Description

Duration: 3 days
Location: The Building Performance Hub, High Wycombe

The Air Tightness Testing Training Level 2 course offers comprehensive knowledge and practical experience for testing both simple and non-simple buildings, excluding large structures over 80,000 m², high-rise buildings above 15 storeys, and phased or zonal handovers. Delegates are recommended to have at least a year’s experience as a level 1 tester and familiarity with the ATTMA TSL2 standard.

Air Tightness Testing Training Level 2 Course Content

The course content is structured to build the participants expertise covering theoretical and practical aspects of air tightness testing. The course includes a combination of both presentation and exercises on the first 2 days and the 3rd day is dedicated to examinations.  The course content covers the minimum knowledge and understanding identified in the National Occupational Standards for a level 2 tester and this includes:

Day 1 and 2 – Presentations and Exercises

During the first two 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. How to Setup The Equipment for a Multi-fan Air Tightness Testing: Step-by-step instructions on how to set up and conduct Level 2 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. The Test Procedure and Multi-fan Testing: Practical exercises on how to conduct multi-fan testing.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Practical Exercises includes undertaking tests such as multi-fan tests, compartmentalised building tests and two-zone tests on a non-domestic building, plus theory exercises and contracting exercises.

Day 3 – 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.

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 2 tester. This course is an essential step for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in building performance and energy efficiency.

Note: All level 2 testing companies are required to have at least one person that has the EA level.  This is a qualification that demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of advanced envelope area calculations and companies without a person with this qualification will be unable to operate at level 2.  The EA qualification can be obtained through either completing and passing the Advanced 3D Modelling course or by submitting evidence of prior envelope area calculations on level 2 and 3 buildings for review via the approved prior experience and learning (APEL) route.