Radon Gas - a briefing for safety representatives
Radon Gas - A Guide for Safety Representatives
Although it does not get the same level of attention as other risks, radon gas is probably one of the biggest killers of workers within those areas where there is high exposure. It can be a major cause of lung cancer if allowed to build up in workplaces. The Health Protection Board estimates that radon causes 2,000 to 3,000 lung cancer deaths a year of which between 90 and 280 are likely to be due to workplace exposure. Like most workplace fatalities, death as a result of radon exposure is easily prevented.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs in some parts of the UK. It is produced when uranium in rocks such as granite decays. Where there is a likelihood of risk the employer has a legal responsibility to monitor radon within all buildings. These areas are mainly parts of Devon and Cornwall, but high concentrations are also found in Somerset, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, pockets of Wales and Northern Ireland and North East Scotland. However not every part of these areas are affected. Although radon gas is most common in areas where granite occurs, other parts of the country can also have high levels. In total an estimated 16,000 workplaces have Radon levels above the permitted maximum.
There are several ways of detecting and measuring radon, but all of those require readings to be taken over a long period as radon levels vary depending on the season, and even the time of day. Levels are usually highest in the winter and the gas is most likely to accumulate when a building is not sufficiently ventilated. Although concentrations will be highest in basements, other rooms can be affected.
Testing is easy and a list of authorised suppliers of equipment can be found on the HPA website (see below). If your employer fails to measure radon levels, and there is a foreseeable risk, then they could be breaking both the Management Regulations, and the Ionisation Radiation Regulations (1999).
Levels of Radon are measured in Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m³) . Employers must act if there is a reading of 400Bq m³. However the TUC believes that safety representatives should seek action is there are readings of above 100 Bq m³ and people are working regularly in that part of the building. The level at which the government recommends action for radon within households is 200Bq m³ and even that level is believed to carry a 3-5% risk of lung cancer of a lifetimes exposure. Amongst smokers the risk at that level is even higher at 10-15%. The current workplace level of 400Bq m³ places an unacceptable risk on employees and action to reduce long-term levels to below 100Bq m³ is a reasonable goal where an effected area is in regular use.
Action to remove radon is relatively simple. In is not enough simply to rely on opening windows. A sump and fan will reduce radon levels by an average 90% and is relatively cheap to install. Sealing cracks in floors, introducing positive ventilation or under floor ventilation can also be effective in considerably reducing levels of radon.
All safety representatives within those areas where there is a likely risk are strongly urged to seek copies of both risk assessments and radon level readings for all workplaces covered. By taking simple precautionary measures it will be possible to prevent a considerable number of workers dying needlessly.
The HSE have very useful information on Radon at http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm This includes a map of those areas of the UK most effected. Further information is also on the website of the Health Protection Agency at http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/radon
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