Radon Risk & Workplace Exposure
Independent radon risk advice for employers and duty holders
RP Alba Ltd provides Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) support to organisations with radon exposure in workplaces and occupied buildings, helping duty holders understand and manage their responsibilities under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and is the largest contributor to radiation dose to the UK population. Where radon is present at elevated levels, IRR17 applies in the same way as for other sources of ionising radiation.
Importantly, radon-related duties extend beyond employees and may also apply to other persons who may be affected by the work or workplace, including members of the public.
When does radon fall under IRR17?
Radon exposure falls within the scope of IRR17 where:
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radon concentrations exceed the relevant reference level;
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exposure may be significant or prolonged;
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mitigation, monitoring or exposure management measures are required.
In these circumstances, employers and duty holders must apply the same radiation protection principles as for other ionising radiation risks, including justification, optimisation and restriction of exposure.
When do you need a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) for radon?
Under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), employers must appoint and consult a suitable Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) where radon exposure falls within the scope of the Regulations (Regulation 3).
This includes situations where radon measurements exceed the reference level and where decisions are required on exposure control, mitigation, monitoring or designation of areas, including where exposure may affect employees, occupants, service users or members of the public.
Wider duties to protect others from exposure
IRR17 requires employers to restrict exposure so far as is reasonably practicable, not only for employees but also for any other persons who may be exposed as a result of the work or workplace.
In radon affected environments, this may include:
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pupils, students or residents in educational settings;
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members of the public accessing buildings or facilities;
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detainees or residents in custodial or residential institutions;
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staff, visitors or occupants present outside normal working patterns, including overnight accommodation.
RP Alba Ltd provides advice that reflects this broader duty of care, ensuring radon risks are assessed and managed in a way that is appropriate to how buildings are actually used.
RPA support for radon affected workplaces
As your appointed RPA, RP Alba Ltd provides advice on:
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interpretation of radon measurement results;
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radiation risk assessments for radon exposure;
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application of dose assessment and optimisation principles;
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designation of controlled or supervised areas where required;
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development of proportionate control and monitoring arrangements;
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information, instruction and training requirements for staff and others.
Advice is tailored to the nature of the building, occupancy patterns and use, avoiding unnecessary controls while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Radon mitigation and remediation
RP Alba Ltd does not undertake radon remediation works.
However, we can:
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advise on when mitigation is required from a radiation protection perspective;
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support engagement with specialist radon remediation contractors;
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review mitigation proposals and outcomes;
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advise on follow-up measurement and ongoing monitoring arrangements.
This ensures remediation actions are effective, proportionate and properly targeted.
Who this support is for
We commonly support:
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employers with workplaces in radon-affected areas;
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schools, colleges and other educational establishments;
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public-sector, custodial and residential organisations;
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industrial, commercial and mixed-use premises;
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duty holders responsible for buildings where occupants or the public may be present for extended periods, including outside normal working hours;
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organisations involved in the operation or management of private water supplies, where radon in groundwater or associated infrastructure may give rise to occupational or public exposure considerations.
This support is particularly relevant in rural and remote settings, where private water supplies and radon-affected geology may coincide.
Engagement with regulators
RP Alba Ltd supports proportionate and constructive engagement with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) where radon exposure is regulated under IRR17, including advice on demonstrating compliance and responding to regulatory enquiries.