Clean Room Testing Services by APT Sound Testing

In today’s meticulously regulated environments, maintaining clean room standards is paramount across various industries, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to microelectronic production. APT Sound Testing offers a comprehensive suite of clean room testing services to ensure compliance with ISO standards and facilitate optimal operational conditions. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with UKAS accreditation, guarantees meticulous attention to detail and reliable results.

APT Sound Testing specialises in clean room testing services, addressing the diverse needs of industries where environmental control is critical. Our proactive approach minimizes downtime, ensuring the seamless operation of your critical assets. Through a combination of cutting-edge techniques and expert intervention, we deliver superior service tailored to exceed customer expectations.

Primary Clean Room Tests

>>> Airborne Particulate Testing: We conduct precise measurements to verify the concentration of particles and microorganisms within your clean room, ensuring compliance with specified standards.

>>> Filter (HEPA) Installation Leak Testing: Rigorous testing of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and their housings using Dispersed Oil Particulate (DOP) ensures integrity and efficiency.

>>> Air Supply and Extract Quantities: Whether unidirectional or non-unidirectional systems, we accurately measure air velocity and supply to maintain optimal airflow.

>>> Differential Pressure: Our tests ascertain that your clean room maintains a higher pressure than adjacent areas, ensuring airflow from clean to less clean zones.

>>> Containment Leak Testing: Thorough examination of the clean room’s construction guarantees no airborne contamination occurs due to leaks from neighboring areas.

>>> Air Movement Control: We analyse airflow patterns to confirm adequate movement for pollutant dilution, preventing contamination buildup.

>>> Room Recovery: Evaluating airflow effectiveness, we measure the speed at which a clean room returns to its designated cleanliness level after particulate release.

>>> Temperature, Relative Humidity: Additional tests encompass temperature, humidity, heating, cooling capabilities, noise, lighting, and vibration levels, ensuring comprehensive environmental control.

Customer-Centric Approach

Our customer-driven ethos underpins every aspect of our service delivery. We prioritize transparency, ensuring clients understand the testing process and results fully. Upon completion, we provide clear, concise test reports promptly, minimizing operational downtime and facilitating informed decision-making.

Expert Sound Testing Services

In addition to clean room testing, APT Sound Testing offers sound testing services for residential, commercial, and educational buildings. Our experienced engineers utilize advanced techniques to assess acoustic performance, providing tailored solutions to achieve regulatory compliance. With expertise in acoustic design, we offer valuable advice to optimize soundproofing measures and ensure project success.

Comprehensive Solutions

For added convenience and efficiency, we offer ‘in-house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing alongside sound testing services. This integrated approach streamlines processes, reduces costs, and eliminates coordination challenges, providing clients with a seamless testing experience.

APT Sound Testing ~ Your Trusted Partner

APT Sound Testing stands as a trusted partner for comprehensive clean room testing and sound testing services. With a steadfast commitment to quality, adherence to ISO standards, and customer-centric approach, we ensure operational excellence across diverse industries. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can safeguard your critical assets and facilitate regulatory compliance.

Please contact APT Sound Testing on 07775623464 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk for more information on our Clean Room Testing Services.

Thermal Imaging Inspections to identify Building Faults

Thermal imaging can quickly analyse working machinery, electrical systems and identify heat loss in building construction. Thermal imaging inspections is a quick and easy way for contractors and developers to save time and money and prevent accidents that could lead to property damage and even loss of life.

What Is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging detects varying levels of heat based on the infrared waves emitted by objects. Professional thermal imaging cameras can see subtle differences in temperature to create a detailed image of hot and cold areas with accurate temperature measurements. Differences in temperature can be used to pinpoint potential problems in malfunctioning equipment and in systems that have been installed improperly. When used with our blower door systems it becomes an even more powerful tool for fault diagnosis for building envelopes.

What Industries Use Thermal Imaging?

The main benefit of thermal imaging is it doesn’t require equipment to be shut down to be inspected.  The trained operator can quickly inspect and document faults and determine when repairs should be scheduled without shutting down your critical assets.

Safety is another reason that thermal cameras have become a regular tool for maintenance teams. Technicians do not have to be close to the machinery being tested as the photo can be taken from a distance, keeping techs safe while still acquiring the needed information.

Thermal Imaging for Building Inspections

Building inspections use thermal imaging to detect defects in the fabric of the building, i.e. the walls, roof, and floor. This can be items such as damaged or missing insulation, as well as damp and/or water leaks. Its worth noting that you can also gain extra BREEAM credits if you undertake a thermal imaging survey. One of the major ussies with building inspections is identifying water leaks that have not been revealed during other ‘more standard’ visual surveys. Determining if there is excessive moisture and finding the source of a leak through the normal inspection process may prove very difficult and costly as you may need to provide safe access such as scaffold for roof inspections etc.

Wet building materials will usually be colder than dry materials and a thermal camera can alert the thermographer as to where there may be problems. Wet insulation, framing, drywall, and masonry can be revealed, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions as to the necessary repairs whilst saving on cost and program.

Thermal imaging for Industrial Maintenance

Many manufacturing companies operate 24 hours a day, so taking any critical equipment off-line to run any type of maintenance can be extremely costly. Ne quick and reliable way to inspect your critical assets is via thermal imaging. enhanced when thermal imaging is part of an asset inspection and condition-based maintenance program (CBM). Downtime and maintenance expenses can both be reduced with a CBM program since maintenance only occurs when it’s needed, rather than on a set schedule. Thermal imaging allows excessive heat in electrical, mechanical, and process equipment to be detected early in the failure curve. This minimizes the risk of a catastrophic failure, business interruption, and potentially dangerous conditions.

Thermal imaging for electrical utility inspections

Electrical distribution systems are one of the most important utilities in homes and businesses and support millions of users every day. Quickly locating potential failures in the electrical systems using thermal imaging is essential for providing constant service to customers. Main incoming, Distribution Boards, Transformers, circuit breakers and switches are common points in electrical systems that usually heat up before failure.  Thermal cameras can quickly and safely detect hotspots, by measuring the temperature, allowing for engineers to schedule repairs before system failure occurs.

Thermal imaging for home inspections

Home inspectors must find problems that are difficult to see such as water leaks damp and moisture damage as well as accurately pinpoint leak leaks. Wet insulation, framing, and drywall can be quickly revealed, allowing home buyers to make informed decisions and a good investment prior to buying a property.

Thermal imaging for identifying air leakage in buildings

When used with a blower door fan, thermal imaging can be extremely accurate when identifying air leaks through the building envelope. This allows our clients to undertake targeted remedial sealing works to improve the air tightness of their building/s. By imprinting the air tightness, it also reduces draughts and lowers your energy usage, sometimes by up to 20%.

Thermal imaging for identifying leaks in underfloor heating

Thermal imaging is often used to diagnose problems with under floor heating systems.  It’s can quickly pinpoint the leak, which often means the difference of carefully removing one tile to fix the problem, rather than tearing out an expensive tiled floored with the increased cost and damage this brings.

APT provide Level 3 thermal imaging inspections

APT Sound Testing is a leading provider of thermal imaging inspections across London and the UK. We provide Level 3 Thermographers, along with the latest high resolution thermal cameras and software to provide detailed reports to our valued clients. We offer thermal imaging services to Building Contractors, FM companies and utility and construction companies. Our team of industry professionals’ pride ourselves on offering a friendly professional service from start to finish.

Our thermal imaging inspection service includes:

• Level 3 certified field engineers
• The latest high resolution thermal imaging cameras
• Fully calibrated equipment
• The latest diagnostic software
• 20 years of experience in the thermography sector.

We can carry out on-site inspections and thermographic surveys on a one-off basis, such as a BREEAM building envelope survey, or as part of an ongoing maintenance program. Please speak to us if you’d like to learn more about this crucial service – and how we can help your project. If you would like more information on how to prepare for the thermal imaging survey please check out the following thermal imaging checklist

APT’s thermographic survey engineers can quickly identify imminent and future problems, allowing repairs to be carried out during scheduled maintenance. So, if you’re interested in thermographic surveys, on-site thermal inspections please let us know.

Please contact APT Sound Testing on 07775623464 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk for more information.

Air Tightness Testing Services

APT Sound Testing offers comprehensive Air Tightness Testing services across the United Kingdom. We cater to projects of all scales, ranging from individual dwellings to expansive commercial structures. As one of the select few UKAS accredited companies, we specialise in both Air and Sound testing, ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations and Standards.

Our unique accreditation allows us to conduct Air, Sound, and Vent Testing all in one visit, offering clients cost efficiencies and streamlined on-site coordination. Unlike many firms, we handle all work directly without subcontracting.

Since its mandate in 2006 under Building Regulations Part L in England and Wales, achieving satisfactory levels of air tightness has become imperative. This requirement aligns with efforts to create environmentally friendly buildings by minimizing carbon emissions through the prevention of energy loss via air leakage. Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through a building’s gaps and cracks, commonly known as draughts.

Energy loss through the building fabric contributes to the building emission rate. New projects must adhere to specific air testing and emission rate standards. The typical target for a standard dwelling is 5.0m3/hr/m2, while commercial buildings often aim for lower rates, around 3.0m3/hr/m2.

Air infiltration usually accompanies exfiltration elsewhere in the building, potentially leading to issues like condensation, mould, or rot. Our consultancy services extend from the project’s design phase to pre-completion testing, ensuring compliance for building control signoff. For clients requiring weekend testing, we offer an ‘out of hours testing’ service to minimize disruption during weekdays.

Our combined air and sound testing packages provide substantial cost savings. With our engineers accredited in both disciplines, clients benefit from a streamlined ‘3 step’ pre-completion package, eliminating the need for multiple contractors. On-site coordination is enhanced, as both tests are conducted efficiently on the same day. Additionally, we offer out of hours testing to minimize disruption during standard working hours.

We pride ourselves on offering friendly, expert advice to help properties achieve required emission rates for air testing. Reach out to our knowledgeable team of air tightness consultants through our contact form or by calling our offices to discuss your specific air testing needs.

We can help with your Air Tightness Testing

APT Sound Testing we have large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.

How to Pass a Smoke Shaft Air Test
Achieving success in a smoke shaft air test is vital for ensuring building safety and regulatory compliance. However, passing the test on the first attempt can be challenging. Here’s a condensed guide outlining essential steps to prepare your smoke shaft for the air tightness test:

1. Consultation with Experts: Seek early advice from air tightness consultants for insights into effective smoke shaft design and sealing strategies.
2. Determine Air Tightness Target: Establish the airtightness goal, typically less than 3.8 m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa, which can be challenging for small enclosures like smoke shafts.
3. Optimal Design: Ensure robust construction materials like concrete or high-density blocks to create a tight air barrier with no mortar joint gaps.
4. Interior Finish: Smooth and seal the inside of the shaft meticulously, including all junctions and joints, using appropriate methods like parge coating or mastic sealing.
5. Seal Penetrations: Completely seal all service, structural, and cable penetrations within the smoke shaft envelope.
6. Secure Door Openings: Use heavy-duty materials to seal all door openings within the smoke shaft to prevent leakage.
7. Seal AOV Door Frames: Mastic seal the perimeter of AOV doors to prevent leakage.
8. Seal Shaft Base and Head: Ensure thorough sealing of the shaft’s base and head before the air test.
9. Conduct Air Testing: Use a calibrated blower door fan set to pressurize the shaft and measure air tightness according to CIBSE TM23 standards.
10. Address Test Failures: If the shaft fails the test, employ smoke testing or thermal imaging to identify and seal leaks, producing a detailed leakage survey report.

For comprehensive assistance in smoke shaft systems, consult experts specialising in smoke shaft design and compliance. Utilise services from UKAS accredited air tightness consultants and testing companies, equipped with the latest high-powered fan equipment and diagnostic tools like smoke machines and thermal imaging.

UKAS Accredited

We are a UKAS accredited, as well as being certified to ATTMA Level 2 for air tightness testing. For a detailed guide, you can refer to our article that provide a comprehensive roadmap and tips for preparing your smoke shaft for an air test. It’s advisable to consult with UKAS accredited air tightness consultants early in the process to increase the chances of passing the smoke shaft air test on the first attempt.

How We Can Help you PASS your Smoke Shaft Air Test

There are many ways we can help you pass your smoke shaft air test at the first attempt. Firstly, our experienced engineers have over 10 years in the field of smoke shaft testing – having undertaken hundreds of air test, so we know how to help clients to pass their testing:

Our simple roadmap to a successful smoke shaft air test:

Smoke shaft survey visits by experienced air tightness consultants.
UKAS and ATTMA Level 2 air testing company
UKAS smoke shaft air test certification
The latest high-powered fan equipment
UKAS calibrated equipment
Diagnostic leakage surveys testing using smoke machines & thermal imaging
Rapid testing service – sometimes within 48 hours!

We offer leading design, consultancy, and compliance for every part of your project. It’s APT’s aim to provide a friendly and professional stress-free experience.

Please contact APT on 07775623464, or email us at info@airpressuretesting.co.uk for more information.

As premier Acoustic Consultants, we provide comprehensive solutions to meet all your acoustic needs, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and Building Regulations Part E for seamless project approval. With our expertise, your company is guided through every phase with professional advice, maintaining a continuous focus on cost considerations.

From Initial Design to Pre Completion Testing

Our services begin with on-site visits to conduct sample sound insulation testing on existing building walls and floors, evaluating their acoustic performance against established standards. Armed with this data, we proceed to tailor an acoustic design strategy that aligns with Building Regulations Part E requirements.

From the initial design phase to pre-completion sound testing, we assist in shaping the acoustic aspects of your project. Our meticulous approach involves analyzing construction elements such as mass, isolation, and absorption to optimize acoustic performance.

To facilitate compliance with Approved Document E, we offer a comprehensive 4-step acoustic design advisory package:

1. Site Survey Visits: Our experts assess existing site construction to identify potential issues and ensure proper installation of acoustic materials.
2. Sample Sound Testing: Accurate evaluation of existing construction’s acoustic performance informs targeted acoustic design recommendations.
3. Acoustic Design Review: A thorough examination of proposed party walls and floors to ensure compliance and optimal acoustic performance.
4. Pre-completion Sound Testing: Fulfilling requirements outlined in Approved Document E for sound insulation testing, ensuring project approval.

Acoustic Design Services

We have many years’ experience of acoustic partition design on all types of developments from pairs of semi-detached houses, up apartment blocks containing hundreds of residential units. Utilising our vast experience in construction design, and the data from thousands of sound insulation tests, we have a clear understanding of the positives and negatives of all types of construction.

We are also a UKAS accredited sound testing laboratory which means we can offer a comprehensive design and testing solution for all your acoustic requirements. We can test and issue certification on completion of any works carried out and you can be safe in the knowledge that the results will be accepted by the tasked building control officer.

For further details on our acoustic consultancy services, please refer to the information below. Should you require Sound Insulation Testing as requested by local authorities, please contact us at 01525 303905 or via email at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk.

Conducting a Smoke Shaft Air Test

Many clients often inquire about the necessity of conducting air testing on their smoke shafts. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this practice and how it ensures safety and compliance with relevant legislation and standards such as BS 9999 and BS 9991.

Smoke Shaft Air Test Services
If the shaft fails to achieve the airtightness target, a smoke leakage test is conducted. During the smoke test, theatrical smoke is pushed into the shaft, revealing any gaps or cracks in the smoke shaft envelope. on large smoke shafts over multiple floors, its best that multiple observers are used to check the floors whilst the air test engineer operates the blower fan equipment.

Smoke Control and Fire Safety
Smoke inhalation is a major cause of fatalities and injuries during fires, often overshadowing the direct impact of the fire itself. More than 60% of deaths in fire incidents occur due to smoke inhalation. Controlling smoke is crucial in safeguarding lives and property. Smoke control systems not only protect escape routes but also aid firefighters, thus reducing casualties.

1. Smoke Shaft Functionality: Smoke shafts play a pivotal role in evacuating smoke from buildings during a fire. To operate efficiently, smoke shafts must be airtight to facilitate the functioning of mechanical Automatic Opening Ventilation (AOV) systems, which extract smoke from escape routes. Air testing confirms the shaft’s airtightness before AOV commissioning, ensuring compliance and safety measures are met.
2. Building Regulations and Standards: Smoke shafts are subject to evolving regulations and standards in the UK. For residential buildings, BS 9991:2015 provides updated fire safety guidance, including recommendations for smoke control. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety of occupants and adherence to legal requirements.
3. Air Testing Process for Smoke Shafts: Air tightness testing of smoke shafts involves a positive pressurization test using a high-powered blower door fan. This test is conducted with the shaft fully sealed but before AOV fans and louvres/shutters are installed. If the shaft fails to achieve the airtightness target, a smoke leakage test is performed. During the smoke test, theatrical smoke is introduced into the shaft to identify any gaps or cracks in the smoke shaft envelope.

In summary, air testing plays a crucial role in verifying that smoke shafts meet safety standards, thereby protecting lives and enhancing overall fire safety measures. At Air Pressure Testing Ltd, we specialise in conducting AOV smoke shaft testing, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for our clients.

Our experienced engineers and state-of-the-art equipment guarantee reliable results and professional service. From survey visits to smoke testing and thermal imaging, we offer comprehensive solutions to help you achieve smoke shaft signoff efficiently and effectively.

Air Pressure Testing Ltd boasts a client base from one of self-builders to the largest construction companies in the UK. We offering leading design, consultancy and compliance for every part of your project, at all stages. It’s APT’s aim to provide a friendly and professional stress-free experience.

Introducing our Sound, Air & Vent Testing Package

Are you gearing up for a new project? Simplify your compliance process with our all-inclusive testing package. At APT Sound Testing, we hold UKAS accreditation, allowing us to conduct both Air and Sound testing, ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations and Standards .

Say goodbye to the hassle of coordinating multiple visits and subcontractors. With our seamless Big 3 Package, you’ll not only save on costs but also eliminate potential coordination issues. Plus, rest assured knowing that our testing engineers uphold the highest standards, as we never subcontract our work.

Achieve compliance effortlessly with Building Regulations Part E, F & G by opting for our Big 3 Package, which includes:

1: Sound Insulation Testing: Ensure your residential development meets noise attenuation requirements with our comprehensive sound insulation testing. Part E of Building Regulations mandates testing of 10% of each party wall/floor construction type. Our testing covers both airborne noise (e.g., televisions, conversations) and impact noise (e.g., footsteps), ensuring your dwelling offers optimal sound resistance.

2: Air Tightness Testing: Compliance with Building Regulations Part L is a breeze with our air tightness testing. Since 2006, it’s been a legal requirement to achieve satisfactory levels of air tightness to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Our testing identifies and addresses air leakage, helping you meet specific requirements and emission rate targets.

3: Extractor Fan Testing: Under Part F of Building Regulations, extractor fan testing is essential for new buildings with intermittent extractor fans in areas like bathrooms, WC, and kitchens. Our testing ensures these ventilation systems are balanced, commissioned correctly, and fit for purpose, contributing to the well-being of occupants and preventing property damage from issues like mold.

Choosing our Big 3 Package
By choosing our Big 3 Package, you not only streamline the testing process but also benefit from substantial cost savings. Our UKAS accreditation guarantees the highest quality service, giving you peace of mind throughout the compliance process.

Contact APT Sound Testing
Ready to simplify your compliance journey? Contact us now at 01525 303 905 for more information on our Big 3 Package. At APT Sound Testing, we’re committed to providing a friendly, proactive service to meet all your compliance and certification needs.

We can also undertake ‘in house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues. Contact us today for more information.

Extractor Fan Testing Overview with APT Sound Testing

In adherence to the new regulations outlined in Part F of Building Regulations, it is now mandatory for standard intermittent extractor fans, commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens of new buildings, to undergo air flow rate measurement on-site. These results must be submitted to the building control body before completion and handover.

Our service facilitates extractor fan testing concurrently with air and sound testing, streamlining coordination efforts and offering significant cost efficiencies. Rest assured, our operations are conducted by a UKAS accredited company, ensuring quality and compliance.

Importance of Extractor Fan Testing

As modern buildings prioritize insulation and air tightness, it’s imperative that ventilation systems are appropriately installed, balanced, and commissioned to ensure optimal operation for occupants’ well-being. Approved Document F mandates that Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MHVR) systems, along with intermittent extractor fans, have their flow rates verified, ensuring efficient operation. These test results are integral to building compliance and sign-off procedures.

In typical circumstances, we conduct Ventilation Flow Rate testing concurrently with on-site Air Pressure Testing, enabling streamlined compliance with both Part L and Part F regulations.

Best Practices Guide

a. Confirm ductwork complies with manufacturer specifications. b. Minimize duct bends to optimize airflow and minimize resistance. c. Use flexible ducts solely for connecting units to central diffusers to maintain acoustic performance. d. Employ recommended duct jointing collars and components for optimal duct performance. e. Seal all grilles and ductwork penetrating the building’s air barrier to ensure continuity. f. Ensure correct placement, securing, and adjustment of fans. g. Verify internal doors have 10mm undercuts as per regulations. h. Electrician should set fan speed according to manufacturer data. i. Secure air handling units to stable building elements using recommended fixing brackets. j. Install units in accessible positions for maintenance.

Expert Consultation

For guidance on achieving compliance with approved Document F and domestic extract fan testing, contact our knowledgeable consultants via the provided contact form or phone our offices. For assistance in preparing your building’s ventilation system for compliance, reach out to our team for tailored vent testing solutions. Use our contact forms or call our offices to discuss your specific requirements with our experts.

Sound Testing and Acoustic Design Services
Here at APT Sound Testing we offer a friendly and proactive design, consulting, and precompletion testing service for all your compliance and certification requirements.

We undertake sound testing on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Our team of experienced sound test engineers are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We can also undertake ‘in house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues.

UKAS Accredited Sound Testing for London & UK

We provide UKAS accredited sound testing for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. We undertake sound testing on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Premier Acoustic Consultants

Our team of experienced sound test engineers are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We can also undertake ‘in house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues.

As premier Acoustic Consultants, we provide a comprehensive solution for all your acoustic needs, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and Building Regulations Part E. Our expertise guarantees professional guidance at every stage of your project, with a continual focus on cost considerations.

We conduct on-site visits to perform sample sound insulation testing on existing walls and floors, evaluating their performance and guiding targeted acoustic design to meet Building Regulations Part E requirements.

Our four-step acoustic design advice package includes:

>>> Site Survey Visits: Inspection of existing site construction to identify potential issues and ensure proper installation of acoustic materials.

>>> Sample Sound Testing: Accurate assessment of existing construction’s acoustic performance to inform targeted acoustic design.

>>> Acoustic Design Review: Comprehensive evaluation of proposed developments’ party walls and floors for compliance.

Pre-completion Sound Testing: Essential testing to satisfy Approved Document E requirements.

Our UKAS-accredited sound insulation testing laboratory offers proactive testing services and reliable reporting for building control sign-off. We specialize in acoustic partition design across various developments, providing comprehensive design and testing solutions.

Our services include:

Sample Sound Testing: On-site visits to ensure proper installation of acoustic materials, reducing the risk of test failure due to poor workmanship.
Site Survey Visits: Inspections to verify compliance with acoustic requirements and mitigate potential issues.
We also offer planning noise surveys, including BS8233 for residential developments and BS4142 for industrial sites. Our experienced consultants provide detailed assessments and mitigation measures to ensure compliance with noise regulations.

Sound Testing for London & the UK

We provide UKAS accredited sound testing for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. We undertake sound testing on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Our team of experienced sound test engineers are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We can also undertake ‘in house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues.

For more information or assistance with your project’s acoustic requirements, contact us at: 01525 303905 or visit our website for details on our services.

Looking at Smoke Shaft Testing & Building Regulations

There is a number of building regulations and guidance for undertaking air testing to Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) smoke shafts. Here’s a summary of the main regulations and standards:

Approved Documents:

• The Approved Document B – this provides guidance on fire safety and mentions the role of AOV systems in facilitating evacuation by clearing smoke. It’s important to refer to the latest version of this document for detailed guidelines.
• BS EN 12101-2:2006 – AOV smoke shafts must comply with standards such as BS EN 12101-2:2006, which covers the design of smoke ventilation systems.
• BS EN 9991 (2015) – Fire Safety in the design management and use of residential buildings.
• Smoke Shaft Testing Requirements: all tests are carried out in accordance with the requirements of ATTMA TSL Issue 1, CIBSE T23:2000, BS EN 13829 and BS EN 12101-2:2006.
• Smoke Shaft Testing Frequency: Annual air testing is required to ensure the AOV smoke shafts are running correctly.
• Air Testing Body: The air test to the smoke shafts should be carried out by a Level 2 ATTMA member, Level 1 IATS, or a UKAS accredited testing laboratory.
• UKAS Calibrated Equipment: Testing should be carried out using UKAS calibrated equipment to meet ISO 17025 air permeability standards.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the official documents and any recent amendments provided by the UK government and relevant authorities for AOV Smoke shafts.

How Long will a typical smoke shaft air testing project take

The duration of a typical smoke shaft testing can vary based on factors such as the size of the building, the complexity of the smoke shaft system, and the testing methodology. However, I’ll provide a general estimate:

1. Small Buildings or Single Shafts: For smaller buildings with a single smoke shaft, the test may take 1 to 2 hours. This assumes straightforward access and minimal complications.
2. Larger Buildings or Multiple Shafts: In larger buildings, or those with multiple smoke shafts, testing can take a bit longer. Expect 2 to 4 hours or more, depending on the scope.
3. Preparation and Setup: Setting up the equipment, sealing openings, and ensuring safety precautions add to the overall time. Allow additional time for safety checks and coordination.
4. Testing Process: The actual air testing involves pressurising the shaft and measuring air leakage. The time spent on this step depends on the shaft’s size and complexity.
5. Reporting and Documentation: After testing, data analysis, reporting, and documentation take additional time. This includes recording results, identifying any issues, and recommending corrective actions.
6. Failed Air Test – If the shaft fails the test, a combined thermal imaging and smoke air leakage test can be undertaken, and a report collated. The time required to collate the report, varies depending on the size of the shaft and the amount of air leakage paths identified.
7. Remedial Work (if required): If the shaft fails the test, remedial work inside the shaft may be necessary. The time required for repairs or improvements varies depending on the amount of remedial works required and the ease of access to undertake the works.

Remember that accuracy and thoroughness are essential during smoke shaft testing. It’s crucial to follow established procedures and prioritize safety. Consult with experts to determine the specific duration for your building’s smoke shaft air test.

Why use APT for your smoke shaft air testing?
We have been undertaking AOV smoke shaft testing throughout London and the South-East, on many prestigious projects such as Battersea Power Station, The Imperial War Museum and Clarridges and Berkeley Hotel.

Our experienced engineers at Air Pressure Testing have over 10 years in the field of smoke shaft testing, so we know how to help clients to pass their testing and achieve smoke shaft signoff.

What can we do?

• Smoke shaft survey visits
• A UKAS and ATTMA Level 2 testing company
• Smoke shaft air test certification
• The latest high-powered fan equipment
• UKAS calibrated equipment
• Smoke testing in the event of an air test failure
• Thermal Imaging in the event of an air test failure
• Same day quotation
• Experienced test engineers
• Thousands of air pressure tests undertaken
• Fantastic customer satisfaction score

Air Pressure Testing Ltd boasts a client base from one of self-builders to the largest construction companies in the UK. We offering leading design, consultancy and compliance for every part of your project, at all stages. It’s our aim to provide a friendly and professional stress-free experience.

APT Sound Testing can be contacted on 01525 303 905, or via our website contact page to discuss your Smoke Shaft Testing and any specific requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.