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National Enforcement of Radon in the Workplace (UK)

National Enforcement of Radon in the Workplace (UK). Gareth Thomas HM Specialist Inspector (Radiation) HSE Cardiff. Tel : ++44 29 2026 3000 Gareth.thomas@hse.gsi.gov.uk. Overview. Increasing commitment ! No competent authority has the resources to act alone.

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National Enforcement of Radon in the Workplace (UK)

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  1. National Enforcement of Radon in the Workplace (UK) Gareth ThomasHM Specialist Inspector (Radiation)HSE Cardiff Tel : ++44 29 2026 3000 Gareth.thomas@hse.gsi.gov.uk

  2. Overview • Increasing commitment ! • No competent authority has the resources to act alone. • This presentation is about: • Providing you with ideas • Seeking ideas in return Health & Safety Executive

  3. Radon in the UK Workplace Overview of presentation • Who am I ? • Overview of radon risks in the UK • Legal requirements for UK workplaces • National enforcement strategy • HSE strategy 1985 – 2005 • HSE strategy 2005 – 2010 • Conclusions Health & Safety Executive

  4. Assisting ~ 800 General Inspectors My role/ job Radioactive materials/ radiation generators/ non-ionising radiations • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Development of regulations Health & Safety Executive

  5. My role/ job • HSE Inspectors’ powers: • Right to arrive at any time, inspect workplace, speak to anyone, take photographs and samples. • Enforcement: Informal, Improvement notice, Prohibition notice, Prosecution. • Information for employees • Provide advice • Take any other action necessary Health & Safety Executive

  6. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … All users of radiation: Industry Medicine Research Teaching Defence • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Health & Safety Executive

  7. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Accidents Incidents Complaints Exposures Releases Loss Theft Health & Safety Executive

  8. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … Written Verbal Telephone Leaflets/ Web Articles Lecturing Training • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Health & Safety Executive

  9. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Health & Safety Executive Government ministers Government departments Public bodies

  10. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … EG. Hospital audits Site radiography Radon • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Health & Safety Executive

  11. My role/ job Radiation Specialist Inspector … • Inspection • Investigation • Advice • Cross-government • National programmes • Commissioning research • Developing regulations Health & Safety Executive Radon Interventional radiology Dosimetry NORM

  12. Overview of radon risks in the UK % houses above 200 Bq / m3 > 30 10 - 30 3 - 10 1 - 3 < 1 Health & Safety Executive Ie. The UK has very good mapping from many years of domestic measurements.

  13. Overview of radon risks in the UK Basic data: • 5-7% of lung cancer deaths, approximately 2,500 people per year total (cf. asbestos disease fatalities 3,000/ yr) • 160,000 workplaces in affected areas • 16,000 workplaces > 400 Bq m-2 (max 7.1 M Bq m-2) • 90 to 280 lung cancers per year from occupational exposure • < 5% lung cancer ‘curable Health & Safety Executive

  14. Overview of radon risks in the UK Total 2.6 mSv Health & Safety Executive Contributions to the annual radiation dose to the average individual in the UK [2]

  15. 83% of total number of employees exposed Overview of radon risks in the UK • 10 major (respiratory) carcinogens in UK workplaces: • Crystalline silica • Radon • Passive tobacco smoke • Solar radiation • Diesel exhaust • Woos dust • Benzene • Ethylene dibromide • Inorganic lead compounds • Chemicals used in hairdressing Health & Safety Executive

  16. 14% of total number of employees exposed Overview of radon risks in the UK • 10 -20 major (respiratory) carcinogens in UK workplaces: • decorating paints • chromium IV compounds • tetrachloroethylene • coal tar products • iron & steel foundries • asbestos • formaldehyde • nickel compounds • acid mists • cadmium containing compounds Health & Safety Executive

  17. Legal requirements for UK workplaces In all workplaces …… • Employers must assess risks of radon • Usually means measurement • If above 400 Bq/m3 • Must take ALARA action • Usually remediation of building • Engineering control • Systems of work • Dose limits • (New buildings built after 1992 should be OK) Health & Safety Executive

  18. National enforcement strategy Strategy 1985 – 2005 • Target employers in radon affected areas • Raise employers awareness of risk of lung cancer from radon in the workplace • Employers responsibility for protecting employees • Provide advice & direction • Require appropriate risk assessment/ measurement • Require any necessary remedial action • Inform employees & encourage home measurements Health & Safety Executive

  19. National enforcement strategy Strategy 1985 – 2005 • Summary of 100 trial inspections in 2002 • Most employers aware of radon in homes • < 5% considered it in their workplace • 99% agree to act immediately • Employers remediate quickly • Remediated buildings << 400 Bq/m3 Health & Safety Executive

  20. Aim Reduce incidences ill health caused by exposure to radon at work by ensuring that all employers in affected areas assess the risks and effectively remediate where appropriate. Targets 50% of workplaces assessed risk by 2010. (2002 baseline 8%) Get 500 employers in radon affected areas to do measurements in 2005. Methods 13 planned initiatives. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 Health & Safety Executive

  21. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 B. Working with stakeholders and intermediaries C. Direct contact with employers Health & Safety Executive A. Provision of information and advice

  22. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 A. Provision of information and advice 13. Health & safety training programmes Health & Safety Executive 11. Publicity campaign (inc articles in professional journals). 12. Update HSE guidance on radon and ensure web site availability.

  23. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 B. Working with stakeholders and intermediaries Health & Safety Executive 7. Advice from Building Inspectors 8. Joint Trade Unionsinitiatives 9. Encourage professional bodies and organisations to raise the profile 10. Joint action with other government departments and Local Authorities.

  24. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 C. Direct contact 1. Routine inspection by HSE inspectors during normal work. 2. Advice from HSE Health and Safety Awareness Officers (HSAOs) during their routine work. 3. Intensive inspections programmes in high radon areas. 4. Targeting large employers through head offices. 5. Targeted mail shots in very 'hot' local areas. 6. Closer work with Local Authority Health & Safety inspectors. Health & Safety Executive

  25. National enforcement strategy Strategy 2005 - 2010 B. Working with stakeholders and intermediaries C. Direct contact with employers Health & Safety Executive A. Provision of information and advice

  26. Radon in the UK Workplace Conclusion - Benefits • Radon is overwhelmingly the major source of employee radiation exposure. • 90 to 280 potential lung cancer deaths per year from breathing in radon in the workplace is an extremely serious workplace risk. • < 5% of employers in high radon areas have measured radon level. • Mitigation in homes and workplaces that have measured is extremely low. • Employers cannot not continue to ignore exposure to radon in workplaces. Health & Safety Executive

  27. Radon in the UK Workplace Conclusion - Costs • Solutions can usually be found without excessive cost. • The risks are significant and fully justify government and employer resource allocation. • Implementation of these initiatives described by the various stakeholders working together will maximise their collective influence on radon health and safety. • Increased awareness and enforcement of the legislation in workplaces may encourage more employees to consider radon in their homes. Health & Safety Executive

  28. Radon in the UK Workplace Conclusion • ALARA is not relevant ? Why ? • Optimisation below regulatory standards is not a factor (in above ground workplaces) Health & Safety Executive

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