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Schools, Colleges and Universities radon testing services UK wide
Our radon education risk assessment solution is designed to help you to meet your statutory obligations and safeguard children, young persons and staff using your facilities and, if relevant, those using any residential accommodation.
- Site Installation Visit
- Risk Assessment Report
- Collection
- ISO17025 Accredited Laboratory Analysis
Our qualified and friendly team will visit your site to dynamically assess risks from radon exposure and install sufficient numbers of HSE approved passive monitors in the high risk areas of your premises. These discrete monitors stay in place for at least three months to enable us to measure the annual average concentration of radon, meeting the HSE guidance. After three months, we collect the monitors and process these through the accredited laboratory. Your results are then presented in the form of a risk assessment alongside straightforward advice that fully meets your legal obligation under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and gives clear advise on the application of the Ionising Radiation Regulations and any required mitigations. If you also have residential accommodation, the results will also measure compliance against the residential action levels which differ from workplace statutory limits. In this sense, the risk assessment is a hybrid report covering both workplace and residential risks, taking account of both HSE and UKHSA guidance for schools.
People who trust us
Our Radon levels testing method
To ensure the safety of students and staff, we conduct comprehensive radon testing across schools, colleges and universities. Our approach involves strategic placement of radon detectors, thorough data analysis, with clear recommendations to ensure a safe environment for students and staff using the facilities.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS OF RADON EXPOSUE FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF IN SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES?
When the concentration of radon is really high, it does pose a serious risk to your health. In fact, health studies show that radon is responsible for 3–5% of all lung cancers in the UK – the second largest cause of lung cancer.
HOW PREVELENT IS RADON IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS AND WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO ITS PRESENCE IN THESE ENVIRONMENTS?
Radon is a natural gas, which means that it will be present in every building. At low levels, risks are insignificant, but on occasion unsafe levels can be found. There have been many cases of high radon levels being found in educational buildings but it’s not common. Through natural processes, the air pressure inside a building differs from the air pressure outside and that difference in air pressure increases as it gets colder outside, and radon is drawn into the space entering the property through cracks and gaps in the floor and walls. Over time, indoor radon levels can become excessive and harmful if it’s unable to escape and disperse. Natural ventilation is often the best way of reducing radon risks.
WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING RADON LEVELS IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD TESTING BE CONDUCTED?
Just like other health and safety risks, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, require a radon risk assessment to be recorded if the building is classed as being inside a radon affected area or has an underground area or basement that is occupied for more than one hour a week. If levels of radon are high, it’s probable that the Ionising Radiation Regulations will then apply. If you have residential spaces, these are subject to the government guidance for residential properties. In this sense, some universities and colleges have both residential and non-residential areas so any assessment needs to take account of different standards and guidance. The frequency of testing should be based on the risk identified. For example buildings with very low levels of radon would require much less frequent testing that buildings with higher levels. Radon levels do change over time, so routine reviews of risk assessments are recommended.
WHAT STEPS CAN SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TAKE TO MITIGATE HIGH RADON LEVELS IF DETECTED?
This depends on the actual level of radon and it’s location. Usually, radon can be extracted before it enters the building by installing an active sump with a fan. In some cases positive ventilation systems might be required to reduce radon levels. In simple cases, sealing cracks in the floors or improving natural ventilation might be sufficient. So the cost really depends on the levels found and the construction of the building, which determines the best solution.