Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in the soil and in rock. Exposure to indoor radon constitutes an important part of workers’ overall exposure to ionising radiation, particularly in certain geographical areas (e.g. mountainous regions) and in specific types of workplaces (e.g. near quarries). The protection of workers against the risks of indoor radon falls within the scope of Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (the “BSS Directive”).
The guidance document Radon in workplaces aims to assist EU Member States in the implementation of the radon-related requirements of the BSS Directive. More specifically, Member States are required to establish national radon action plans that address the long-term risks of workplace exposure from any source of radon ingress. They must also establish national reference levels for indoor radon concentrations, which shall not be higher than 300 Bq/m-3.
The guide provides explanations of:
- the BSS Directive’s requirements regarding radon in workplaces;
- the aim, content and structure of a national radon action plan;
- the regulatory control of radon in workplaces;
- the recognition, approval and accreditation of measurement services, dosimetry services and remediation services.
Publication details
Published by: EU Commission, DG for Energy
Publication date: 2020
Number of pages: 62 pp.
English
