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ProTen Discuss Sustainability In Building Engineer Magazine

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:29:00 +0100

ProTen Discuss Sustainability In Building Engineer Magazine

Sustainability Is Nothing New For Property Preservers

Gone are the days when property preservers were simply seen as sprayers and injectors; for many years this sector has been playing a significant role in cutting carbon emissions and achieving sustainability in the construction industry, as Martin Freeman, Managing Director of ProTen Services explains

Click here to view this article in PDF format as it appeared in the Building Engineer journal

A report in 2008 compiled by the Empty Homes Agency in association with the Building and Social Housing Federation established that far less carbon emissions are created by refurbishing old buildings compared with constructing new ones.

The study, which included input from Persimmon, Taylor Woodrow Homes (now Taylor Wimpey plc), WWF and academics from University of Bath looked at the carbon emissions given off during the housebuilding and renovating process ("embodied CO₂") and those given off from normal energy use in the house once it is occupied ("operational CO₂").

The research concluded that the embodied CO₂ of a new house stood at 50 tonnes, whereas the embodied CO₂ of refurbishing an existing property was just 15 tonnes.

Energy-efficient measures installed in the new homes could eventually make up for the high embodied energy costs through lower operational CO₂, however it would take several decades (in most cases more than 50 years) for the operational CO₂ savings to offset the carbon load of the initial construction.

This means that refurbishing empty or dilapidated properties becomes a very attractive option for meeting carbon reduction targets set by our own Government and the EU.

The most widely used definition of sustainability is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Involvement of the Property Preservation Sector

From preserving historic timber beams from decay to creating habitable living spaces under existing buildings, the nation's property preservation contractors make a significant contribution to achieving sustainability in the construction industry.

The traditional core activities of damp proofing and timber preservation have always contributed to the protection of both the nation's housing stock and its architectural heritage. Diversification into new services and development of a range of techniques enables the property care industry to deliver sustainability on a broader front.

Timber preservation techniques have been refined to become much more targeted. Systems of resin repair are utilised to enable localised repairs, which minimise the disruption to the building and the extent to which replacement materials are required.

Damaged or unstable masonry and brickwork can also be repaired in a sustainable manner. Modern remedial wall ties allow cavity walls to be secured without having to demolish and rebuild masonry. Similarly, the development of helical technology has enabled in-situ structural stabilisation to be carried out, limiting or correcting the effects of building cracking and movement without the need for demolition and reconstruction.

In 2008, the former head of the World Trade Organisation, Mike Moore declared that brick making accounts for 2% of the world's carbon emissions. This is the same percentage as international air travel.

The development of waterproofing techniques makes it possible to increase living or working space without needing to develop new plots of land, by converting cellars and digging-out new basements. By bringing redundant spaces into use and maximising use of the building footprint, families and businesses are able to increase the size of their property according to their needs. There is a carbon dividend in avoiding relocation.

Condensation is the biggest cause of dampness in buildings, resulting in spoilt decorations and damage to soft furnishings. The use of indoor air management techniques enables condensation control, which in itself has a carbon payoff - dry air requires less energy to heat than moist air. Eliminate condensation and fuel bills go down. Similarly, these air management techniques help tackle health problems arising from mould spores, allergens and house dust mites. For example, the house dust mite, associated with many asthma conditions, is not viable at 45% Relative Humidity.

In considering sustainability in buildings, it is not simply the health and lifespan of the building at issue, but also the health and lifespan of the occupants.

Knowledge of property preservation techniques gained over many years has also enabled the development of innovative new products designed to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. For example, ProTen Services have used their 80 years' experience of damp proofing and knowledge of how moisture affects masonry to develop Thermability Pro. Thermability Pro is a unique masonry treatment cream that can be applied to the external surface of solid-walled buildings without affecting their appearance. The cream lines the pores of masonry and reduces their permeability whilst still allowing them to breathe. Drier bricks conduct much less heat than moist bricks, and academic testing of Thermability Pro indicates that a building treated with the cream will realise an energy saving on heating of between 9% and 29%.

Currently a third of Britain's housing stock has solid wall construction which is difficult to insulate conventionally. Thermability Pro provides a cost-effective means of improving the thermal efficiency of single skin brick or stone without the need for unattractive external cladding or dimension-reducing internal insulation. To treat an average pair of semi-detached homes with Thermability Pro would cost in the region of £1000.

Whilst much attention is given to ensuring that new buildings are constructed to be as energy efficient as possible, it is important to recognise that sustainability of existing buildings is also being supported by members of the property preservation sector, who over the years have made a significant contribution towards cutting carbon usage.

For further information, please contact ProTen Services Head Office: Monmouth House, 4 Monmouth Place, Bath, BA1 2AT, Tel 01225 447960, enquiries@protenservices.co.uk or visit http://www.protenservices.co.uk/

Sustainability By The Book: Cathays Library Case Study

A whole range of ProTen's specialist property preservation services were used in a major £1.5m refurbishment of Cathays Library in Cardiff. In order to conserve the architectural heritage of this Listed Building, ProTen Services carried out timber resin repairs to beams and trusses and dry rot control to other timbers in the structure. Brick stitching methods were also used to stabilise window arches and basement dewatering using a drained system was carried out in the lower ground-floor rooms. Finally, radon testing was carried out to confirm that the public building did not contain levels of the radioactive gas that would be harmful to future employees and visitors. By employing these techniques, the use of new raw materials, including timber, was kept to an absolute minimum and the original character of the building retained for many more generations to enjoy.

Focus On: Timber Resin Repair

ProTen Services were involved in Places for People's multi-million pound brownfield redevelopment scheme at Wolverton Park, near Milton Keynes. The scheme involved the careful redevelopment of several listed buildings, including the structure that was home to the Royal Train between 1889 and 1991. It was the designers' intention to retain original features wherever possible and incorporate these into the appeal of the new townhouses that have been constructed within the shell of the Royal Train Shed. When it was discovered that many of the timber beams were suffering from severe decay, ProTen Services were called upon to provide a solution. Repairs were carried out using special resins and timber off-cuts reclaimed from elsewhere on the site. This exemplifies how the property care industry can contribute to providing sustainable buildings; not only did this method allow the majority of the historic beams to be retained, but the restoration was carried out using waste materials recycled from elsewhere on the site.

The project won the National Home Improvement Council's Best Brownfield or Recycled Building Project award and the Modern Railway Restoration Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Focus On: Below-Ground Waterproofing

As part of the refurbishment of one of the finest townhouses in Central London, staff accommodation in the garden flat was included in the refit and required waterproofing to the British Standard, BS 8102. The highest standards of specification were used throughout the building so ProTen Services were involved at design stage with the architect and structural engineer to ensure that the basement waterproofing complied with the 2009 revision of BS 8102. This includes a new requirement to take account of radon gas in all basements, so ProTen's unique ADD Waterproofing system was used, which includes air management to safely manage any radon gas away from the property. Cavity drain membranes were fixed to the walls, and a sump chamber was created to house a pump system to evacuate water. The walls were then plastered in a conventional manner, and the rooms decorated and furnished.

Radon Tee Says Bonjour to Bretagne

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:44:00 +0100

Radon Tee Says Bonjour to Bretagne

Radon Tee UK made another visit across the Channel to France, this time to central Brittany

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Having travelled across much of the UK, Radon Tee took the opportunity to spread its Reduce Radon message a little further afield recently, and hopped on the ferry to France on its latest leg of the World Trek 2010.

UK Radon Tee co-ordinators, ProTen Services were in the Carhaix Plouguer area of Brittany carrying out flood defence works to a mill house which had previously been subject to severe flooding during periods of bad weather. Brittany is known to have properties with elevated radon levels, due to the underlying geology, so in between all the hard work, ProTen took the opportunity to do some sightseeing, make some new friends and spread the message Réduisez le Radon!

US non-profit organisation, CanSAR (Cancer Survivors Against Radon) is dedicated to preventing radon-induced lung cancer and saving lives through education and awareness, and is sponsoring the Radon Tee World Trek 2010. The campaign aims to bring social awareness to communities through the power of photos, videos and personal stories.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Links up with Lancashire Safety Group

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:30:00 +0100

Radon Tee Links Up With Lancashire Occupational Health & Safety Group

Radon Tee UK made an appearance at the Lancashire Occupational Health & Safety Group August meeting to spread the message ‘Reduce Radon'

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As part of the Radon Tee World Trek 2010, ProTen Services are taking the Reduce Radon t-shirt on a tour of the UK. This week saw Radon Tee back in the North West with an appearance at the Lancashire Occupational Health & Safety Group (LOHSG) meeting.

LOHSG was established in 1930 and is celebrating its 80^thbirthday this year. The group represents organisations of all types and sizes across the county and holds regular meetings for members where expert speakers are invited to discuss a wide range of topics relating to occupational health, safety and accident prevention.

ProTen Services were invited to speak to the Group about radon gas, and during the hour-long seminar entitled ‘Radon: The Hidden Killer', gave an overview on the dangers of radon, how it enters buildings, how to test for its presence and remediation methods when high concentrations are found.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee is a Welsh Winner at Chepstow Racecourse

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:20:00 +0100

Radon Tee is a Welsh Winner At Chepstow Racecourse

Radon Tee UK was onto a winner in raising awareness at Chepstow Racecourse and gained the support of the Flood Protection Association

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ProTen Services attended a meeting of the Flood Protection Association (FPA) this week, held at Chepstow Racecourse.

Whilst at the Welsh racecourse, Radon Tee took the opportunity to raise awareness of radon gas amongst professionals from another property-related industry and posed with FPA Board members Ron Whitehead, Neil McDermid, James Mcgowan and Gary Briscoe.

Following the meeting, Radon Tee met up with Chepstow Event Executive, Natasha Sterry who took Tee on a tour of the course. Radon Tee was delighted to be invited into the Winner's Enclosure, and hopes that the Radon Tee World Trek 2010 will go some way to winning the battle against radon-induced lung cancer.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Heads to the Scottish Highlands

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:35:00 +0100

Radon Tee Heads to the Scottish Highlands

Following the publication of new indicative radon maps for Scotland, Radon Tee UK headed north to ‘The Granite City' of Aberdeen with ProTen Services

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In 2009 The Health Protection Agency published a new set of maps indicating the areas of Scotland where high levels of radon are most likely to be found.

Known as The Granite City, Aberdeen itself has curiously low levels of radon and as such has not been designated as an Affected Area, however this is not the case in areas to the West of the city, particularly around Braemar and Ballater. Over 30% of properties in certain parts of Aberdeenshire have been estimated to contain high levels of the naturally occurring radioactive gas.

ProTen Services were called in by an estate in connection with the more traditional services of damp proofing and timber treatment as well as to discuss radon testing and remediation, and given the recent publication of the maps, also took Radon Tee on a tour to raise awareness of radon gas amongst locals and tourists alike.

Radon Tee's tour included a visit to the Braemar Highland Heritage Centre, where duty manageress Frances explained that the tiny village of Braemar is home to the annual Highland Games of which Her Majesty the Queen is patron.

Radon Tee took a quick break to bask in the sunshine in the Scottish heather, and was then was back on the road to continue the World Trek with the message Reduce Radon.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Réduisez le Radon! Radon Tee Visits Paris

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:15:00 +0100

Réduisez le Radon! Radon Tee Visits Paris

On a recent trip to Paris, Radon Tee did some sightseeing before joining the ranks of haute couture fashion houses Chanel and Dior to spread the message ‘Reduce Radon' or as the French say ‘Réduisez le Radon'.

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Radon Tee UK became Radon Tee Français on a recent trip to Paris with ProTen Services, who were visiting the city in connection with the ADD Waterproofing combined radon control and waterproofing system for use in basements.

Whilst in the historic French capital, ProTen's Managing Director, Martin Freeman also visited The Sorbonne, part of the former University of Paris as part of a series of radon awareness communication events.

The Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral made a spectacular backdrop for Radon Tee, and as no trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, as dusk fell the Reduce Radon t-shirt was snapped with the famous landmark.

Radon Tee was in good company on a wander down the Champs-Élysées, joining the nearby window displays of chic French boutiques Chanel and Dior.

Radon Tee bid a fond ‘au revoir' to the city, ready to continue the World Trek back in the UK with a visit to the Scottish Highlands.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Construction Industry Council Chief Exec Supports Radon Tee

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:35:00 +0100

Construction Industry Council Chief Exec Supports Radon Tee

The Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Council, Graham Watts OBE has lent his support to the Radon Tee World Trek 2010.

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The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is a pan-industry body concerned with all aspects of the built environment. Its members represent over 500,000 professionals involved in the construction industry and more than 25,000 construction firms.

Graham Watts OBE has been involved with CIC since 1989 and was appointed Chief Executive in 1991. Responsible for, amongst other things, effective communication with Government and other external agencies, Mr Watts is also currently Secretary of the Strategic Forum for Construction and its Economic and Olympic Task Forces.

Mr Watts delivered an enthralling seminar entitled "The Future of the Construction Industry: 2010 and Beyond", which considered how the new government would impact upon public spending and ultimately the built environment. ProTen Services' Managing Director, Martin Freeman attended the seminar and was grateful to have heard the ‘inside view' on the current and anticipated state of the industry.

After the seminar, Mr Freeman spoke with Mr Watts regarding radon gas and he enthusiastically accepted the invitation to pose with Radon Tee.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

New Radon Advice From HPA: ProTen Services Explain

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:43:00 +0100

New Radon Advice From HPA: ProTen Services Explain

The Health Protection Agency has issued new advice regarding radon levels in homes and public buildings and recommends a lower target level of 100 Bq/m³

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Until recently, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommended that action should be taken to reduce radon levels in homes when concentration of the gas exceeds 200 Bq/m³, known as the Action Level. Research has confirmed that radon kills at much lower concentrations than previously thought, so new guidance has been issued which introduces a new lower ‘Target Level', addresses the misconception that radon only affects certain parts of the country and advises all homeowners with basements to carry out radon measurements.

New Guidance At A Glance

New Target Level of 100 Bq/m³ set as a target below which radon concentrations in existing and new homes should be

100 Bq/m³ Target Level also applied to public buildings and all schools

New bands of Lower Risk, Intermediate Risk and Higher Risk areas

Confirmation that all properties with basements are at higher risk of containing elevated levels of radon regardless of geographic area

Advisable to test for radon rather than to rely upon a probability estimate

On 8^th July 2010, HPA issued new guidance in its document Limitation of Human Exposure to Radon which includes the introduction of a Target Level of 100 Bq/m³. The principal role of this new Target Level is to provide an objective for radon remedial action in existing homes and preventative action in new homes. The 200 Bq/m³ Action Level is being retained as a means of designating areas most likely to be at risk, however HPA now recommends that householders with radon concentrations over 100 Bq/m³ should strongly consider taking remedial action.

This latest advice from HPA results in a five-fold increase in the number of homes requiring remediation, as it has been estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 homes in the UK contain radon levels in excess of 100 Bq/m³, compared to approximately 100,000 over 200 Bq/m³.

The new Target Level of 100 Bq/m³ is also now applicable to buildings where members of the public may spend over 2000 hours per and all schools. Previously, these buildings were only regulated under health and safety legislation in place to protect employees from hazards in the workplace.

The new advice also addresses the misconception that radon is only found in certain areas of the UK. There is a higher probability of properties containing elevated levels of radon in certain localities however no properties have "zero risk". HPA has therefore introduced a system of classifying areas as Lower, Intermediate or Higher risk radon areas. Whilst homeowners in the Intermediate and Higher Risk areas will be actively encouraged to carry out radon tests, HPA acknowledges that, "In general, it should be considered prudent to test for radon rather than to rely upon a probability estimate", which is in keeping with ProTen Services' longstanding motto "To Test Is Best".

Homeowners with basements are now advised that their properties carry a higher risk of containing elevated radon levels and that radon tests should be carried out regardless of geographic location.

ProTen Services are strongly in favour of these new recommendations, which have been developed as a result of wider knowledge into the dangers of exposure to radon gas and the finding that exposure to radon levels at much lower levels than previously thought can be dangerous.

Unfortunately, there are still gaps in the official advice, particularly in respect of construction methods.

At the start of the new guidance document, it is stated that "The HPA notes that significant reductions in the mean radon exposure of the UK population can be achieved only through changes to building practices...". In 2008, HPA advised that "Building Regulations and supporting documents should be amended to ensure that all new buildings, extensions, conversions and refurbished buildings in the UK include basic radon protective measures."

This advice has been reiterated in the new guidance. Inexplicably, in the light of the understanding that radon is more dangerous at lower levels than previously thought, the Department of Communities and Local Government has postponed review of the relevant regulations (Approved Document C) until 2013.

In delaying this revision, builders and specifiers continue to be directed to the guidance contained in BRE Report BR211. This document is acknowledged to contain defective advice, particularly in relation to the type and specification of materials suitable for newbuild and basement protection. There are also discrepancies between the maps in this guidance showing where protection is required and the maps produced by HPA showing areas most likely to be affected by radon. BR211 is in urgent need of revision, however in the meantime ProTen Services continue to advise that the advice of a specialist should be sought and that designers may wish to consider incorporating radon protection into all projects rather than waiting for changes to the Building Regulations.

Taking this route will demonstrate a duty of care to clients, help keep that the asset value is secure, and ensure that the property is suitable for safe occupation without the need for further works.

South West Safety Advisors Support Radon Tee Campaign

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:53:00 +0100

South West Safety Advisors Support Radon Tee Campaign

Attendees at the South West Employers' health & safety conference gathered round to support the Radon Tee campaign

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UK Radon Tee co-ordinators, ProTen Services were recently asked to deliver a seminar on the risks of radon gas to a group of health and safety advisors in the South West of England. A one day conference was organised by South West Employers (SWE), a forum for employers where training, guidance and practical assistance on employment-related issues is offered. Many of the members are from local authorities and public sector organisations.

The South West of England is traditionally thought of as the area most affected by radon gas in the UK, and indeed in many parts of Devon and Cornwall it has been estimated that greater than 30% of properties contain unacceptably high levels of radon.

It must be remembered however that radon can affect homes and workplaces in any part of the country, and the only way to know whether a building contains high levels of radon is to carry out a radon test. ProTen Services' motto when it comes to radon is "To Test Is Best", and pleasingly several delegates who attended the seminar took this message on board and have since ordered sets of radon detectors for their properties.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Welcomed by Association of Building Engineers

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:56:00 +0100

Radon Tee Welcomed by Association of Building Engineers

Radon Tee was given a very warm welcome by the Association of Building Engineers at the Building & Building Maintenance Exhibition

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The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) was founded in 1925, originally under the name ‘The Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors'. The wide-ranging membership of engineers, surveyors, architects and other property professionals are drawn from both the UK and overseas, and the Association aims to encourage and facilitate co-operation between construction professionals.

ABE's primary objective is to promote and advance the knowledge, study and practice of building technology, planning, design, construction, maintenance and repair of all aspects of the built environment.

Radon Tee UK co-ordinators, ProTen Services, have on several occasions been invited to deliver seminars to ABE members across the UK about the naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon. Recently, ProTen attended the ABE Building & Building Maintenance Exhibition in the North East of England and had the opportunity to discuss the issue of radon with ABE officials.

Beryl Menzies is the Immediate Past President of ABE, and is also a member of the Construction Industry Council Regulatory Advice Committee. Malcolm Parker, a chartered surveyor, is Chairman of the Northern Region.

Both were pleased to pose with Radon Tee to help raise awareness of the dangers of radon gas and the need to carry out radon tests in buildings.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Goes On Site at Rotherham Hospice

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:35:00 +0100

Radon Tee Goes On Site at Rotherham Hospice

Radon Tee recently visited Rotherham Hospice, where radon tests have been carried out to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety legislation

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Extensive building work is currently underway at Rotherham Hospice in South Yorkshire. The Hospice was set up 21 years ago to offer palliative care to adults in the Borough of Rotherham, and is a key player in the delivery of the local NHS strategic plan, Better Health, Better Lives. A £2 million grant from NHS Rotherham is part funding the costs of building a new ten-bed extension.

To comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Hospice has carried out a radon risk assessment to ensure that staff and other users of the facilities are not exposed to high levels of the naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon.

In addition, building works to ensure that the new extension is protected against the intrusion of radon gas will be carried out where necessary.

Radon Tee was shown around the site by Anne Giblin, PA to the Chief Executive, Ian Henderson, Member of the Board of Trustees (yellow vest) and Mark Richards of TAD Project Safety (orange vest).

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Follows in Film Stars' Footsteps in Notting Hill

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:26:00 +0100

Radon Tee Follows in Film Stars' Footsteps in Notting Hill

Radon Tee visits park made famous by Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant in Notting Hill

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Radon Tee followed in Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant's footsteps this week and paid a visit to Stanley Crescent Gardens, where several scenes from the 1999 movie Notting Hill were filmed.

Set in the cosmopolitan West London area of Notting Hill, the romantic comedy saw Hugh Grant's character meet and fall in love with Hollywood actress Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts. One of the most loved scenes of the film is when the two main characters climb over the gates (causing Grant's character to exclaim ‘whoopsidaisies' and be mocked by Roberts) into a private park.

The closing scenes see the two back in the park relaxing happily on a bench some time in the future.

The gardens are beautifully kept, and were recently voted as being the best garden square in Kensington and Chelsea in a competition organised by Garden Square News.

Radon Tee, a T-shirt travelling the globe to raise awareness of naturally occurring radioactive gas radon, is fast becoming an international icon itself and was snapped in Stanley Crescent Gardens along with ProTen Services' Martin Freeman and Tony Rafferty.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Swings By Swansea Safety Group Seminar

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:09:00 +0100

Radon Tee Swings By Swansea Safety Group Seminar

The Reduce Radon Tee attended the annual Swansea Safety Group Seminar to raise awareness of the killer gas amongst health & safety professionals

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Founded in 1943, the Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group is committed to improving occupational health and safety in the Swansea and West Wales region. The Group's members include over 100 representatives from varying sectors, including heavy industry, manufacturing, the service sector and local government.

In addition to a monthly calendar of events for members, each year the Safety Group holds the Alec Blackburn Memorial Seminar, to which members and safety representatives from local businesses are invited. Entitled ‘Health and Safety, Be Part Of The Solution', this year's seminar was chaired by Mr Terry Rose, Health and Safety Executive Divisional Director Wales and South West and included talks covering subjects including leadership, risk management, behavioural safety and corporate responsibility.

Rebecca Kench of Radon Tee UK co-ordinators, ProTen Services was also invited to speak at the event and gave a seminar explaining the risks of radon gas exposure, legislation affecting radon in workplaces and how to carry out radon risk assessments and testing programmes.

The Safety Group committee, Mr Rose and all the day's speakers were happy to pose with Radon Tee and lend their support to the campaign.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Health & Safety Heavyweights RoSPA & HSE Back Radon Tee Campaign

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:44:00 +0100

Health & Safety Heavyweights RoSPA & HSE Back Radon Tee Campaign

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Health & Safety Executive have shown support for the Radon Tee World Trek

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has been at the heart of safety promotion and accident prevention in the UK and around the world for more than 90 years.

The Society has a long history of successful campaigning and its mission is "to save lives and reduce injuries". RoSPA were joint hosts of Europe's largest annual health and safety event, Safety & Health Expo 2010, and RoSPA's Occupational Safety Adviser, Roger Bibbings MBE was happy to pose with Radon Tee at the event.

Mr Bibbings, who is also a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, has been involved in occupational health for over 30 years and said, "In an age when quite rightly people have become concerned about hidden hazards to health that are man-made, it is all too easy to forget those dangers that have been with us for millennia. Radon is one of those hazards and is often the single largest contributor to our background radiation dose from natural sources. Taking sensible measures to reduce exposure makes good sense. The Radon Tee campaign is to be congratulated for raising awareness of this issue and signposting people to further information and help."

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has already given support to the Radon Tee campaign. HSE encourages employers to involve their employees in health and safety matters, and if high radon levels are found in a workplace, employers are advised to inform their employees as they are likely to live locally and may wish to test their homes also.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

ProTen Services Feature in Building Regulations Yearbook 2010

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:10:00 +0100

ProTen Services Feature in Building Regulations Yearbook 2010

Setting the Standard?

The recently published revision of BS 8102:2009, 'Code of Practice for protection of b elow ground structures from water from the ground' has been met with criticism amid suggestions that following the advice in the new Standard will allow the creation of dangerous living spaces and workplaces.

Click here to view this article in PDF format as it appeared in the Yearbook

The new version of the Code includes a requirement to take account of radon, among other things. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed in the ground during the decay of uranium. It can enter buildings and if high concentrations are allowed to accumulate, it poses a significant risk to the building's occupants. Over 2000 people in the UK die from lung cancer linked to radon exposure every year. Radon is odourless and colourless, and unless a special test is conducted to detect its presence, occupants will never know if they are at risk. The Government's advisor on radon, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised that all basements may be susceptible to high levels of radon, regardless of geographic location.

Martin Freeman, Managing Director of leading radon specialist ProTen Services, said that "while it is to be congratulated that the danger of radon has been recognised in the new Standard, it is unacceptable that the document goes on to give defective guidance that will allow the creation of potential death traps. During the consultation process of the new Standard, the Committee was advised that their intended guidance was defective and was given accurate information. The Committee chose to ignore that advice, and have proceeded to issue their defective guidance. "

Defects in the guidance given include limiting protective action to certain geographic areas and advocating the use of materials and methods that are known to have high levels of failure.

In September 2009, the World Health Organisation published The Radon Handbook: A Public Health Perspective. This document stated that indoor radon levels are not naturally occurring and are a result of the way that properties are constructed and used. WHO have now made it clear that responsibility for dangerous levels of radon in buildings lies with building code officials, designers, contractors and other property professionals. Says Mr Freeman, "Following the defective British Standard will lead designers and installers of below-ground waterproofing systems to create hazardous living and working spaces, leaving them exposed to potential litigation."

The utilisation of basements is an excellent way of maximising the use of a site and enhancing property value, and they can easily be designed with safety in mind. Mr Freeman is urging people to ignore the defective guidance in the Standard regarding the management of radon, but to consult a suitably qualified radon specialist in all instances where basement waterproofing is proposed.

Radon Tee Gets Mayor's Support in Gateshead

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Radon Tee Gets Mayor's Support in Gateshead

On a recent visit to Gateshead, support was given to the Reduce Radon campaign by The Worshipful Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Michael Hood

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Radon Tee UK coordinators, ProTen Services were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Councillor Michael Hood, The Worshipful Mayor of Gateshead at a recent exhibition.

ProTen Services spoke to the Mayor about radon gas and how it affects not only the South West of England, but also many parts of the North East.

As the map below shows, areas around Gateshead including Sunderland, Morpeth and Bishop Auckland all lie in so-called radon Affected Areas.

ProTen Services also emphasised that the map, produced by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and British Geological Survey (BGS) was only a prediction of areas where homes with high radon levels were likely to be found, and that high concentrations of radon could be found in properties anywhere in the country, regardless of the map's predictions.

Gateshead has had a Mayor since 1835 when it became a Borough council. The Mayor carries out many important ceremonial duties, presiding over full meetings of the Council and representing the borough at civic functions in Gateshead and its neighbouring authorities.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Campaign Backed By BIFM

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:38:00 +0100

Radon Tee Campaign Backed By BIFM

The Radon Tee World Trek has won the backing of the British Institute of Facilities Management

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Founded in 1993, the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) provides information, education, training and networking services to over 12,000 members.

As one of the fastest growing professions in the UK, facilities management encompasses multi-disciplinary activities within the built environment and the management of their impact upon people and the workplace.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the ground that can enter buildings and accumulate to dangerous concentrations. Although the gas is naturally occurring, the World Health Organisation warn that the way a building is designed, built and used will affect the level of radon gas inside, and it is therefore the responsibility of property professionals to ensure levels are correctly managed.

A recent study into occupational cancers conducted from Imperial College and funded by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has established that approximately 370 UK employees each year are dying from lung cancer caused from radon exposure received in the workplace. HSE requires all employers to carry out a radon risk assessment, which may include placing detectors in the workplace.

BIFM Chairman, Iain Murray and Jessica Beaven, BIFM Communications Assistant were pleased to pose with Radon Tee to raise awareness of radon gas amongst the FM industry.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Visits Washington Ancestral Home

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:53:00 +0100

Radon Tee Visits Washington Ancestral Home

Radon Tee UK was given a tour of the ancestral home of George Washington, Washington Old Hall

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Nestled in Tyne & Wear in the North East of England lies the village of Washington, and at its heart is Washington Old Hall.

The picturesque stone manor house and gardens were once home to first US President, George Washington's direct ancestors, and it is from here that they took their family surname, Washington.

Some time prior to 1183, William de Hertburn, who was of Norman descent and possibly a knight, settled in Washington and assumed the surname ‘de Wessynton'; the spelling of the village at that time. During their period of occupation, the Washington family made various improvements to their dwelling house, however original parts of the building remain, including the pointed arches in the Great Hall.

The house was opened to the public in 1955 by the American Ambassador and was given to the National Trust in 1956 who have continued to care for the building. The National Trust cares for many heritage buildings, protecting and opening to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and monuments.

When radon specialists ProTen Services visited the Old Hall, House Assistant, Melanie Clarke, was pleased to take Radon Tee on a tour of the house and gardens. The final photograph shows Melanie and Radon Tee with the Washington Greys Uniform worn by George Washington's bodyguard, Master Sergeant John P. Hanaberry.

Radon Tee encourages visitors from the States to visit Washington Old Hall and after enjoying a fascinating history within it, recommends taking a traditional English afternoon tea there.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Gets Technical With Card Geotechnics

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:55:00 +0100

Radon Tee Gets Technical With Card Geotechnics

Radon Tee recently met with a firm of geotechnical engineers on its worldwide tour to spread the message "Reduce Radon"

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Card Geotechnics work at the forefront of geotechnical and geo-environmental consultancy, creating cost-effective solutions to challenging ground and contamination conditions.

The specialist firm is well known for setting high standards in the industry, and so they were keen to learn more about the health implications of radon exposure and why it is so important to get it right first time when constructing new buildings with radon protection.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.

Radon Tee Makes Guest Appearance At Top Industry Shows

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:46:00 +0100

Radon Tee Makes Guest Appearance At Top Industry Shows

The Reduce Radon T-Shirt visited The Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo to raise awareness of radon gas amongst employers

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Held over three days at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, The Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo attracted record numbers of visitors from many industries.

The Facilities Show was organised in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and with over 170 exhibitors, visitors had the chance to speak to specialists involved in all aspects of Facilities Management. Visitors were also able to attend a series of seminars, including one given by ProTen Services on the dangers of radon gas.

Safety & Health Expo is Europe's largest annual health and safety event, and was hosted in partnership with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). A comprehensive visitor programme welcomed a wide variety of senior professionals looking to source new products, network with colleagues and hear leading industry speakers discuss the most pressing issues of the day.

The two shows were organised by UBM Live, who were pleased to lend their support to the Radon Tee campaign. Simon Parker, Group Director and Adrian Newton, Portfolio Director, Safety & Building Management posed with Radon Tee and ProTen Services' Managing Director, Martin Freeman.

ProTen Services are taking the Tee on a national tour and will be adding photos to the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/radontee.