2.14 Guidance on Management of Radon 

It is the policy of BSU to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of staff, students and visitors.

Introduction
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires employers to ensure that all foreseeable hazards have been considered. This includes any risks associated with the exposure to employees from Radon. Wherever employees work below ground level, or in areas known to be affected by Radon, then a risk assessment should be undertaken. Testing will be undertaken to establish the levels of gas. If they exceed the workplace action level (400 Bq/m�) then The Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR99) will come into force, and actions must be taken to reduce employee’s exposure.

General Information
Radon is an odourless, colourless gas that occurs naturally in many rocks and soils and originates from Uranium. Certain areas such as the South West of England have very high Radon concentrations.

Most of the Radon gas that is breathed in presents a low risk as it is immediately exhaled. Problems occur with the decay products of Radon, that behave more like solid materials, attaching themselves to atmospheric dust and water vapour which is then breathed in. This can become lodged in the lungs and airways, and alpha radiation emitted from these particles can cause significant damage to the cells in the lungs.

The highest concentrations of Radon are often found in underground spaces such as basements, cellars, caves and mines etc. If the gas is not dispersed, then it can build up causing high concentrations exceeding action levels. There are Radon hotspots in Somerset and Wiltshire, and as Bath Spa University provides a number of workplaces that are located in basements these areas will be tested as part of the BSU’s Radon Risk Assessment

Requirements
In accordance with the IRR99 any employer whose work involves the use of ionising radiation must appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA). The University shall provide adequate resources to ensure that Radon affected areas are identified, and risks are assessed are suitably managed. Where there is shared occupancy, the University will communicate its findings with other tenants.


Responsibilities
The Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) shall
• Provide advice and guidance in conducting Radon surveys in order to identify any Radon affected areas within the control of the University
• Provide advice and guidance to the Facilities and Operations Manager and the Safety Health and Environment Adviser regarding the findings of Radon surveys and Radon testing.
The Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Adviser shall
• Work with the RPA and RPS in identifying all subterranean and high risk locations that require testing
• Publish reports on the SHE Office website, following any testing in areas identified as high risk
• Liaise with the RPA, RPS, Property Services, and Heads of School or Department over appropriate actions should any tests exceed 400 bq/m3
• Produce guidance on the management of Radon, to be published on the SHE website
The Facilities and Operations Manager shall
• Provide the finances for any Radon testing or surveys to be undertaken including any requirement for ongoing or future testing
• Undertake any agreed remedial works in accordance with recommendations from the RPA, in order to control Radon levels in the workplace
• Ensure that Radon protection is installed for all new projects as is required
• Liaise with The SHE Office, and the RPA over any major alterations in known Radon hotspots
Review and Audit
Any control measures implemented to manage levels of Radon will be considered during the bi-annual safety inspections undertaken with the Area Safety Manager, The SHE Adviser, the Facilities and Operations Manager, and Union Safety Representatives.

Radon test results across BSU campuses are available.

Warren Cole

SHE Advisor

July 2011