Guidance on radon in the workplace

Every place of work can be affected by radon – retail outlets, offices, factories, schools, universities, hospitals, health centres, hotels and care homes.

How much radon you are exposed to at work will depend on where your place of work is located, the type of building and which part of it you work in. Radon is more likely to be found in basements, cellars and any other poorly ventilated rooms at or below ground level.

It is a legal requirement for an employer to assess any risks to staff while at work, including radon and especially if your place of work is in a radon Affected Area. You can check by visiting www.ukradon.org.

Radon rises up from the ground, so obviously the construction of the floor and its integrity can affect radon levels. Ventilation will greatly affect levels and readings could differ widely throughout a building.

We supply passive monitors approved by the HPA. These simple devices are reliable, easy to use and can be sent by post. Individual results for each home are entirely confidential.

 Testing is generally undertaken in ground floor departments.  Higher floors do not generally need to be tested.  That said, all workplaces in radon Affected Areas should be tested.

If a radon level in any part of a workplace exceeds 400 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m3), an employer is obliged to take action. Additionally they must inform staff of their risk and appoint someone to oversee protection measures.

In its publication ‘Radon at Work’  the HPA includes a five-point plan for employers with premises in radon Affected Areas:

• Measurement Test for radon on the ground floor and occupied basements
• Surveillance Continue monitoring until remedial action is complete
• Risk assessment Set priorities for action based on radon levels
• Mitigation Complete remedial action within six months
• Maintenance Conduct periodic testing and routine checks

We can advise on the number of monitors and best placement locations for most type of business from retail premises to offices through to manufacturing plant.

 Call us on Tel: 01326 341 423 or email info@airtechtaunton.co.uk