The Radon Guidance (Info Sheet 49) has been updated. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings and is a significant health hazard if levels are elevated. All schools are required to understand their duties and ensure appropriate monitoring and assessment arrangements are in place.
Key Information
Radon is a colourless and odourless radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer if present at high levels. Schools located in radon Affected Areas or with occupied basements require routine monitoring. Somerset Council Property arranges radon monitoring for LA maintained schools using a contractor called PropertECO. Schools can check their Civica Radon Inspection record or email property@somerset.gov.uk to confirm when monitoring is due.
What Schools Must Do
- Check whether your school is in a radon Affected Area using the indicative map on the UK Radon website: www.ukradon.org
- Ensure radon monitors remain in place for the full three-month period when installed by the specialist contractor. Monitors are placed in ground floor rooms and regularly occupied basements at suitable positions.
- Review monitoring results when issued. If your school records radon levels over 1%, a Radon Risk Assessment needs to be completed on EEC which is located in the templates under General.
- If levels exceed 300 Bq/m³, remediation measures are required. These may include radon sumps or positive pressure systems. The school will then be re monitored.
- Keep ventilation routes unobstructed as limited ventilation can increase radon accumulation.
Who to Contact
For queries about radon monitoring schedules, email property@somerset.gov.uk
SC’s Radon Policy and Guidance: Policies and Guidance
Further radon information is available from Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive:
www.ukradon.org
www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm
