Description

Air Tightness Testing Training Level 1

Duration: 4 days

The Air Tightness Testing Training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to conduct air tightness tests on single dwellings and other small, simple buildings. This comprehensive course spans four days, combining theoretical presentations with hands-on exercises to ensure a robust understanding and application of air tightness testing principles.

Prerequisites:

To maximize the benefits of this course and ensure successful completion, participants should meet the following prerequisites:

1. Familiarity with Basic Geometry: Participants should be comfortable with basic geometric concepts, including trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding building envelope calculations and other technical aspects of air tightness testing.
2. Ability to Read Architectural Drawings: Participants should be able to interpret architectural plans, sections, and elevation drawings. This skill is vital for accurately assessing building designs and identifying potential air leakage points.
3. Reading ATTMA Technical Standard TSL1: Prior to attending the course, participants are expected to have read the ATTMA technical standard TSL1. This standard provides critical guidelines and protocols that will be extensively referenced throughout the training.

Course Content:

The course content is structured to progressively build the participant’s expertise, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of air tightness testing. The first three days focus on comprehensive presentations and interactive exercises, while the fourth day is dedicated to examinations.

Days 1-3: Presentations and Exercises

During the first three days, participants will engage in a series of presentations and exercises designed to cover the following key topics:

1. The ATTMA Scheme: An overview of the ATTMA scheme, including its objectives, standards, and certification processes. Participants will learn about the importance of maintaining high standards in air tightness testing to ensure energy efficiency and building performance.
2. Background to Air Leakage: A detailed exploration of air leakage, its causes, and its impact on building performance. This section will help participants understand the importance of air tightness in achieving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
3. Equipment Used for Air Tightness Testing: An introduction to the various tools and equipment used in air tightness testing, including blower doors and pressure gauges. Participants will learn how to properly set up and operate this equipment to conduct accurate tests.
4. Setup Procedures for Air Tightness Tests: Step-by-step instructions on how to set up and conduct air tightness tests. This includes preparing the building, setting up the equipment, and following the correct testing protocols to obtain reliable results.
5. Air Tightness Testing Standards: An overview of the relevant standards and regulations governing air tightness testing. Participants will learn about the specific requirements and procedures outlined in these standards to ensure compliance and accuracy.
6. Building Preparation for Air Tightness Testing: Guidelines on how to prepare a building for an air tightness test, including sealing potential leakage points and ensuring that the building is in the appropriate condition for testing.
7. Basic Geometry and Envelope Area Calculations: Practical exercises on calculating building envelope areas using basic geometric principles. Participants will apply trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem to accurately determine the surface areas involved in air tightness testing.
8. Building Regulations: A review of the building regulations related to air tightness and energy efficiency. Participants will gain an understanding of how these regulations impact testing procedures and building design.
9. Contracting and Quality Assurance: An introduction to the contractual and quality assurance aspects of air tightness testing. This includes understanding client requirements, documenting test results, and ensuring that all work meets the necessary standards and guidelines.

Day 4: Examinations

The final day of the course is dedicated to assessing the participants’ understanding and proficiency through a series of examinations. These exams are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills:

1. Practical Examination: Participants will conduct an air tightness test on a dwelling, demonstrating their ability to set up and operate the equipment correctly, follow testing protocols, and interpret the results accurately.
2. Multiple-Choice Theory Examination: A comprehensive multiple-choice exam covering all theoretical aspects of the course content. This exam will test the participants’ understanding of the ATTMA scheme, air leakage principles, testing standards, and other key topics.
3. Envelope Calculation Examination: An exercise in calculating the building envelope areas for a dwelling. Participants will apply their knowledge of basic geometry and architectural drawings to accurately determine the surface areas involved in the test.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of air tightness testing principles and practices. They will be well-equipped to conduct air tightness tests on single dwellings and small buildings, ensuring compliance with National Occupational Standards for a Level 1 tester. This course is an essential step for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in building performance and energy efficiency.

3D Modelling for Beginners – This course DOES NOT incorporate any content for 3D Modelling. If you’d like to attend this please follow this link

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