Air Testing Services: Cleanroom Validation and HEPA Filter Integrity Testing
Professional air testing and cleanroom validation services across South Africa. Cleanroom particle count testing to ISO 14644, HEPA filter integrity testing (DOP/PAO), and indoor air quality assessment. Delivered by our testing partner with over 25 years of field experience. Prebur filter supply clients receive preferential rates on all testing services.
Filter Supply and Testing Under One Roof
Prebur supplies air filtration products to hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, data centres, and commercial buildings across South Africa. Through our partnership with Grant Lundie, an air testing specialist with over 25 years of experience in cleanroom validation and filter integrity testing, we now offer a complete air filtration service: supply, installation support, and independent performance verification.
Testing is mandated every 6 to 12 months in regulated environments. Compliance lapses risk audit failures, product contamination, and operational shutdowns. Our testing service ensures your filtration systems are performing to specification and that you have the documentation to prove it.
Existing Prebur filter supply clients receive preferential rates on all testing services. If we supply your filters, we will test them too.
Request Testing
Tell us about your facility, the number of filter positions or rooms, and the testing services you need. We will confirm scope, scheduling, and pricing by return.
- ISO 14644 cleanroom particle count testing
- HEPA filter integrity testing (DOP/PAO)
- 25+ years specialist testing experience
- Preferential rates for Prebur filter clients
- Gauteng-based, available nationally
Our core testing services cover cleanroom validation, HEPA filter integrity, and indoor air quality assessment. Additional services including HVAC commissioning and compressed air quality testing are available on request. Contact us to confirm scope and availability for your facility.
Airborne particle concentration measurement at specified sampling locations to classify or re-certify cleanrooms and controlled environments. Testing follows ISO 14644-1 methodology with particle counts at 0.5 microns and larger. Results confirm whether each room or zone meets its designated ISO classification.
Aerosol challenge testing of installed HEPA filters to detect leaks through the filter media, frame seals, or gasket interfaces. A controlled aerosol is generated upstream and the downstream face is scanned with an aerosol photometer. Confirms that each installed filter achieves its rated efficiency.
Measurement of temperature, humidity, CO2, particulate matter, and other airborne contaminants in occupied buildings. Identifies ventilation deficiencies, pollutant sources, and areas where air quality falls below acceptable thresholds. Relevant for occupational health compliance and tenant comfort in commercial buildings.
Measurement and adjustment of airflow volumes, air change rates, and pressure differentials across HVAC systems. Verifies that the installed system delivers the design airflow to each zone. Essential after new installations, system modifications, or when occupant comfort or energy performance is in question. Contact us to confirm availability for your project.
Analysis of compressed air systems for particulate contamination, moisture content, and oil vapour concentration. Testing follows ISO 8573 methodology and is required for pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and any application where compressed air contacts the product or process. Contact us to confirm scope and availability.
On-site assessment of installed filter condition including pressure drop measurement and filter loading. Helps determine whether filters are due for replacement and whether the installed filtration is delivering the required air quality. Covers panel filters, pocket bag filters, and HEPA terminal units. Contact us to confirm scope.
Air testing is governed by international and South African standards that define testing methodology, acceptance criteria, and reporting requirements. The standard applicable to your facility depends on the environment type and the regulatory framework you operate under. We test in accordance with the following standards.
ISO 14644: Cleanrooms and Associated Controlled Environments
The primary international standard for cleanroom classification and monitoring. ISO 14644-1 defines the classification of air cleanliness by airborne particle concentration (ISO Class 1 through ISO Class 9). ISO 14644-2 specifies monitoring requirements to demonstrate continued compliance. ISO 14644-3 covers test methods including particle counting, airflow measurement, pressure difference, and installed filter leakage testing. This is the standard applied to pharmaceutical cleanrooms, hospital operating theatres, electronics manufacturing, and any ISO-classified controlled environment.
EN 1822: High Efficiency Air Filters (EPA, HEPA, ULPA)
The European standard for classifying high efficiency filters. EN 1822 defines filter classes from E10 through U17 and specifies the test methods for determining overall and local efficiency. HEPA filter integrity testing on site verifies that the installed filter continues to meet the EN 1822 classification. Our HEPA filters are tested and classified to EN 1822 and supplied with test certificates from a CNAS-accredited laboratory.
ISO 8573: Compressed Air Quality
Specifies purity classes for compressed air based on particle concentration, moisture content (pressure dew point), and total oil content (liquid, aerosol, and vapour). ISO 8573-1 defines the purity classes. Subsequent parts specify the test methods for each contaminant type. Relevant for pharmaceutical production, food and beverage manufacturing, and any process where compressed air contacts the product. Contact us to confirm whether compressed air testing is available for your application.
SANS 10173: Medical Ventilation Requirements
The South African national standard specifying ventilation requirements for healthcare facilities. Covers air change rates, pressure relationships between zones, filtration requirements, and temperature and humidity control for operating theatres, intensive care units, isolation rooms, and other clinical areas. Testing to SANS 10173 verifies that the installed HVAC system meets the minimum ventilation performance required for patient safety.
ASHRAE Standards
ASHRAE 52.2 (Method of Testing for filter performance) and ASHRAE 62.1 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) are referenced in commercial HVAC design and commissioning. ASHRAE 62.1 defines minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality requirements for commercial buildings. These standards apply to HVAC commissioning, air balancing, and indoor air quality assessments in office buildings, retail spaces, and commercial facilities.
Air testing requirements vary by industry and regulatory framework. The following sectors represent the core of our testing workload. If your industry is not listed, contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Cleanroom classification and re-certification to ISO 14644. HEPA filter integrity testing. Required for GMP compliance and regulatory audit readiness. Testing intervals typically every 6 to 12 months. See our pharmaceutical filtration page for related filter products.
HEPA filter integrity testing in operating theatres, ICU, and isolation rooms. Air change rate verification. Pressure differential testing between clean and adjacent zones. Compliance with SANS 10173 medical ventilation requirements. See our healthcare filtration page.
Particle count testing in server rooms and white space. Airflow measurement and containment verification. Filter performance assessment for precision cooling units. Confirms that the controlled environment meets the equipment manufacturer's operating specifications for particulate contamination.
Cleanroom validation for aseptic packaging areas. Indoor air quality monitoring in production zones. Required for FSSC 22000, HACCP, and other food safety management systems. Contact us to discuss compressed air testing requirements for your facility.
Indoor air quality monitoring for occupational health compliance in production facilities. HEPA filter integrity testing in electronics assembly and precision manufacturing areas. Contact us to discuss HVAC commissioning or compressed air quality testing requirements for your site.
Indoor air quality assessments for office buildings, retail centres, and mixed-use developments. HVAC commissioning and air balancing after new installations or system modifications. Occupant comfort and ventilation adequacy testing. CO2 monitoring and fresh air rate verification.
What is included in a cleanroom particle count test?
A cleanroom particle count test measures the concentration of airborne particles at specified sampling locations within the classified area. Testing follows ISO 14644-1 methodology: the number and placement of sampling points is determined by the room area and ISO class. Results are recorded for particles at 0.5 microns and larger (and 0.1 microns for ISO 5 and cleaner). The final report documents the measured particle concentrations at each sampling point and confirms whether the room meets its designated ISO classification.
How often should HEPA filters be integrity tested?
HEPA filter integrity testing should be performed at least every 12 months for most regulated environments. Pharmaceutical cleanrooms, hospital operating theatres, and ISO-classified production areas typically require testing every 6 to 12 months. Testing is also required after any filter replacement, after construction or maintenance work near the HVAC system, or following any event that may have disturbed the filter installation. Your facility compliance officer or quality manager will confirm the interval required by your specific regulatory framework.
What is DOP testing?
DOP (Dispersed Oil Particulate) testing is a method used to verify the integrity of installed HEPA filters. A controlled aerosol challenge is generated upstream of the filter, and the downstream face is scanned with an aerosol photometer to detect any leaks through the filter media, frame, or gasket seal. The test confirms that the installed filter achieves its rated efficiency. DOP is sometimes referred to as PAO (Poly-Alpha-Olefin) testing when a synthetic aerosol is used instead of DOP oil. The test methodology is the same.
Do you provide SANAS-accredited test reports?
Our testing partner has over 25 years of experience in air testing and filtration validation across South Africa. Test reports are issued in accordance with the relevant ISO standard methodology. If your facility requires specifically SANAS-accredited reporting, please discuss this requirement when booking so we can confirm the appropriate testing scope and reporting format for your compliance needs.
What areas do you cover for air testing?
We are based in Gauteng and cover the greater Johannesburg and Pretoria region as our primary service area. Testing is available nationally across South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and other centres. National bookings are scheduled in regional rounds to manage travel logistics. Contact us with your location and we will confirm availability and scheduling.
How do I book an air testing service?
Contact us via the form on this page, email [email protected], or call Nick Els on +27 74 159 1634. Provide your facility type, the testing services required, and the number of filter positions or rooms to be tested. We will confirm the scope, scheduling, and pricing by return. Existing Prebur filter supply clients receive preferential rates on all testing services.