As radon is a health hazard, employers are required to carry out risk assessments when a workplace has a basement or lower-ground floor area to comply with the Management of Health & Safety At Work Regulations 1999.
Radon testing had been carried out in the basement recreation rooms of this workplace in Kent in order to comply with these regulations. Although not located in a so-called radon Affected Area, the test results showed that very high levels of radon were present in the basement; 3001 Bq/m3 compared to a workplace 'action level' of 400 Bq/m3. This is a good illustration that basements everywere in the country can be affected by high levels of radon, regardless of geographic location and explains why risk assessment are required in properties with basements.
As the basement was also suffering from damp penetration and stale, musty air, the ADD Waterproofing system was specified by a Licensed Installer.
Cavity drainage membranes were applied to the walls and floor of the basement and sealed at all edges. A drainage channel and sump chamber were installed within the floor to evacuate any moisture from the basement. A positive pressure unit was fitted to draw clean, fresh air into the basement and an exhaust pipe containing an inline fan was installed to vent radon-laden air from behind the membrane safely away from the property.
Results
Once the installation was complete and all decoration works had been carried out, radon detectors were once again placed within the basement.
The test results revealed that the maximum radon level within the basement has now fallen to 81 Bq/m3, which is well within the guideline limits for workplaces. The basement is also now dry and the air quality fresh and healthy.
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