HHSRS Hazard 8 - Radiation

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If a tenant reports a property to the Council for a HHSRS Hazard 8 - Radiation issue, the Council is legally obligated to inspect the property for all 29 hazards outlined in the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

If the Council uncovers any Category 1 risks, it is obliged by law to take action against the landlord and any associated agents. This is not just a formality; it is a serious obligation that must be addressed.

Hazard 8 - Radiation

This hazard covers the threats to health from radon gas and its daughters, primarily airborne, but also radon dissolved in water.

Natural sources account for 85% of the total exposure to ionising radiation of the UK population, the majority of which is from radon gas in buildings. Radon dissolved in water supplies is only found in significant quantities in private water supplies in areas where there are high levels of radon gas.

Vulnerable Group: All ages

Defects & Justifications

Timber ground floor - ground floor of suspended timber construction particularly if without adequate sub-floor ventilation.
Disrepair to solid floor - holed, cracked or other disrepair to a solid ground floor.
Lack of DPM - lack of or defective damp proof membrane to solid floor.
Sealing around services - inadequate sealing around service entry points, and similar disrepair.
Ventilation rates - high upper-level ventilation rates.
Open fires - use of open fires and solid-fuel-effect open fires, without additional through the wall ventilation.
Remedial measures - disrepair to any remedial measures, such as a radon sump or associated fan.
Extractor fans - continuous use of extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms or wcs.
Private water supply - particularly if from a borehole or well.

Index of HHSRS Hazards

Rectifying the HHSRS Hazard 8 - Radiation: Guidance Checklist

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How can I reduce exposure to radon gas in a property?

Improve ventilation in underfloor voids and install a radon sump with a fan to extract gas. Sealing floors and gaps also helps reduce radon ingress.

How do I check if a property is in a radon-affected area?

Use the UK Health Security Agency's online radon map or purchase a radon test kit for on-site monitoring over a three-month period.

What kind of building works can help control radon levels?

Install a radon barrier membrane during construction or refurbishment and combine it with sub-floor ventilation systems for best results.

Are radon levels higher in basements and cellars?

Yes, because radon seeps from the ground and concentrates in lower, poorly ventilated spaces. These areas should be prioritised for testing and mitigation.

Who can I contact to manage radon mitigation professionally?

Certified radon remediation contractors or surveyors listed by the UK Radon Association can assess and implement effective solutions for your property.