Statement of Purpose
The National Association of Infrared Surveyors (NAIS) is committed to advancing professionalism and trust in the
thermal infrared survey industry. This Code of Ethics sets forth principles and rules of conduct that provide a
minimum ethics requirement applicable to all NAIS members. It may be augmented by additional ethics code requirements
by other authorities under whose jurisdiction services are being provided.
Principle 1: Professional Conduct
- The thermographer shall always act in good faith towards the client.
- The thermographer shall comply with all building security and safety rules.
- Unless qualified, the thermographer shall not perform tasks normally performed by a licensed tradesperson.
- The thermographer shall not render a professional opinion unless it is based on fact, education, or experience.
- The thermographer shall not disclose the results of an infrared survey to others without client consent, unless
compelled by law or an immediate threat to occupant safety.
- The thermographer shall maintain truth in advertising, marketing, and promotion of services or qualifications.
- The thermographer shall commit to ongoing professional development and education to help further the infrared
survey industry.
Principle 2: Performing Services
- The thermographer shall perform an infrared survey that is substantially in compliance with the NAIS Standards
of Practice.
- The thermographer shall use thermal imaging equipment with sufficient capabilities to meet the survey requirements.
- The thermographer shall perform infrared surveys only when environmental and physical conditions are suitable
for gathering accurate data.
- The thermographer shall have sufficient knowledge of the components or systems surveyed to recognize anomalies
in observed thermal images.
- A written pre-survey agreement with the client shall disclose the scope of the inspection, limitations, and
fees.
- The written report submitted shall clearly illustrate and document anomalies observed.
- The thermographer shall not exclude components that fall within the Standards of Practice without written agreement
with the client.
Principle 3: Conflicts of Interest
- The thermographer shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party
for the same service without the consent of all interested parties.
- The thermographer shall inform clients of the right to obtain competitive bids for any work recommended.
- The thermographer shall not allow any interest in any business to affect the quality of the results of the
infrared survey.
- The thermographer shall provide additional services to the client only after securing the written consent of
the client in a separate document that includes a written statement of the services intended and how such services
may conflict with the infrared survey.
Infrared Survey Standards
Standards for infrared surveys of building envelopes set minimum requirements for describing and reporting conditions
observed. Standards define and clarify terms, procedures, scope, conditions, and limitations as they relate to
an NAIS Infrared Survey and Report. We refer to Resnet guidelines for infrared surveys of buildings.
An infrared survey of a building envelope can be conducted for multiple reasons including energy loss due to inadequate
or damaged insulation, air infiltration, and deterioration due to moisture intrusion. The Infrared Survey Report
communicates the information to the client through visual and thermal images and written documentation.
A qualified thermographer performs a non-invasive infrared survey of the readily accessible and applicable areas
of the building envelope. The accompanying Infrared Survey Report documents areas with abnormal surface temperatures
requiring further investigation. The Standards provide minimum guidelines for the survey, and outline what the
thermographer should survey and report on, but are not intended to limit the thermographer from exceeding the Standards.
