Who does this work appeal to?
Radon measurement is unique and exciting. It is very much a building science and knowledge across many different fields is essential. Those who excel in this field are problem solvers who can use a variety of tools and also have an understanding of calculations and the physics behind radon.
Even after years of being immersed in this field, you will still be learning something new on every job.
What to expect on the job.
Radon Measurement Professional
Radon measurement is indoor air quality testing. The work is similar to other indoor air quality measurements; however, the devices used, and placement protocols are different. The only approved certification in Canada for radon measurement is through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP)
A Radon measurement professional can expect to:
- Complete site visits to buildings where the radon levels are to be tested
- Assess the area for best placement location and determine the number and type of tests required
- Record data
- Retrieve devices after a set period of time
- Interpret the results
- Provide reports to the customer
Responsibilities:
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Completing instrumentation calibration as required
- Certification renewal including continuing education requirements every two years
- Follow industry protocols and guidelines
Radon Mitigation Professionals
Radon mitigation is very different from radon measurement. Radon mitigation is part building science and part construction. Radon mitigation professionals design, size, optimise and install radon mitigation systems to reduce radon levels in a building. Every job is a custom one. Until a site assessment and the diagnostics have been completed the system cannot be properly designed. The vast majority of mitigation systems in Canadian residential dwellings are sub-slab depressurization systems. Please see Health Canada’s Radon Reduction Guide for Canadians for some basic information on the different types of mitigation systems seen in Canada.
A Radon Mitigation Professional might expect these types of activities in a work day.
The Science - Diagnostics
- Understand building science and can identify the multiple facets that create elevated radon levels in a building. (The more you know about the building science, the better the systems.)
- Complete airflow and pressure measurement diagnostics to determine the most optimal system design
- Understand fan sizing to ensure optimal and efficient systems
- Find and seal all openings and cracks that communicate under the slab below grade outside of the building envelope
- Opening sub-slab pathways to increase airflow communication across building footprints
- Understand air exchange calculations in a building
- Identify risk hazards such as back-drafting, asbestos, mould, re-entrainment
- Report and record keeping of the project
The Construction - System Installation
- Core holes in slabs, walls and roofs through different types of materials
- Complete systems with membranes in crawl spaces or confined spaces
- Dig holes
- Seal openings
- Cut pipe/ducting
Note: This can be a very physically demanding job.
Responsibilities:
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Completing instrumentation calibration as required
- Certification renewal including continuing education requirements every two years
- Follow the specific protocols and guidelines
- Certification renewal including continuing education requirements every two years
- Health and Safety exposure recording
- Follow the specific protocols and guidelines for radon mitigations in Canada
- Follow local building codes and standards
What are the associated costs?
The “Cost Sheet” will vary for everyone. There are some radon specific tools and instrumentation that you will likely need to buy, and then there are other tools that you may already have in your truck. Radon measurement requires less tools than a mitigator (who will almost need every tool needed to build the structure). Also, every province will have different requirements and costs for insurance, permits and licensing.
