Certified Air Tightness Tester Scheme

Introduction

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 updates to the Technical Guidance Document (TGD) to the Building Regulations.

Technical Guidance Document L- Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings (2021)

Technical Guidance Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Buildings other than Dwellings

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.

Looking for an Airtightness Tester?

Click 'Thermal performance of buildings - Determination of air permeability of buildings – (Single or Single & Multi) Fan pressurization method (ISO 9972:2015)' from the drop-down menu here.

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
• 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.

What are the Fees?

Certification Fees applicable to Air Tightness Tester Scheme & Ventilation Validator Scheme
	Air Tightness Tester Scheme	Ventilation Validator Scheme
Application Fee	Waived	Waived
Registration Audit 1	€1250	€1250
Surveillance audit 2	€1250	€1250
Annual Registration Fees First Tester/Validator per organisation	€500	€500
Annual Registration Fees Each Additional Tester/Validator per organisation	€250	€250
Add Additional Ventilation Validators or Airtightness Testers from a registered organisation to the schemes	Please send a completed request for quotation form to sustainability@nsai.ie for a quotation.
1 Registration audits are the initial audits conducted for registration to the schemes. The registration audit fee covers one pre audit submission of documents, site audit and one subsequent satisfactory post audit submission. Subsequent submissions will be charged at an additional €625. 2 A surveillance audit applies annually from the registration audit. A surveillance audit can include a maximum of 3 registered Airtightness Testers per day, or a maximum of 1 registered Ventilation Validator per day. Companies with an excess of three Airtightness testers, or one Ventilation Validator, will result in additional audit days at the same rates. 3 All rates are exclusive of VAT