Certified Air Tightness Tester Scheme
Under revised building regulations which came into force in January 2008, air tightness testing is mandatory for all dwellings. Further improvements to backstop performance levels have come into effect with the publication of the updated Technical Guidance Document Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Dwellings (2011) to the Building Regulations.
NSAI operates a registration scheme that certifies testers to I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015 - Thermal Performance of Buildings – Determination of Air Permeability of Buildings – (Single or Single & Multi) Fan Pressurization Method.
What does the scheme involve?
Under the scheme, NSAI inspectors assess the operations and procedures of air tightness testers. NSAI inspectors witness an airtightness test against the requirements of I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015.
Inspectors also carry out an assessment of:
- A number of Airtightness test reports.
- That appropriate records are maintained for completed tests.
- Test equipment is adequately maintained and under calibration.
- Health & Safety documentation is in place.
When our inspectors are satisfied that the tester is in compliance with the scheme requirements, the applicant company receives an NSAI Certificate of Registration.
What are the benefits?
For air tightness testers, the benefits of I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015 registration are far-reaching.
The scheme:
- Helps developers and householders demonstrate compliance with the higher levels of energy conservation required under the Building Regulations 2011 Part L Technical Guidance Document
- Entitles the air testing company to use its NSAI registration number in business transactions
- Lists the company on the NSAI-maintained Directory of Registered Air Tightness Testers
- Provides independent reassurance to customers of the reliability of the air testing company.
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Register of Airtight Testers
I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015 - Thermal Performance of Buildings - Determination of Air Permeability of Buildings – (Single or Single & Multi) Fan Pressurization Method.
Registration procedures
The registration process is straightforward and involves the following steps:
- The company submits its application for Single or Single and Multi Fan registration
- NSAI requests a pre-audit submission for review
- NSAI contacts the company to arrange an audit date
- Following the audit, NSAI issues a report to the company and agrees what further steps are required to achieve compliance.
- After making the required adjustments, the company is registered.
- The company can now use its official NSAI registration number on air test reports and Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates for Buildings.
- To maintain registration, the company will undergo regular surveillance audits.
Fees and further information
For further information or an application form for on this scheme please contact patricia.walsh@nsai.ie
| |
Initial Application Fee1 |
Annual Registration Fee2 |
Initial Audit / Annual Audit |
| Single Fan |
Waived |
€440 |
€1,100 |
| Add additional Single Fan registered tester from the same company3 |
€3004 |
- |
Annual Surveillance Audit included for original registered tester5 |
| Single & Multi Fan |
Waived |
€440 |
€1,6505 (€1,100+€550) |
| Adding Multi Fan to Single Fan Registration |
Waived |
- |
€1,100 (or €5506) |
| 1 Year one only 2 Applies year two and onwards 3 Companies who have successfully completed a full Single Fan registration audit may apply to add 3 additional (4 in total) airtight testers from that company subject to the folllowing restrictions. Additional airtight testers must operate in accordance with the registered companies Quality Assurance (QA) manual. Additional airtight testers must submit a sample airtight test report in accordance with I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015 and the companies QA manual. 4 Desktop review 5 Annual Surveillance Audit for additional testers will be combined with the Annual Surveillance Audit of the original registered tester from that company. 6Adding Multi Fan post single fan registration will necessitate an additional audit however if this audit is coupled with an annual audit the cost will be reduced to €550. All rates are Excl. VAT at 23% |
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To purchase I.S. EN ISO 9972:2015, go to: Purchase Standards online
Orders by post should be made payable to ILI (NSAI sales partner) and addressed to:
NSAI Standards Postal Sales,
Northumberland House,
42/44 Northumberland Road,
Dublin 4, Ireland
Downloads
Download the SI 259 of 2011 - Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) Regulations 2011
To download Technical Guidance Documents go to the Department of Environment’s TGD web page.
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