What is Radon?

Radon is a tasteless, colourless and odourless radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. It is because of this that employers and landlords must complete a Radon risk assessment to ensure the safety of their employees, tenants and members of the public.

What do I need to do?

Employers are legally required to carry out risk assessments under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Landlords in the UK have a legal requirement to comply with the risk assessment requirements of the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Radon is one of the many factors covered in the HHSRS. Radon is identified as a potential hazard in dwellings in the Housing Act 2004.

All properties of all ages located in affected areas should carry out a radon risk assessment.

Where is it?

Every building contains radon, but the levels are usually low. The chances of a higher level depend on the type of ground. The UK Radon map highlights which areas are classed as “affected” areas. An area is classed as an “affected area” if the risk percentage is above 1%. We can assist you with this.

What happens?

We install sensors in specific locations within the property. These are then left in situ for 3 months. We arrange collection and they are sent to a specialist laboratory for testing. Upon completion you will receive a written risk assessment report with site details, photographs and recommendations.

If radon levels are found to be more than the Action Level of 200 Bq/m3 domestic & 300 Bq/m3 commercial, the duty holder (Employer / Landlord) should arrange for remedial works to be carried out. It is imperative to get specialised advice from a mitigation expert prior to works.

TACsurveys complete the initial risk assessments. We are not Radon mitigation engineers, and this is why we recommend taking such advice if the Radon levels are elevated in the initial assessment. They will be able to advise what mitigation measures they see fit for the property. It will usually require some more testing.