project to help ensure a
broad consensus on the final outcome.
This paper is one tool that can help Standards Australia, Australian Building Codes Board, Building
Codes Committee, AIRAH and other industry stakeholders better understand these issues and agree
a way forward so that the revised standard can meet the needs of all stakeholders.
This paper and the responses to it will provide guidance for ABCB/BCC and members of Standards
Australia technical committee ME‐062‐02 on the direction and content of the proposed revision to
AS1668.2‐2002.
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1.3. Associated issues
The associated issues that need to be addressed are:
• Outstanding concerns and objections raised by ABCB/BCC to AS 1668.2‐2002.
• Additional technical issues that may need to be addressed in the revision project.
• The most appropriate method or pathway to create a revised standard.
Once the issues highlighted in this paper are resolved a clear direction to the Standards Australia
technical committee responsible for the standard can be provided, particularly regarding the
expectations of building regulators for a new edition of AS 1668.2 that can be referenced within the
DTS requirements of the BCA (Volume One).
Once the revised standard is referenced the 1991 and 2002 versions can be withdrawn which will
remove the confusion in industry around this topic.
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2. Address outstanding concerns raised by
the ABCB/BCC
There are a number of reasons for this, ranging from policy issues to technical considerations. The
main reasons identified by the ABCB when AS 1668.2‐2002 was initially promulgated were;
• Natural ventilation
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke
• Minimum ventilation rates
Each of these are considered core issues and are addressed separately as follows.
Different natural ventilation requirements have been specified in the Standard to those that are
used in the BCA. Currently, for natural ventilation, the BCA requires openings to be 5% of the floor
area of the subject room. This is irrespective of the use of the room. AS 1668.2‐2002 similarly
requires natural ventilation openings to be based on % of floor area however a range of values, from
2.5% to 15%, is specified depending on the level of activity (metabolic rate) and the density of
occupants within the space. In both cases natural ventilation openings include permanent openings,
windows, doors or other devices which can be opened for ventilation benefit.
The design approach of AS 1668.2‐2002 for natural ventilation is consistent with the design of
mechanical ventilation systems where the minimum required outdoor air rate is based on the
number of occupants and the classification of the space. The traditional 5% rule is retained for Class
1, 2 and 4 buildings and for any building where substantial crossflow ventilation is provided. A copy
of section 3 on natural ventilation is provided in Appendix A.
In addition, a regulatory impact assessment would need to be carried out prior to the BCA
mandating the AS 1668.2 requirements. As some buildings would require greater ventilation
openings and some less the impact of these requirements across the range of buildings that the
standard is applied to may be difficult to accurately assess.
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It should be noted however that some stakeholders within the building industry do
reference the natural ventilation design provisions of AS 1668.2‐2002. Notably the Green
Building Council of Australia who reference the natural ventilation design methodology of
AS 1668.2‐2002 within the Green Star rating system for commercial building design. The Property
Council of Australia has also expressed support for the methodology, although not in terms of
mandatory building regulations.
Deemed to satisfy design requirements for natural ventilation would remain within the Building
Code of Australia, refer F4.6 and F4.7. The informative design methodology of AS 1668.2 would then
still be available for use by industry either as requirements that exceed BCA minimum standards or
as a performance based design alternative.
Recommendation: That the design provisions for the natural ventilation of buildings contained
within Section 3 of AS 1668.2 be recast as informative material with the deemed to satisfy
requirements remaining within the BCA (Volume One).
AS 1668.2‐2002 also included allowances for smoking or ETS as an indoor contaminant although
these were removed from the general ventilation rates and were added on for areas where smoking
is not prohibited. In general the 2002 standard requires 10‐15 L/s of outdoor air per occupant for a
defined smoking rate of 1 cigarette/hour per person. Where a higher rate of smoking is anticipated
this minimum rate is required to be multiplied by the expected number of cigarettes/hour per
person.
In 1991 and in 2002 smoking in the type of buildings regulated by BCA Volume One was not
uncommon. In particular the hospitality sector including bars, clubs, pubs, hotels and restaurants
were grappling with this issue. In 2011 smoking in these buildings is generally prohibited by
legislation.
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On advice from their health authorities, a number of State/Territory Building Control
Administrations have objected to these provisions in AS 1668.2‐2002 which could be
construed as permitting smoking in buildings.
Current State and Territory legislation has effectively banned smoking in the types of buildings
covered by BCA Volume One.
The proposed solution to resolve this issue is to remove all reference to smoking and environmental
tobacco smoke from the revised AS 1668.2 standard. Where buildings in which smoking is not
prohibited are required to be mechanically ventilated they will then fall outside the scope of the
revised AS 1668.2 standard. These buildings would then need to be dealt with on a case by case
basis.
It is noted that there would be very few building which fall under the scope of AS 1668.2/BCA
Volume One and in which smoking is not prohibited. In a large part these would be residential type
buildings which are typically naturally ventilated in any case. There is currently no distinction made
between smoking permitted or smoking prohibited areas in the BCA deemed to satisfy requirements
for the natural ventilation of rooms.
Recommendation: That the design provisions within AS 1668.2 for dealing with environmental
tobacco smoke as an indoor air contaminant should be removed from the standard.
AS 1668.1‐1991 specified a range of minimum outdoor airflow rates depending on the type of
occupancy (refer Table A1). These rates generally ranged from 10 to 15 L/s per person (moderate
smoking) for most occupancies and 20 to 25 L/s per person where higher than normal smoking rates
were anticipated. In addition the standard includes a calculation mechanism for reducing minimum
outdoor airflow rates to 7.5L/s per person by the application of particulate filters (depending on
rated efficiency) and further reductions down to 2.5 L/s per person by the application of particulate
and odour/gas filters again depending on the efficiency of the filtration system. The ventilation
system designer is responsible for deciding the appropriate engineering design solution (ventilation
rate versus air cleaning system) for particular areas and circumstances.
AS 1668.2‐2002 also specifies a range of minimum outdoor airflow rates depending on the type of
occupancy (refer Table 4.2). These rates generally range from 5 to 25 L/s per person depending on
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the use of the enclosure, the temperature of the enclosure (more odours at higher
temperature) and the type of ventilation system (single or multiple enclosure served). In
addition an engineered approach is included which can be applied to reduce the minimum
outdoor airflow rate down to 3.5 L/s per person depending on a range of factors including additional
air cleaning, unused air within recirculation streams, transfer air from other adjoining areas and the
like.
This means a reduction in minimum outdoor airflow rates in some circumstances from the 1991
requirement. This apparent reduction in minimum outdoor air quantities is justified by the AS
1668.2 technical committee under the following terms:
• These 2002 rates did not include a “built‐in” allowance for smoking or ETS (recognising that
smoking was not permitted in many building at the time).
• The 2002 Standard introduced a mandatory requirement for particulate filtration of the air
in many circumstances. This helps to clean the incoming and recirculating air and remove
indoor air contaminants. Less dilution is then required for the less contaminated indoor air.
• Concerns raised by industry regarding the practicality and energy use implications of the
1991 minimum outdoor airflow rates.
• Alignment with regional and international standards which were typically specifying lower
minimum outdoor airflow rates than in the past.
However some direction needs to be provided to the committee regarding the intended outcomes
of the AS 1668.2 revision project. The BCA is intended to represent minimum standards nominated
to achieve the listed functional statements and performance requirements. Standards referenced in
the BCA need to provide clear instructions addressing requirements to safeguard occupants from
illness or loss of amenity. These minimum standards are not intended to represent industry best
practice or to achieve optimum performance regarding comfort or productivity
The AS 1668.2‐2002 standard includes a mechanism or methodology for specifying varying grades of
ventilation amenity termed the “Dilution Index”. A higher dilution index represents a better class of
ventilation.
There are several options that can be considered to resolve this issue.
Option 1 – Standards Australia technical committee specifies the rates ‐ AS 1668.2 contains a clear
and mandatory requirement for minimum outdoor airflow rates for all buildings within the standard.
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However, the debate regarding the appropriate rate could be protracted without clear
direction being provided and the end result may not be acceptable to the ABCB/BCC.
Option 2 – ABCB/BCC specifies the rates ‐ The BCA specifies mandatory requirements for minimum
outdoor airflow rates by specifying Dilution indices, calculated in accordance with the standard, for
all buildings. However, ABCB/BCC may not be willing or have the expertise to specify minimum rates
for all circumstances.
Option 3 ‐ ABCB/BCC directs Standards Australia technical committee to specify minimum outdoor
airflow rates for all buildings within the standard but with clear direction that the rates need to
reflect minimum standards nominated to achieve the listed BCA functional statements and
performance requirements not industry best practice to achieve optimum performance regarding
comfort or productivity. Minimum ventilation rates should be revisited and revised:
1) Using AS 1668.2‐1991 ventilation rates as the starting point for discussion.
2) Recognising that smoking and ETS will be excluded from the standard.
3) Recognising the air cleaning benefits of the mandatory filtration requirements of the standard
4) Based on minimum standards for health and amenity rather than best practice for comfort and
productivity.
5) Recognising that a mechanism exists within the Standard for authorities (with jurisdiction) to
specify higher ventilation requirements in particular circumstances or as required.
This option would allow the Dilution Index (DI) methodology to be retained to allow other users or
industry stakeholders such as GBCA, PCA or indeed occupational or environmental health interests
to specify a higher requirement than the BCA minimum in particular circumstances as appropriate.
Recommendation: Option 3 is the recommended option, with clear direction being provided by
ABCB/BCC on the required outcomes of the AS1668.2 revision project.
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3. Additional areas to be addressed in the
revision project
3.1. Background
Standards Australia technical committee ME‐062‐02 held a meeting on 27 May 2009 to discuss the
proposed revision to AS 1668.2‐2002.
During the course of that meeting several issues emerged regarding areas that need to be focused
on during the revision, these are in addition to the core ABCB issues discussed in section 2 of this
discussion paper.
3.2.1. General
1) Change title to “Ventilation of buildings”.
2) Correct all typographical errors that have been identified within the published 2002 document.
Consider any potential conflict or unnecessary overlap with the BCA Section J energy efficiency
provisions.
3.2.3. Exhausts
1) Simplify and clarify the classification of exhausts.
2) Consider expansion of the exhaust classification scheme.
3) Consider technical possibilities for odour filtration of exhaust airflows; test requirements and the
potential effect on requirements for exhaust discharge point location.
4) Revisit the design methodology for kitchen exhaust hoods in consideration of methodology used
by Gaylord.
5) Consider the impact of the use of lighter cooking oils on the requirements for kitchen exhaust
ventilation and in particular grease filtration.
6) Cooking smells in commercial and residential multiple occupancies are a high profile current
issue. Examine the issue including odour control technology and ventilation requirements.
7) Revisit minimum requirements for exhaust ventilation of laundry areas in light of current
technologies (clothes driers typically exceed current specified requirement).
8) Clarify the interpretation/misinterpretation of Clause 5.8.2 on make‐up air.
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3.2.4. Recirculation
Consider ASHRAE system of classification of air to see if the concept could be applied in AS
1668.2.
2) Revisit specified mandatory minimum filer efficiencies, including health considerations.
3) Consider if different system arrangements (e.g. recirculating or dedicated OA) require different
filter specifications.
2) Revisit the 12 Pa pressure drop limit on make‐up air grilles
3) Examine ventilation and non‐ventilation of corridors and other small or non‐permanently
occupied spaces. Consider the classification of such spaces to assist with appropriate ventilation
design.
3.2.7. Carparks
1) Update requirements to reflect the improvement in fleet average emissions.
2) Research emissions associated with E10 and other new fuels and impact on ventilation
requirements.
3) Revisit natural ventilation requirements for carparks in light of the above.
4) Revisit mechanical ventilation requirements for carparks in light of the above.
5) Revisit ventilation and monitoring requirements for diesel engines, including bio diesel fuels.
6) Address differences between CO monitoring requirements of AS1668.2 and BCA Section J.
7) Revisit stack parking requirements for small residential carparks.
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3.3. Full technical review
Because AS 1668.2‐2002 is now nearly 10 years old it is appropriate for a full technical
review of the standard to be completed and for industry consultation on the revision proposal to be
carried out in accordance with normal Standards Australia standards review practices.
Recommendation: The issues outlined in 3.2 should be included in any review or revision of the AS
1668.2 standard.
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4. Type of revision project
The two main issues to consider from a project management perspective are the project timeline (or
time to market) and the best method of ensuring a consensus outcome and industry relevant and
accepted standard.
There are several options as to how the revision of AS 1668.2 could be approached.
4.2. Options
4.2.1. Option 1
Limit the revision project to the areas that need to be addressed to meet ABCB/BCC acceptance
(refer section 2) and publish the adjusted standard as a new edition.
This option would be the quickest to market but would be unable to address several deficiencies
that have been identified (refer section 3) or provide for appropriate industry consultation and
feedback.
4.2.2. Option 2
Commence the revision project by outlining the objections and concerns of the ABCB/BCC and trust
in the normal committee driven standards development process to address all issues.
This option does not provide a guarantee that the ultimate objectives of the revision project would
be met, i.e. that the content of the revised standard would be acceptable for BCA referencing.
4.2.3. Option 3
Commence the revision project with strong guidance provided to the Standards Australia technical
committee ME‐062‐02 on the areas that need to be addressed to meet ABCB/BCC acceptance and
then proceed with a normal committee review process to address the other issues (refer section 3)
identified. Ensure active involvement in the project by key industry stakeholders including ABCB,
AIRAH, AMCA, CIBSE, Environmental health interests and the like.
This option will require a longer development time but does provide the most likely path for all
project objectives to be met.
Strong guidance should be provided by SA/ABCB as to the expectations associated with the revision
project. Consultation with ABCB/BCC and other industry stakeholders should be commenced prior
to the project to ensure that the scope of the revision project and expected outcomes are well
understood at the beginning of the project.
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Given that AS 1668.2‐2002 is reaching its 10 year review period it is appropriate that the
full standard is subject to the normal revision and review process. This could be facilitated
by AIRAH and kindred organisations formally or informally surveying their members on
industry expectations for the revision project.
Recommendation: Option 3 is the recommended option.
In parallel a conversation should be commenced within the design and construction community
regarding industry expectations for a revised AS 1668.2.
Once an appropriate approach to the three outstanding ABCB/BCC issues (natural ventilation, ETS,
minimum outdoor air rates) has been agreed this should be communicated to the Standards
Australia Technical committee ME‐062.
The project should then proceed in line with normal Standards Australia development procedures.
ABCB should nominate a representative to the ME‐062‐02 committee.
Health interests should also nominate a representative to the ME‐062‐02 committee.
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Appendix A
Attached Extract AS 1668.2‐2002 Section 3
Attached Extract AS 1668.2‐1991 Table A1
Attached Extract AS 1668.2‐2002 Table 4.2
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