Ensuring Safe Learning Environments at a Leading Independent Day School in Yorkshire

Background

Our client, a leading independent day school in Yorkshire, approached PropertECO for expert advice on radon testing across the school’s premises, as well as several privately let residential homes.

Planning and Implementation

After a comprehensive review of building plans, our team recommended using 240 passive radon detectors across the various school sites and residential properties. Following our advice and instruction, the school opted to self-place the detectors. The detectors were left in situ in the buildings for a three-month exposure period which is the standard duration to obtain a reliable measurement of radon levels.

Findings

Upon completion of the testing exposure period, the radon detectors were collected by the school and returned for laboratory analysis. The results indicated that 12 areas within the school had radon levels exceeding the workplace compliance threshold of 300 Bq/m³, with the highest recorded concentration reaching 500 Bq/m³. Six further areas were identified with radon levels surpassing the residential actions level of 200 Bq/m³, the threshold recommended by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for all schools to adopt.

Mitigation Design

Now facing these findings, Charles Edwards, Managing Director at PropertECO, personally visited the school to conduct a detailed mitigation design survey. The survey focused on all affected areas, including several basement layouts that came with a set of unique challenges. As such, we found that a combination of radon sumps and Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems would be the most effective approach. A total of 15 systems were required to mitigate the high radon levels.

To blend in with the school’s existing external rainwater goods, we took careful consideration when it came to the pipework and grilles chosen to implement the mitigation systems. RadonAway RP145i fans were used in all radon sumps as they are compact and quiet, yet offer powerful performance.

To minimise disruption of the school’s operations, we scheduled the installation of the mitigation systems during the Christmas holidays. The works were completed over three days, ensuring that the school was ready to welcome students and staff back to a safer environment in the new year.

Results

Post-mitigation testing revealed outstanding results! Radon levels in the majority of the affected areas were reduced to below 100 Bq/m³. In fact, the admin office that had an initial radon concentration of 468 Bq/m³, saw a dramatic reduction to just 4 Bq/m³.

Ongoing Support

Our commitment to the school didn’t end with the installation of the mitigation systems. To ensure that radon levels will be kept to a safe minimum, we provided advice on maintenance schedules and re-testing procedures. Regular re-testing will be conducted at scheduled intervals to continuously monitor radon levels and maintain a safe learning environment.

Speak to a Radon Specialist

At PropertECO, we have a team of fully trained and experienced surveyors here to provide a range of testing and mitigation solutions to ensure radon levels are kept to a minimum.