HSE and local authority inspectors visiting employees in West Wales to raise awareness of radon gas

Date:

8 October 2010

Release No:

WW/0710/AP

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authority will be visiting businesses and organisations in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to raise awareness of radon gas in the workplace.

Taking place from 11 - 15 October 2010, the Inspectors will be making employers in the area aware of the potential risk from breathing in radon gas, estimated to cause between 90 and 280 fatal lung cancers every year, and their responsibility under health and safety legislation to protect their workers.

HPA map showing Radon Affected Areas in Wales

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep out of the ground and enter buildings such as homes and workplaces. It can then build up to levels where it causes a significant radiation risk to those inside.

Inspectors will talk employers through the straightforward steps they can take to protect their workers, general advice on how to arrange a risk assessment and what further actions they should take if needed, such as making simple radon measurements.

HSE's Specialist Inspector, Gareth Thomas, said:

"Many employers are simply not aware of the presence or risks from radon. We aim, through these inspections, to raise awareness of the law and encourage employers to undertake a risk assessment to gauge the levels of radon in their workplace, and ensure their employees are not exposed above the legal action level.

HPA map showing Radon Affected Areas in England and Wales

"Most workplaces that have carried out a suitable risk assessment have found they don't have a radon problem but employers who do have high levels find that by drawing on the expertise of enforcement agencies, radiation protection advisers and remediation consultants, practical and effective solutions can usually be found without excessive cost.

"Since many employers are not aware of the health risks of breathing in radon, we highly recommend that employees ask their employer if radon levels have been measured in their workplace to be below the legal action level."

Information about radon is published the Health Protection Agency at www.ukradon.org and workplace guidance is published by the HSE at www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.

Notes to editors

1. The Health Protection Agency estimate that radon exposure to individuals at work causes between 90 and 280 fatal lung cancers every year, with those who smoke tobacco being particularly at risk.
2. Further information on radon can be found on the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm
3. For further information on organisations that provide radon measurement services and practical information about measuring radon in the workplace see www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/services/radon/validation and www.radoncouncil.org
4. Radon Affected Areas are identified in maps published by the HPA on www.ukradon.org. Almost all of West Wales is designated as a Radon Affected Area.

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Wales