What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive element. It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas. Radon is found in the atmosphere but tends to accumulate in underground space such as caves, mines and basements. Radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking. Before appropriate ventilation became mandatory, many miners developed lung cancer from radon exposure.

Whilst the highest levels of radon gas are usually found in underground spaces, high concentrations are found in ground floor buildings due to a higher likelihood of a slightly lower pressure than the surrounding atmosphere. This allows radon from subsoil underneath buildings to enter through cracks and gaps in the floor.

Workplaces such as basements, mines, caves and utility industry service ducts can have significant levels of radon as can any above-ground workplaces in radon affected areas. All workplaces including factories, offices, shops, classrooms, nursing homes, residential care homes and health centres can be affected. 

What will the Radon Survey provide? 

• Radon Surveys - Radon surveys and tests should be conducted in any building where its location and characteristics suggest that elevated levels of radon may be found posing a threat of significant exposure to employees or other persons
• Radon Risk Assessments - According to the HSE, risk assessments for radon should be carried out in relation to all below-ground workplaces in the UK and all workplaces located in radon affected areas (both below and above ground). Reviews of the risk assessment should be conducted when significant changes are made to the fabric of the building or to works being carried out within the affected building

What are my responsibilities?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an employer is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employees and others who access their workplace. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require the assessment of health and safety risks which include radon under the following circumstances:

• All workplaces located in radon-affected areas; and
• All occupied below-ground workplaces in the UK.

Workplaces in radon affected areas should be tested. If radon levels in any part of a workplace exceed 300 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) as an annual average, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) apply, and the employer is required to take action to restrict exposure. It is the responsibility of the HSE and local authorities to enforce these regulations. 

UKHSA advises radon should be identified as a hazard if you have a workplace with one or more of the following circumstances:

• It is a building in a radon Affected Area
• It has a basement area that is occupied for more than about 50 hours each year
• It is a mine, cave, or other underground environments
• It has a suspected radon source such as groundwater (e.g. treatment works) or geological samples

Our specialist team can assess your areas of business that fall under the above locations and determine if a radon test, utilising radon detectors, and survey are required. If radon is identified in the radon test and radon survey, our team can provide mitigation and remediation advice. The combination of radon level, occupancy time and workplace type will determine what action is required.

Our knowledge of the issues surrounding the risk management and legal compliance of hazardous materials gives our clients complete reassurance throughout their project, with real time visibility of all hazardous materials and all risks. Our extensive expertise in radiation protection will facilitate your compliance with the IRR17.