Airtightness Testing Level 1

Overview

BSRIA IS AN ATTMA Approved Training Partner

Airtightness is the measure of how much air leakage there is from a building.  This is determined by carrying out an airtightness test and the figure obtained from the testing is the air permeability value.

Air leakage can be measured by pressurising or depressurising the building to see how much air flows in or out of the building at a given pressure. Air tightness tests are useful to architects, building services designers, energy assessors, builders, services installers, fire sealers, airtightness testers, building controllers, building owners/occupiers etc. Airtightness testing is the best way to assess the performance of the building fabric in stopping the uncontrolled passage of air. It is also a very effective method of locating air leakage paths in a completed building.

Airtightness testing is mandatory for new buildings. Testers must either be registered through a scheme such as the ATTMA or Elmhurst scheme, or demonstrate to building control that they are competent to test and are using UKAS-calibrated equipment.

This 4-day course provides the theory behind airtightness testing as well as hands on training. It culminates in a three-part examination which, when passed, will enable delegates to begin the process of registration. The practical demonstrations and practical exam on this course are carried out using Minneapolis blower door equipment.  Information is also provided regarding Retrotec blower doors so that anyone passing the course can use Retrotec equipment and adapt what they have learned. The low pressure pulse (LPP) method is not covered. 

The course is built around the National Occupational Standards ASTATT1 to ASTATT10. These specify the standards that airtightness testers are expected to achieve in their work and hence the knowledge and skills taught on the BSRIA course. The course covers regulations and standards applicable in all parts of the UK, regardless of the location of the course.

After attending the course and passing the exams, the next step is to carry out an initial review which must be completed within one year of attending the course. The cost of the initial review is included in the course fee.

Important - please read this additional information for further course details.

Learning aims

• Understand airtightness testing theory, technical standards and practice; the use of Blower Door Equipment and how to interpret the test results provided by that equipment.
• Measure the pressurisation or depressurisation of a building to see how much air flows in or out of a building at a given pressure.
• Gain enough knowledge to begin to register with an accredited body such as ATTMA or Elmhurst.

Who should attend

This course is designed for anyone who either intends to undertake airtightness testing or who is already doing so.

Delegates should be computer literate and have a base knowledge of mathematics, physics and construction practice - you can test your knowledge by downloading our quick test. Please do not send your completed test back to BSRIA. Delegates should understand the basic concept of building envelope areas.

Course content

Days 1-3 (Classroom learning)

• Reasons for carrying out airtightness testing
• Background information on Building Regulations
• Overview of the guidance in Approved Documents/Technical Handbooks
• How to comply with the Regulations and guidance
• Calculating envelope areas
• Site Health and Safety
• Technical Standards
• Conducting the test
• Reporting the test
• Common Problems

Day 4 (Examination - 3 parts)

• Theory paper (Open book)
• Envelope area measurement (Open book)
• Practical (divided into 2 parts)

Delegates will be invited to return at specific times during day 4 and should allow a minimum of 4 hours for the examination.

Please note that to successfully complete this course delegates must pass all modules in the examination. Should a delegate be unsuccessful they will be invited to return to BSRIA at a later date to re-take the module(s) they were unsuccessful in completing. There is no opportunity to retake the module(s) on the day of the examinations. Please note that should a retest be required an additional charge of £125 will be applied.

Equipment and preparation

• A training pack containing a copy of the slides and all relevant handouts for the course is provided. 
• Delegates should bring a scale rule and a calculator. Delegates may wish to bring a laptop, although this is not compulsory. The software used on the course can be downloaded from https://www.bsria.com/doc/rkZXyB/
• Delegates should be computer literate and have a base knowledge of mathematics, physics and construction practice - you can test your knowledge by downloading our quick test. Please do not send your completed test back to BSRIA. Delegates should understand the basic concept of building envelope areas. 

Lecturers

David Bleicher

David has a background in building services design, with experience of mechanical and electrical design both in the UK and in the USA. Read David's full profile.

Edward Bramwell 

Edward is a BSRIA associate, a consultant engineer and the managing director of his own airtightness testing company. Read Edward's full profile.

Course details

4-day course (09.30-16.30, except day 4 which is dependent on examination timings)

24 CPD hrs

BSRIA Certified Course 

Please be advised this course requires a minimum of 5 delegates. Should we receive fewer bookings, BSRIA reserves the right to amend your booking to the next available date.