Overview
EN ISO 6781-3:2015 (ISO 6781-3:2015) defines the qualifications and competence requirements for personnel involved in building thermography - specifically those who operate infrared equipment, analyse thermographic data, and write inspection reports. It sets a framework for assessing and declaring conformity of individuals’ knowledge, skills and abilities in three classes of competence for small, residential, commercial and institutional buildings. The standard is not intended for specialized equipment or niche situations.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Establishes minimum competence for thermographic investigations of building heat, air and moisture irregularities using thermal imaging.
- Classification of personnel: Competence is structured into three classes that correspond to levels of responsibility and building types.
- Eligibility and qualifications: Requirements cover education, training, and practical experience needed to perform thermographic inspections and analysis.
- Assessment & testing: Test instruments (examinations) evaluate knowledge, skills and abilities. The standard details administration and content areas for these assessments.
- Training course requirements: Normative annexes provide course content and training guidance for equipment operators, data analysts and report writers.
- Conformity and certification: The standard’s assessment approach aligns with conformity-assessment principles and references ISO/IEC 17024 for bodies certifying persons.
- Normative references: Includes relevant references such as ISO 9288 (thermal radiation quantities).
Applications
EN ISO 6781-3:2015 is practical for professionals and organizations focused on building performance, energy efficiency and forensic diagnostics:
- Thermographers and infrared equipment operators seeking recognized competence levels.
- Data analysts and report writers producing thermographic diagnostics for insulation defects, moisture intrusion and air leakage.
- Certification bodies and training providers who develop courses and examinations in line with the standard.
- Energy auditors, building inspectors, facility managers and contractors who specify or require accredited thermographic services.
- Clients and specifiers using the standard as a basis to procure reliable thermographic inspections and consistent reports that support retrofit decisions and compliance checks.
Related Standards
- ISO 6781 series (other parts cover general procedures, equipment requirements and inspection/reporting protocols)
- ISO/IEC 17024:2012 - Conformity assessment - Certification of persons
- ISO 9288:1989 - Thermal insulation - Heat transfer by radiation
EN ISO 6781-3:2015 helps ensure building thermography is performed and reported by competent personnel, improving the reliability of thermal imaging for energy efficiency, moisture detection and airtightness diagnostics. Keywords: ISO 6781-3:2015, thermography, building thermography, infrared methods, qualifications, thermal imaging, building inspection, energy efficiency.