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Radon in the Workplace

 

It is estimated that as many as 200 deaths per year in Ireland occur as a result of lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. We are all aware of radon exposure in the home but radon exposure in the workplace gets less media attention.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) is the competent authority under the legislation. S.I. 125 of 2000 allows the RPII to direct that above ground workplaces in High Radon Areas are tested. High Radon Areas are defined as areas where > 10% of homes are expected to have concentrations above the 200 Bq/m3 level. The RPII Radon Map can be accessed here http://www.rpii.ie/radon-map.aspx.The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) also requires that all indoor work places at basement or ground floor level must have radon levels assessed when they are located in High Radon Areas.

Where workplace concentrations are > 400 Bq/m3 (averaged over 3 months) the business must inform the RPII and include a report addressing the implementation of mitigation measures. Monitoring must then be undertaken after mitigation measures have been implemented to ensure that levels are complied with.

So, in summary, it’s a good idea to have radon concentrations measured regardless of where your business is located. If your business is located in a High Radon Area it’s a requirement.