Radon in Commercial Buildings

Given the serious health implications of exposure to high levels of radon, all indoor workplaces in radon Affected Areas are required by law to have radon testing carried out. Should tests reveal that the radon level exceeds the Action Level of 400 Bq/m3, set out by the Government as the point at which remedial action should be taken, employers are required under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR 99) to take action to reduce the hazard.

Radon Protection

Remedial measures that can be taken include identifying and rectifying areas where gas could enter the property and installing underfloor sump dispersal systems and air management systems to prevent dangerous levels of gas accumulating in the building.

Radon Protection in New Buildings 

In new builds, it is possible to install a radon barrier (or membrane) across the footprint of the building at the time of construction. This barrier will prevent radon gas from entering the property from the outset, and ensure that the future occupants are protected.

Approved Document C of the Building Regulations requires designers and developers to refer to BRE Report BR 211 to determine whether radon protection measures are required. This document includes a series of maps, which determine whether basic radon protection (a barrier) or full radon protection (a barrier and inbuilt sump system) is required in a given location. 

ProTen Services recommends however that radon protection is installed in all new builds, as it eliminates the need for future concern and remedial measures. It is expected that the Building Regulations will in time be altered to make radon protection mandatory for all new builds, regardless of geographic location.

The installation of radon protection is a specialist service and so should only be undertaken by a specialist who has the necessary training and experience to ensure the barrier is properly fitted. ProTen Services’ surveyors and technicians are highly trained in this specialist area, and our design and installation protocol provides peace of mind for the risk-averse developer and professional. Please contact us if you would like to be sent a copy of this protocol.