scope:

Spaces Covered (§2.1)

This standard applies to all spaces within buildings intended for human occupancy, except for residential dwelling units, as described below.

A major change in the 2016 version of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is that residential dwelling units are no longer included in the scope of the standard, regardless of building height. All residential dwelling units are now covered by Standard 62.2. The scope includes the phrase, "where residents are non-transient" when referring to residential dwelling units. This is meant to distinguish apartments, condominium units, and single family houses from hotels, motels, dormitories and jails. The latter group is included within the scope of ASHRAE Standard 62.1.

While ASHRAE Standard 62.1 covers a wide variety of spaces, the following scope sections describe limitations on the coverage provided. In instances where other applicable standards and requirements specify higher ventilation rates, the higher rates should be implemented. Such other applicable standards and requirements may include occupational safety and health regulations, information provided in material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and local building codes.

Scope of Requirements (§2.2)

The standard addresses more than just outdoor air ventilation rates. Chapter 5 has requirements for the HVAC systems and equipment, Chapter 7 addresses construction, commissioning, and system start-up; and Chapter 8 addresses maintenance and operation.

Purpose

Overview (§1.1)

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 sets minimum outdoor air ventilation rates and requires other measures intended to provide indoor air quality that is both acceptable to human occupants and minimizes negative effects on health.

Both occupant perception and health issues affect the acceptability of indoor air quality. Therefore, both are relevant to this standard. Thermal comfort is not considered because it is covered in ASHRAE Standard 55. Furthermore, the purpose of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is broader than minimum ventilation rates, encompassing such subjects as moisture control, control of certain contaminant sources, maintenance, and air cleaning.

Indeed, the impact of indoor air quality on health, stated broadly in the Purpose of ASHRAE Standard 62.1, is addressed in a number of ASHRAE documents. It remains an important factor in the development and implementation of standards and guidelines that benefit the general public.¹

¹ Ad Hoc Committee on Health Impacts in Standards, Report to the Board of Directors, February 6, 2000.