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Airtightness in laboratories is not just a construction detail – it’s a critical functional requirement. For biosafety and containment facilities (PC3/PC4), insufficient airtightness can compromise:
Biosafety containment integrity
Regulatory compliance under the National Construction Code (NCC)
Indoor air quality and HVAC performance
Environmental control and operational cost efficiency
Aerotight testing pinpoints leakage paths that affect both safety and performance, enabling corrective action before occupancy.
• Globally recognised airtightness evaluation methods
• Provide repeatable, certified measurement protocols
Aerotight conforms with ISO testing methodologies to deliver airtightness scores that are reliable, comparable, and auditable.
• NCC mandates performance‑based compliance in critical facilities
• Airtightness influences energy efficiency, HVAC load, and overall building performance
Aerotight testing supports NCC compliance through evidence‑based performance validation.
• Airtightness performance can contribute to Green Star credits
• Strong airtightness directly supports sustainable HVAC efficiency
Aerotight advises on airtightness impact for sustainability certification strategies.
• Envelope leakage around penetrations (ducts, services, doors)
• Differential pressure performance under simulated conditions
• Sealing performance for high‑risk containment spaces
We work with design teams early to embed airtightness into specifications, minimising risk and rework.
Our technicians use calibrated equipment to measure and report envelope performance according to ISO standards.
Where leakage is identified, Aerotight provides actionable diagnostics and mitigation planning.
Repeat testing to confirm remediation outcomes and certify performance.
• Engineers – design validation and risk mitigation
• Architects – performance benchmarking for envelope design
• Project Managers – compliance assurance before handover
• C‑Level Executives – strategic risk, safety and sustainability governance
Whether you are delivering a new PC3/PC4 facility or upgrading existing assets, Aerotight ensures airtightness performance is no longer a guess – but a certified outcome.
Real-world airtightness results across Australia, delivered by Aerotight. Explore how precision testing, compliance expertise, and proven outcomes help projects meet strict performance standards with confidence.
Hear directly from builders, architects, and project teams across Australia who trust Aerotight for accurate testing, smooth compliance, and dependable results on every project.
While PC2 (Physical Containment Level 2) labs generally do not have the same mandatory leakage targets as PC3, they must still maintain directional airflow. Airtightness testing is highly recommended for PC2 labs to ensure the HVAC system can maintain stable negative pressure without excessive energy waste or "whistling" through gaps.
Yes. By verifying the integrity of internal partitions, Aerotight ensures that air only moves through intended pathways (like HEPA-filtered exhausts). This prevents "backflow" or air migration between different lab zones, which is critical for genomic research and sensitive forensic applications where sample purity is paramount.
For PC4 facilities, guidelines often require the lab to be an "isolated part of the building" with an interstitial space that can be maintained at a positive pressure relative to the lab. Aerotight conducts simultaneous multi-zone testing to verify the pressure relationship between the lab, the interstitial shell, and the external environment.
Every 5 years, or whenever significant modifications occur. Australian standards and OGTR guidelines mandate periodic re-verification of the containment seal. Aerotight provides comprehensive re-certification services, providing the detailed reporting required to satisfy regulatory audits and ensure ongoing safety.
Yes. Aerotight provides a specialized Containment Integrity Report that includes detailed leakage calculations, pressure-flow curves, and evidence of seal performance. Our reports are designed to meet the specific evidence requirements of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Yes. Under AS/NZS 2243.3:2022, Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3) and Level 4 (PC4) laboratories must undergo mandatory boundary integrity testing. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and DAFF require these facilities to be "gastight" to ensure pathogens cannot escape. Aerotight provides the NATA-traceable testing required for initial certification and mandatory 5-yearly re-certification across Australia.
According to AS/NZS 2243.3, a PC3 facility should achieve an air leakage rate of no more than 120 L/min @ 200 Pa differential pressure upon commissioning. To maintain certification, the facility must not exceed 1200 L/min during its operational life. Aerotight utilizes high-precision blower door systems specifically calibrated for these stringent low-leakage environments.
Boundary integrity is the primary defense against the accidental release of biological agents or hazardous chemicals. In labs using gaseous decontamination (like Formaldehyde or Hydrogen Peroxide vapor), an airtight seal is vital to keep lethal fumigants contained within the lab. Aerotight’s testing verifies that your containment barrier is robust enough to protect the surrounding building and staff.
The primary standard is AS/NZS 2243.3 (Safety in laboratories - Microbiological safety and containment). Additionally, labs may need to comply with AS ISO 14644 for cleanroom standards and NCC 2022 Section J for general building energy performance. Aerotight is expert in navigating these overlapping regulations to provide a single, compliant testing solution.
We employ a multi-stage diagnostic approach. First, we use ultrasonic leak detection and smoke pencil testing to find minor bypasses at door seals and service penetrations. For complex leaks, we use theatrical-grade non-toxic fog to pressurise the space, making even the smallest structural gaps visible for immediate sealing.
Partner with THE airtightness authority in Australia. Aerotight brings precision testing, documented results, and proven strategies to every laboratory project.
Contact Aerotight today to schedule testing, plan airtightness assurance for your next facility, or integrate airtightness into your performance goals.
Need airtightness testing for compliance or project verification? Submit the form and our team will reach out to you shortly.
