The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17)(1)
POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE TO RADON GAS AT WORK

Radon gas measurements have been undertaken in our premises located in areas where there is a greater chance of high levels. These measurements were arranged as part of this organisation's obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The results of the measurements show that at least one of the results exceeds the action threshold of 300 Bq m-3 annual average. Therefore the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017(1) apply to work in the premises. Consequently we are required to implement various administrative and practical steps to restrict exposure to radon gas. This includes providing information to employees about the potential for radiation exposure during work, which is the purpose of this note.

The risk to health is a combination of the radon level and time spent at that exposure. Employers are required to do a risk assessment and limit the overall risk to as low as possible so as not to exceed the regulations, and where possible to be below the public radiation dose limit. This is done by either reducing the level or limiting the use of high areas.

Short term exposure will not significantly add to your risk, so there is no need for undue concern. Once one of the two steps above has been taken to reduce the exposure of staff, the regulations will cease to apply. The health risk from radon is from continued long term exposure to high levels.

General information about radon and health risks can be found at www.UKradon.org.

1. In Northern Ireland, the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 apply