Page 161 - IGC BOOK

Radon Sources

Any building can have high levels of radon, including new and old homes, well-sealed and
draftee homes, office buildings and schools, and homes with or without basements. Testing is
the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels.

Radon gas can get into buildings through:

• Cracks in solid floors and walls
• Construction joints – tunnel works
• Gaps in suspended floors
• Gaps around service pipes
• Cavities inside walls
• Water supplies

Control Measures

Appoint RPA to carry out risk assessment.

Radon surveys should be conducted in any workplace to determine the acceptable level or
require any action.

Occupied areas with levels above 300 Bq/m3(becquerels per cubic meter), the employer may
need to immediately take steps to manage occupational exposures.

Installation of radon proof barrier/membrane for new building

For old building improve ventilation in the occupied area, seal large gaps in floors

A radon sump with an electric pump draw air from the cavity and dissipates radon gas outside
the building.

Personal Protective Equipment

Lead aprons can reduce worker radiation dose.

Role of Monitoring

Employers to monitor radiation exposure,
including by measuring radiation levels in the work
environment and tracking the radiation doses that
workers receive.

The monitoring can be done through using a
personal dosimeter typically a badge type. These
dosimeters are worn for a specified period
monthly or quarterly and then sent to laboratory
for analysing.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 5 – Physical and Psychological 21
Health