New Irish Standard – I.S. 398:2013

Having Co-written the first Pyrite Testing and Remediation Protocols in Ireland, Aidan O’Connell & Associates was requested by Engineers Ireland to represent them on both Sub-committees working on the writing of the new IS398 Standard on Pyrite.

Following on from the recommendations of the Pyrite Panel, appointed by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD, NSAI were instructed to produce an appropriate standard for the pyrite issue in Ireland. They in turn formed two sub-committees made up of industry recognised experts and interested bodies to review the whole issue and produce IS398.

Following the recommendations of the Pyrite Panel in their report of June 2012, the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) were commissioned to produce a National Standard with regard to reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material. This standard has now been published in two parts as follows:-

I.S. 398-1:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material
Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol

This Standard has been developed for use by those intending to provide testing and categorisation services for buildings suspected of being affected by pyrite.
The scope of this standard:
a) establishes a comprehensive structured protocol for assessing and determining whether or not a building has been damaged by reactive pyrite or is likely to be in the future, and
b) categorises buildings, in accordance with this standard.

I.S. 398-2: 2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material
Part 2: Methodology for remediation works.

This Standard has been developed specifically for those that intend to provide services for the remediation of buildings affected by pyrite.

The scope of this standard:
This Irish Standard specifies a methodology for the remediation by the complete removal of sub-floor hardcore affected by reactive pyrite.

The Department of the Environment have issued a press statement to coincide with the publication of the new standards and the following is an extract:-

“I.S. 398-Part 1 details accurate and reliable protocols to determine whether or not a building is or may be affected by reactive pyrite in the sub-floor hardcore material while Part 2 of the standard details the specification for remediation work. Part 1 of the standard will provide clarity for homeowners dealing with pyrite and will be a key component in the prioritisation of remediation works. Part 2 provides a detailed guidance for remediation works and will provide the homeowner with assurance that work has been completed to a high standard.

These two standards will be used as key references for the Pyrites Resolution Board when dealing with claims for remediation.”

Click here to read the full report