When a single unseen hotspot can mean the difference between uninterrupted operation and catastrophic failure, the stakes for thermographers have never been higher.
Engineers and certified inspectors stand on the front lines of safety and reliability—tasked with detecting hidden defects that threaten lives, assets, and reputations.
This definitive guide cuts through the complexity of TR119:2024, ISO, ASNT, and ANSI standards, arming you with practical knowledge to excel in thermographic inspections.
From critical infrastructure to industrial systems, mastering these compliance standards isn’t just ticking a box—it’s your assurance that every scan, every image, and every report can stand up to the highest scrutiny.
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TR119:2024
As Singapore’s benchmark for building envelope thermography, TR119:2024 integrates international best practices with local regulations to ensure reliable, safe, and effective inspections.
This standard outlines essential guidelines for personnel qualifications, inspection procedures, and reporting protocols—empowering thermographers to identify and document thermal anomalies with precision and compliance.
It follows the following standards:
| Standard / Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM C 1060-11a (2015) | Thermographic inspection of insulations in envelope cavities of frame buildings. |
| BCA Guidelines on Periodic Facade Inspection | Requirements for regular inspection of building facades to ensure safety and compliance. |
| Building Control (Periodic Inspection of Buildings and Building Facades) Regulations 2021 | Legal regulations mandating periodic inspections of building facades in Singapore. |
| BS EN 13187-1999 | Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes using infrared methods. |
| JAIRA Building Facade Inspection Method | Standardized method by the Japan Infrared Ray Association for facade inspections. |
| Standard for Infrared Inspection of Building Envelopes (2016 Edition) | Guidelines from Infraspection Institute for accurate building envelope thermography. |
| ISO 6781-1:2023 | Procedures for detecting heat, air, and moisture irregularities in buildings using infrared thermography. |
| ASNT CP-105 | Topical outlines for qualification of nondestructive testing personnel in thermography. |
| ASNT CP-189 | Standards for qualification and certification of nondestructive testing personnel. |
| ISO 9712 | International standard for qualification and certification of NDT personnel. |
| ISO 18436-7 | Requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel in condition monitoring thermography. |
Terms & Definitions
Defines key qualifications for thermographers, distinguishing between Level-1 Certified Thermographers with foundational skills and Qualified Thermographers (Level-2) authorized to interpret findings and sign off reports.
- Qualified Thermographer =
- Passed Certificate in Facade Inspection Course +
- Level-2 Certificate in Thermography
- Thermographer =
- Possess relevant experience in Building and construction +
- Level-1 Certificate in Thermography
Responsibilities
Outlines the mandatory qualifications for personnel conducting and interpreting thermographic inspections, ensuring only certified Level-1 or Level-2 thermographers handle scans, analysis, and report approvals.
- Personnel carrying out inspections shall have at least Level-1 Certified Thermographer qualification.
- All thermal scanning findings shall be interpreted by a Qualified Thermographer (Level-2).
- All infrared reports shall be prepared and signed off by a Qualified Thermographer (Level-2).
Terms & Definitions
- Qualified Thermographer =
- Passed Certificate in Facade Inspection Course +
- Level-2 Certificate in Thermography
- Thermographer =
- Possess relevant experience in Building and construction +
- Level-1 Certificate in Thermography
SNT-TC-1A (Personnel Qualification & Certification)
SNT-TC-1A provides flexible guidelines for establishing thermographer qualification and certification programs, enabling employers to tailor requirements to their specific needs and operational contexts.
Scope
Outlines recommended practices for thermographer qualification and certification.
Not intended as a strict specification; employers should adapt guidelines as needed.
Example: 34 hours of training can be implemented, but enforcing 1260 hours of thermography work (equivalent to ~8 months full-time scanning) is impractical.
Certification & Training
- Certifications should be approved by the Level-3 trainer.
- Training programs should be approved by the Level-3 trainer.
- Training programs should include examinations.
- Training course outlines are contained in ANSI/ASNT CP-105: ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of NDT Personnel.
Examinations
- Minimum number of examination questions for Level-1 Thermography: 40 questions.
- Minimum number of examination questions for Level-2 Thermography: 50 questions.
- Examination questions should cover applicable topics from ANSI/ASNT CP-105, including procedures, specifications, codes, and acceptance criteria.
- All examination questions shall be approved by the Level-3 trainer.
- Grading of examinations shall be administered by the Level-3 trainer or qualified representative.
- All examinations shall be closed-book except when reference materials (graphs, tables, specifications etc) are necessary.
- Minimum passing grade for written examinations is 70%.
- Examinations shall not be administered by oneself.
- Trainees failing to attain required passing grade require additional training, or, should wait at least 30 days for reexamination.
Practical Exercise
Trainees shall be assessed on at least 1 simulated fault, and are required to successfully diagnose it.
ASNT CP-189 (Qualification & Certification)
ASNT CP-189 establishes clear requirements for qualifying and certifying thermographers, defining the skills, training, and assessments necessary to ensure consistent, competent performance in nondestructive thermal inspections.
| Qualification Requirements | Level-1 Thermographers | Level-2 Thermographers | Trainee Thermographers (Uncertified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | Carry out standard equipment setups and thermal tests. Interpret and evaluate results for acceptance or rejection by higher qualified thermographer. Record and document results according to approved procedures. | Set up and calibrate infrared equipment Perform inspections and tests Interpret, evaluate, and document results Follow Level-3-approved procedures | Must always work under direct supervision of a certified Level 2 or 3 thermographer |
| Additional Expectations | Receive guidance and supervision from Level 2 or 3 thermographers | Understand infrared testing capabilities and limitations Supervise and guide trainees and Level-1 thermographers Organize and report thermographic findings clearly | Not allowed to independently conduct thermal tests or prepare thermographic reports |
Practical Exercises
| Training Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Training | Examine and document results of at least 1 test sample. Test samples must represent products the candidate will encounter on the job. |
| Level 2 Training | Examine, interpret, evaluate, and document results of at least 2 test samples. Test samples must represent products expected on the job. |