• Domestic airtightness testing
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Domestic airtightness testing

BSRIA IS A BINDT ACCREDITED TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT

A 4-day Training Course

Since the 2006 changes to England & Wales Building Regulations and 2007 changes to the Northern Ireland Building Regulations, airtightness testing has been mandatory for new buildings. In Scotland it will become mandatory in 2011 starting with flats and maisonettes and later expanding to all new dwellings. In the case of new dwellings, a sample of dwellings on every development must be tested. Testers must either be registered through BINDT, 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, if passed, will enable delegates to begin the process of BINDT registration. Click here for additional information on the course, including procedures for BINDT registration.

Courses in Bracknell are based on England & Wales regulations & standards, which are similar to those in Northern Ireland. Courses in Edinburgh are based on Scottish regulations & standards.

The prices below now include the Initial Review.

Anyone who either intends to undertake domestic air tightness testing or who is already doing so.

Pre-course knowledge
To get the most from this course

• Delegates should be computer literate
• Delegates should 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. 
• Delegates should download, read and understand ATTMA Testing Standard 1 (TS1).  This can be downloaded from http://www.attma.org  (It is not necessary to understand the formulae in Appendix A in ATTMA TS1)
• Delegates for Scottish courses should obtain a copy of BS EN 13829:2001 "Thermal Performance of Buildings. Determination of air permeability of buildings. Fan pressurization method". This can be purchased from http://shop.bsigroup.com or other sources.

The course will provide sufficient theory and practice to enable delegates to test dwellings using Minneapolis blower door equipment, pass the examinations and begin the BINDT registration process.

Days 1-3 Classroom based 

• 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 - The Examination
The examination divides into 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.

Start time : 09.30
Finish time: 16.30 (except day 4 which is dependent on examination timings).

Delegates will have an overall understanding of technical standards, the use of Blower Door Equipment and how to interpret the test results provided by that equipment.

Delegates are provided with a training pack, containing a copy of the slides, and a copy of the relevant Approved Document or Technical Handbook

Equipment
Delegates should bring a scale rule and a calculator. As the practical test area will be treated as a construction site, delegates should bring their own personal protective equipment (hard hat, high-visibility vest/jacket and safety boots with protective toecaps).

We also strongly advise that as elements of the practical examination will be outside that delegates bring warm/wet weather clothing.

David Bleicher has a background in building services design, with experience of mechanical and electrical design both in the UK and in the USA. He joined BSRIA in 2005 and has worked on research projects, design reviews and he also leads the BSRIA training programme.  Read David's full profile.