Product Overview

Summary: This Air Infiltration Control Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable method for identifying, managing and verifying air leakage in buildings and work areas. It helps Australian businesses protect indoor air quality, maintain safe thermal comfort, and control contaminants while improving energy efficiency and WHS compliance.

Uncontrolled air infiltration can compromise worker health, comfort and productivity by allowing dust, fumes, outdoor pollutants and unconditioned air to enter the workplace. It also undermines the performance of HVAC systems, creates cold and hot spots, and can interfere with pressure-controlled environments such as laboratories, healthcare facilities, clean rooms and food processing areas. This Air Infiltration Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS-aligned approach to planning, implementing and verifying air leakage control measures in new and existing buildings.

The SOP guides your team through practical steps including inspection of building envelopes, identification of infiltration pathways, coordination with HVAC operation, and documentation of corrective actions. It links air infiltration control directly to health and safety outcomes—such as better control of airborne contaminants, mould prevention and reduced thermal stress—while also addressing operational issues like energy wastage and equipment strain. Developed for Australian conditions and regulatory expectations, this procedure helps duty holders demonstrate due diligence in maintaining a safe built environment, particularly where indoor air quality is a critical risk control.

Key Benefits

• Improve indoor air quality by controlling the ingress of dust, fumes, pollutants and outdoor allergens.
• Reduce WHS risks associated with thermal discomfort, drafts, condensation and mould growth.
• Ensure consistent building pressure relationships in sensitive areas such as laboratories, healthcare, clean rooms and food production spaces.
• Optimise HVAC performance and reduce energy waste caused by uncontrolled air leakage.
• Standardise inspection, testing, documentation and corrective actions across sites for defensible WHS compliance.

Who is this for?

• Facility Managers
• WHS Managers
• Building Services Engineers
• HVAC Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Site Managers
• Energy and Sustainability Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Commissioning Engineers
• Quality Assurance Managers (Construction and Fit‑out)

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne contaminants entering through gaps, cracks and unsealed penetrations
• Thermal stress and discomfort due to drafts, hot and cold spots from uncontrolled air leakage
• Condensation and mould growth leading to respiratory irritation and illness
• Compromised containment in pressure-controlled rooms (e.g. isolation rooms, laboratories, clean rooms)
• Increased spread of odours, fumes and combustion by-products between work areas
• Overloading of HVAC systems leading to poor ventilation and inadequate fresh air supply

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Concepts (Infiltration, Exfiltration, Building Envelope, Pressure Differentials)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment – Air Infiltration and WHS Impacts
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Instruments (Including Test Methods)
• 7.0 Pre-Inspection Planning and Coordination with HVAC Operations
• 8.0 Building Envelope Inspection and Identification of Infiltration Pathways
• 9.0 Control Measures and Rectification Methods (Sealing, Barriers, Pressure Control)
• 10.0 Integration with Ventilation, Filtration and Pressurisation Systems
• 11.0 Verification and Testing (e.g. Smoke Testing, Pressure Testing, Blower Door)
• 12.0 Monitoring, Maintenance and Periodic Review
• 13.0 Documentation, Records and Reporting Requirements
• 14.0 Training and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Change Management and Commissioning for New Works and Retrofits
• 16.0 Continuous Improvement and Audit Checklist

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – provisions relating to ventilation, thermal comfort and airborne contaminants
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Airborne Contaminants at the Workplace Code of Practice
• NCC (National Construction Code) – Performance requirements for building envelope and ventilation
• AS 1668.2: The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings
• AS/NZS 3666.2: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control – Operation and maintenance
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment (for interaction with smoke control and pressurisation systems)
• ISO 9972 (referenced practice): Thermal performance of buildings – Determination of air permeability of buildings (blower door method)