Commercial Radon Testing Regulations and Your Business: What Edmonton Property Managers Need to Know

Why Edmonton Commercial Radon Testing Laws Matter

Creating a safe and compliant workplace makes a real difference for Edmonton property managers. Property managers play a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees and tenants from this invisible, radioactive gas that emanates from the ground. To effectively manage employee health, foster compliance with workplace safety regulations, and preserve the overall value of commercial property, a property manager must understand the current rules governing Radon testing for commercial buildings.

Radon and the Dangers 

Commercial buildings may trap Radon within a structure, leading to unhealthy levels of indoor exposure. Creating a safe and compliant workplace makes a significant difference for Edmonton property managers, who play a crucial role in protecting both employees and tenants. Radon — an invisible, radioactive gas that emanates from the ground — can accumulate indoors and pose significant health risks. To effectively manage employee health, maintain compliance with workplace safety regulations, and preserve property value, property managers must understand the current rules governing Radon testing in commercial buildings.

Health Canada’s Guidelines for the General Public and Occupational Records

Health Canada advises reducing your Radon levels if they exceed 200 Bq/m³, the national guideline. Although voluntary, this limit is increasingly being used to assess workplace safety and guide public health interventions. For the commercial sector, property managers are urged to ensure they test according to the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) guidelines and should consider hiring certified professionals. Adhering to these national standards helps ensure that testing and mitigation are performed at an acceptable level for safety and accuracy.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Purpose

Although Alberta’s OHS framework currently has no specific regulation for Radon, Radon is classified as a dangerous substance under general workplace environment rules. This implies that employers have a duty to recognize, evaluate, and manage Radon whenever it is found. 

Testing Needs and Best Practices in Commercial Properties

To achieve reliable results in commercial Radon testing, the test should last for a minimum of 90 days, between October and April, when buildings are closed and heating systems are in operation. Testing should be repeated every two to five years — or sooner if there have been significant renovations or alterations to the ventilation system — to account for potential changes that could increase Radon exposure risks.

Mitigation Measures and Compliance Reporting

If test results determine levels of Radon above the guideline of 200 Bq/m³, mitigation by certified experts is required. Standard mitigation methods include sub-slab depressurization systems, increased ventilation, and sealing foundation cracks. After mitigation is performed, re-testing will be done to ensure that reduction efforts have been successful.

Necessity of Hiring Certified Radon Experts

Working with C-NRPP-certified Radon testers and mitigators ensures that your work meets national and provincial quality standards. Contracting professionals also mitigate liability issues by ensuring that all Radon control interventions are completed correctly and with technical accuracy. This is a crucial step in the Radon testing and mitigation process and should not be overlooked.

Conclusion:

As property managers in Edmonton, you play a vital role in protecting both occupants and staff by adhering to Radon testing requirements and safety protocols. Therefore, to effectively manage and maintain compliance with workplace safety regulations and preserve property value, Radon testing in commercial buildings is not just critical but a necessary step to avoid any future problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the frequency of testing commercial buildings in Edmonton for Radon?

Commercial properties should be tested at a minimum of every two to five years, or more often if there is a significant renovation, an alteration in the heating, ventilation/ductwork system, or changes to building safety features. These improvements can impact air flow and soil gas entry, potentially affecting Radon levels in the building.

Who can test for Radon in commercial buildings?

Radon testing in commercial buildings should be performed only by Radon Measurement professionals certified by the C-NRPP and trained in accurate testing, interpreting results, and providing necessary mitigation recommendations when high levels are detected.

Is there a fine for not testing commercial buildings for Radon in Alberta?

Although property owners are not currently facing direct consequences if they do not test, property managers could become liable if people working in or living in the building have health problems due to long-term Radon exposure. Proving you’ve taken due diligence to Radon test and mitigate your premises is a way of supporting legal compliance and risk management according to Alberta OHS laws. This could include potential legal action, fines, or damage to the property management company's reputation.

How much time does commercial Radon testing take?

The long-term Radon test typically lasts 90 days or more and should be conducted under closed-building conditions (i.e., during winter months) to obtain the most reliable results. After testing is completed, the findings are examined, and a report is issued that explains the Radon levels identified and what to do about them. This report should be retained for future reference and compliance reporting purposes.

Can a building be tested for Radon if people are living or working in it?

Yes. Radon testing monitors do not interfere with or pose a health risk; they are safe to use in occupied commercial buildings. However, during testing, the devices should be stationary; otherwise, the adjacent layer will not provide a steady result.

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