12. Basic Radon Protection

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01903 221065

planning@worthing.gov.uk

Technical Guidance Note 12: Basic Radon Protection

A review by the DETR, following advice by the National Radiological Protection Board, indicates that part of the Borough of Worthing has a ‘identified radon potential’.  The property that you have made a Building Regulation application for lies within that designated area and the proposed work will therefore require basic radon protection.

This can be achieved by installing a standard sheet damp-proof membrane and linking it to a cavity tray.  To make the construction as gas tight as possible, all joints between the sheets and the cavity tray should be sealed with a waterproof tape, as should all service penetrations.  It is also possible to use some liquid (painted) membranes but evidence of testing and approval by the National Radiological Protection Board should be provided to this Authority prior to use.

The following diagrams illustrate the principles involved in providing basic radon protection.

For suspended timber floors reference should be made to BRE Report 270 ‘Protecting dwellings with suspended timber floors.’  No additional damp proof membranes are required above those necessary to comply with Approved Document C, but sub floor cross ventilation must be provided using louvered plastic air bricks, sleeved through the cavity.

Please note that for clarity the positioning of damp protection, insulation, cavity tray support, etc, have been omitted.  The illustrations should not be considered as working drawings and are for guidance only.  It is the designer’s responsibility to develop details that will suit individual buildings.

Further information on Radon is available on the Health Protection Agency's website or from us at:

Building Control Group
Planning Section
Portland House
Richmond Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 lLF

Tel: 01903 221344

E-mail: building.control@worthing.gov.uk

Minicom: 01903 204500

Fax: 01903 207365

Answerphone: 01903 214034

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