PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2026 Training Update


Commercial heat pumps using R290 refrigerant


Ventilation regulations


An Introduction to Building Regulations – Part F Volume 1 is the title of a new CPD from Nuaire, designed to help building services professionals better understand the ventilation requirements for dwellings and how they interact with other areas of the Building Regulations. Rather than considering Approved Document F in isolation, the new


CPD looks at its relationship with Parts B, J, L, K, M and O, highlighting some of the issues that need to be considered when designing and specifying residential ventilation. These range from fire safety and the safe operation of combustion appliances to energy efficiency, accessibility and overheating. The CPD also provides an overview of the fundamental principles


behind Part F, including why ventilation is required to protect occupant health by removing water vapour and indoor pollutants, supplying outdoor air and providing purge ventilation when higher concentrations of pollutants or moisture need to be dispersed. Practical subjects such as extract and whole-dwelling ventilation rates, background ventilators, air transfer, purge ventilation, acoustics and access for maintenance are also addressed. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1026/14


A new CIBSE-approved CPD is now available from Ideal Commercial Heating, designed to help heating professionals understand the safety considerations associated with commercial air source heat pumps that use R290 refrigerant. Entitled ‘Safety considerations


for R290 commercial air source heat pumps: Understanding the practical application of flammable refrigerants in commercial heating’, the CPD is aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers, contractors and engineers involved in the design, installation and maintenance of commercial heat pump systems. As an A3 refrigerant, meaning


it has low toxicity but high flammability, R290 requires an understanding of and confidence around safe design including risk assessment, specification, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. The new CPD has been designed to help close knowledge gaps and provide


clear, accessible guidance for those working with or considering R290 systems. The CPD provides an overview


of refrigerant classifications and the regulatory framework surrounding the use of flammable refrigerants. Participants are guided through the DSEAR risk assessment process, including identifying hazardous substances, assessing the likelihood of a refrigerant release, defining hazardous zones, identifying potential ignition sources and implementing appropriate control measures. A major focus of the CPD is


the practical application of exclusion and safety zones


around commercial R290 heat pumps. It explains how the required zones are influenced by factors including refrigerant charge, possible leak scenarios, ventilation conditions and the geometry of the installation. The CPD also considers the


way propane behaves in the event of a leak. As R290 is denser than air, it can accumulate in low-lying areas such as drains, pits, manholes, cellars and other depressions. The CPD therefore examines how the positioning of heat pumps, building openings, ventilation intakes and possible ignition sources can affect installation safety. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1026/15


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