The Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association is now a special interest group within BINDT.
Air tightness can only be verified by a relatively non-intrusive test, by a competent testing company. Irrespective of Building Regulations requirements, pressure testing provides benefits to clients, as it will help us to make buildings more energy efficient, cost effective and comfortable – and benefit the environment.
BSRIA, BRE and Building Sciences, the longest established leading companies originally formed the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA), which requires members to have appropriate technical and operational credentials, such as UKAS accreditation (previously NAMAS). A test report carrying the ATTMA and UKAS logos will therefore be recognisable and technically credible.
Air tightness can only be verified by a relatively non-intrusive test, by a competent testing company. Irrespective of Building Regulations requirements, pressure testing provides benefits to clients, as it will help us to make buildings more energy efficient, cost effective and comfortable – and benefit the environment.
BSRIA, BRE and Building Sciences, the longest established leading companies originally formed the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA), which requires members to have appropriate technical and operational credentials, such as UKAS accreditation (previously NAMAS). A test report carrying the ATTMA and UKAS logos will therefore be recognisable and technically credible.
The BINDT Approval Scheme for Air Tightness Testers
BINDT administers the official scheme which is approved by The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The scheme is part of a Government initiative to reduce carbon emissions and currently is a sampling exercise which is applied to new buildings. The scheme has been in operation for over 18 months and there is now an established network of Approved testers within the UK.
Guidance Documents
The whole Air Tightness Testing principle is based on the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association's standard TS1 (ATTMA TS1), which is available to download as required (click here and follow the link).
Building Control Officers
Experience has shown that it is not difficult for builders to construct buildings which will routinely pass the Air Tightness Test. Best results are achieved when the Builder and the Air Tightness Tester have communicated at an early stage so you should encourage this dialogue whenever possible. Cases have occurred where half of a fitted kitchen has had to be removed in order that the sink outlets could be sealed where they pass through the wall – a job which would have taken literally two minutes to do in the first place.
We are currently putting together a leaflet along the lines of "20 easy ways to ensure that your building passes the Air Tightness Test". This will be freely available and we hope that you, the BCOs, will distribute it to the builders in your area. If you want to receive copies of this leaflet as soon as it is available please send your contact details to cindy.bailey@bindt.org
Test Certificates
Those testers that are approved by BINDT are mandated to use the official BINDT Test Certificates. These certificates carry a unique serial number and are fully traceable. You should, whenever possible, ensure that builders use the services of approved testers as ultimately an Air Tightness Test Certificate will be presented to you as part of the Building Approval procedure. It is you who must accept that certificate and the only way that you can be confident of a properly conducted test is if it has been carried out by an individual who has been properly trained and examined and is using the correct equipment. For an example of a BINDT Test Certificate, click here.
Approved Testers
The following individuals have been approved within the BINDT Air Tightness Testing Scheme. Each person:
- Has successfully completed an approved training course.
- Has passed both theory and practical examinations.
- Has professional indemnity insurance.
- Has properly calibrated equipment.
- Is working in accordance with an approved Quality System.
