Last months tragic incident at a care home in Swanage, Dorset, where three individuals lost their lives and four others were hospitalised potentially due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
This sad news highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures in care facilities. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can be deadly in confined spaces.
While carbon monoxide can cause immediate and life-threatening symptoms, Radon gas also poses a long-term risk of lung cancer. Both gases require diligent detection and prevention measures to ensure a safe living environment.
Radon is a radioactive gas that causes 1,100 deaths a year in the UK, yet it’s largely unknown. How do you know if radon gas is in your Care home – and what can you do if it is?
Certain locations are at greater risk and a simple initial check can be carried out using the <<UK Health Security Agency Radon Map>> (formerly Public Health England) radon map to check to see if a care home sits in an area where there is an increased probability of high levels of radon gas. The map gives an indication of the likelihood of finding high radon levels in an area, but cannot tell you whether your individual care home is affected.
The first step is to consult the << radon map. >>
If your care home is in a radon affected area << you need to carry out radon gas testing and order a number of detectors available from our << Radon shop >>
These devices should be strategically placed.
Initial testing is carried out by using a radon detectors (normally left in situ for a 3 month period).
Testing is followed by analysis carried out by our independent UK Health Security Agency approved laboratory.
As a specialist radon testing and mitigation company, Radon Protection UK can advise you on the number of detectors you require for your workplace/ care home based upon the size, layout and occupation patterns.
Detectors can be sent in the post, however if preferred, Radon Protection UK can also offer a ‘place and retrieve’ service for employers who would prefer a radon specialist to handle the whole testing process.
Your radon test results report will be sent to you following the laboratory analysis by email. Radon levels are measured in a unit called Becquerels, expressed as Bq/m3 (Becquerels per cubic meter of air). The average indoor radon concentration in the UK is 20 Bq/m3.
When it comes to lowering the radon levels in your workplace, you can trust Radon Protection UK. Our experienced radon gas specialists are on hand to help you. Simply call: 0800 978 8435
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