Guidance on radon in schools

Schools are essentially workplaces and so action is required if radon levels above 400 Bq m3 are recorded – the threshold specified in the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 enforced by the HSE. More information

Children are protected by the provisions made for members of the public. Teachers and staff are ‘employees’ and so responsibility for their health and safety rests with their employers.

Accurate measurements of radon in schools will only be achieved if testing is undertaken during term time as variable results will be obtained during long holiday periods when schools are closed and ventilation is minimal. It’s worth noting that experience has shown that monitors have been removed at term start up when new staff prepare classrooms for teaching.

Duty holders in schools may have been contacted by the Health Protection Agency to raise awareness of radon.