The Problems:

•	Heat
•	Condensation
•	Fumes
•	Body Odours
•	Tobacco Smoke

Solutions:

HAIRDRESSERS/BEAUTY SALONS: Air change rate per hour 10-15

Conditions in these premises often become unpleasant. There is usually considerable heat build up from hair dryers and fumes from permanent waving solutions, hair fixative sprays and general beauty preparations. Doors and windows are usually kept closed because of draughts.

This lack of air movement also encourages the build up of moist air and formation of condensation on cold surfaces such as the front windows.

Effective controlled ventilation is necessary to remove excessive heat and moisture for comfortable conditions; and more importantly, hair fixative lacquer which can be injurious to health.

For normal conditions, use the air change rate given. For salons containing a large number of hair dryers in a comparatively small area, the higher of the rates specified should be taken as a minimum.

HAIRDRESSERS/BEAUTY SALONS

Fit ventilation units to extract from the back of the salon, ducted if necessary to atmosphere through rooms at the rear. Use window or wall units, or roof units if there are convenient roof lights. Then, position them so that air movement is well distributed through the salon. Where there is no access at the rear or side of the premises, extract via a duct running forward to discharge at the front.

TOILETS should be ventilated to meet statutory levels, normally 3-6 ACH. CIBSE suggest standby fans may be required. Rooms without openable windows require run-on timers.

STAFF ROOMS Smoking may be allowed in a Staff Room. Ventilation at the rate of 8-16 l/s/person is recommended, possibly extract and intake. The Staff Room may be classified as a kitchen (domestic type) if simple cooking or tea-making facilities are present. In which case 60 l/s will be required.

STOCK ROOM Ventilation to clear residual odours at 10 ACH should suffice. There may be a washing machine and/or tumble dryer for towels etc. in which case domestic utility room rates apply (30 l/s).

AIR REPLACEMENT: The washing and drying of hair makes customers especially susceptible to draughts. Take care to provide adequate air replacement, positioned to ensure that clients and staff are not exposed to discomfort. Air may be introduced at high level and deflected upwards towards the ceiling, or brought into an ante-room where it can mix with room air before entering the salon. Air inlets should be closeable to suit ambient conditions and sited to ensure the replacement air is free of traffic fumes, etc. Suspended ceilings allow fans and ducts to be concealed, with grilles and registers placed to be most effective.

SIZE AND NUMBER OF VENTILATION UNITS: Calculate the volume of the room (height x width x length) and multiply by ACH. This equals the volume required per hour. Choose the size and number of units from the output table to ensure that this minimum volume is achieved. Ensure that the scheme complies with relevant local authority by-laws and fire regulations. Controllers will enable the ventilation rate to be adjusted to suit changing indoor and outdoor conditions.