Pennsylvania Department of Environmental - wpb
Contents
1. DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS detailed and final Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards PA RMS set forth in this document 2 0 PURPOSE The purpose of the PA RMS is to provide radon mitigation contractors with uniform standards that will ensure quality and effectiveness in the design installation and evaluation of radon mitigation systems in detached and attached residential buildings three stories or less in height The PA RMS is intended to serve as a model set of requirements which have been adopted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PA DEP to fulfill the requirements of the Radon Certification Act 25 Pa Code Chapter 240 3 0 PARTICIPANTS The minimum requirements for individuals or firms who perform radon remediation work within the Commonwealth include completion of Radon Certification Application Radon Mitigation attend a Department approved course have one year radon mitigation experience or three years experience in architecture engineering electrical plumbing carpentry masonry or related trades pass the EPA Radon Contractors Proficiency exam and submit the required fee 4 0 SCOPE The requirements addressed in the PA RMS include the following categories of contractor activity general practices building investigation worker health and safety systems design systems installation materials monitors and labeling post mitigation testing and contacts and documentation 5 02. statement that the system is temporary and that it will be replaced with a permanent system within 30 days The label shall also include the date of installation and the contractor s name phone number and PA DEP certification Identification Number EXCEPTION The 30 day 9 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS limit on use of a temporary mitigation system may be extended in cases where a major renovation or change in building use necessitates a delay in installation of a permanent mitigation system that is optimized to the new building configuration or use DEP s Bureau of Radiation Protection should be notified in writing when this exception is being applied 10 4 When the selected mitigation technique requires use of sealants or caulks containing volatile solvents prior to starting work the contractor shall inform the client in writing this could include an MSDS sheet of the need to ventilate work areas during and after the use of such sealants Ventilation shall be provided as recommended by the manufacturer of the material 11 0 BUILDING INVESTIGATION 11 1 The contractor shall conduct a thorough visual inspection of the building prior to initiating any radon mitigation work This inspection should be performed prior to submission of the bid proposal to the client The inspection is intended to identify any specific building characteristics or configurations e g large
3. 4 Where installation of a radon mitigation system requires pipe or ducts to penetrate a firewall or other fire resistance rated wall or floor penetrations shall be protected in accordance with applicable building mechanical fire and electrical codes 14 1 5 When installing radon mitigation systems that use sump pits as the suction point for active soil depressurization if sump pumps are needed it is recommended that submersible sump pumps be used See paragraphs 14 5 1 14 7 4 15 7 and 15 8 14 2 Radon Vent Pipe Installation Requirements 14 2 1 All joints and connections in radon mitigation system vent pipes shall be permanently sealed as specified by the manufacturer with the exception that flexible rubber couplings are an allowable altemative method 14 2 2 Radon vent pipe runs subjected to cold environments should be insulated to prevent vent pipe freeze up Radon vent pipes in attics where warm moist environments exist should also be insulated to reduce condensation on exterior pipe surfaces 14 2 3 Radon vent pipes shall be fastened to the structure of the building with hangers strapping or other supports that will adequately secure the vent material Existing plumbing pipes ducts or mechanical equipment shall not be used to support or secure a radon vent pipe 14 2 4 Supports for radon vent pipes shall be installed at least every 6 feet on horizontal runs to eliminate vertical or horizontal movement Vertical runs shall be s
4. ASSUMPTION Before applying the provisions of the PA RMS it is assumed that appropriate radon radon decay product measurements have been performed within the structure and that the owner has decided that radon remediation is necessary 6 0 IMPLEMENTATION 6 1 The PA RMS includes requirements for installation of radon remediation systems and provides a basis for evaluating the quality of those installations All PA DEP certified contractors are required to follow all requirements set forth in the PA RMS 6 2 Contractors shall personally conduct follow up inspection of any radon mitigation system installed by their firm that was changed from the original certified contractors design 2 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS Additionally contractors shall inspect 20 percent of all other installations within 30 days of system completion to insure continued conformance to PA RMS 6 3 PA DEP will inspect radon mitigation systems installed by DEP certified contractors for compliance with this standard and the PA DEP Radon Certification Regulations 25 Pa Code Ch 240 Violations of these standards and regulations may result in decertification suspension of certification or civil penalties Additionally state radon program personnel are considered agents of the US EPA and as such any inspection finding may be forwarded to the US EPA for evaluation of noncompliance with these standard
5. Houses Technical Guidance Third Edition for Active Soil Depressurization Systems EPA 625 R 93 011 October 1993 4 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 8 5 Application of Radon Reduction Methods EPA 625 5 88 024 August 1988 8 6 Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols EPA 402 R 92 004 July 1992 8 7 Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes EPA 402 R 92 003 June 1993 8 8 A Citizen s Guide to Radon Second Edition EPA 402 K92 001 May 1992 8 9 Pennsylvania s Consumers Guide to Radon Reduction EPA 402 K92 003 August 1992 8 10 Pennsylvania s Home Buyer s and Sellers Guide to Radon EPA 402 R 93 003 March 1993 8 11 ASHRAE Standard 62 1989 Appendix B Positive Combustion Air Supply 8 12 National Gas Code Appendix H p 2223 1 98 1988 Recommended Procedure for Safety Inspection of an Existing Appliance Installation 8 13 Chimney Safety Tests User s Manual Second Edition January 12 1988 Scanada Shelter Consortium Inc for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp 8 14 The Spillage Test Method to Determine the Potential for Pressure Induced Spillage from Vented Fuel Fired Space Heating Appliances Water Heaters and Fireplaces Canadian General Standards Board CAN CGSB 51 71 95 April 1995 8 15 OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Ionizing Radiation 2
6. a subslab depressurization system is contemplated and characteristics of the subslab material are unknown a communication test as defined in paragraph 9 9 is recommended 11 5 As part of the building investigation a floor plan sketch shall be developed if not already in existence and readily available that includes illustrations of the building foundation slab on grade basement or crawlspace area The sketch should include the location of load bearing walls drains sump pits HVAC systems and natural draft appliances It shall be annotated to include the anticipated layout of any radon mitigation system piping and the anticipated locations of any vent fan and system waming devices for the envisioned mitigation systems The sketch shall be finalized during installation and shall be included in the homeowner information package paragraph 18 5 12 0 WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY 12 1 The contractor shall comply with all OSHA state and local standards or regulations relating to worker safety and occupational radon exposure Applicable references in the Code of Federal Regulations and NIOSH publications or subsequent updates are listed in paragraphs 8 15 8 16 and 8 17 11 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 12 2 In addition to the OSHA and NIOSH standards the following requirements that are specifically or uniquely applicable for the safety and protection of radon mitigatio
7. as the vent pipes unless flexible airtight rubber couplings are used See paragraph 14 3 7 for exception when installing vent fans and paragraph 14 2 7 for exception when installing radon vent pipes in sump pit covers 15 4 Cleaning solvents and adhesives used to join pipes and fittings shall be as recommended by manufacturers for use with the type of piping material used in the mitigation system 15 5 When sealing cracks in slabs and other small openings around penetrations of the slab and foundation walls caulks and sealants designed for such application shall be used Urethane sealants are recommended because of their durability 15 6 When sealing holes for plumbing rough in or other large openings in slabs and foundation walls that are below the ground surface nonshrink mortar grouts expanding foam or other comparable materials for such application shall be used 15 7 Sump pit covers shall be made of durable plastic galvanized sheet metal aluminum or southem pine treated CCA see 9 4 for ground contact and designed to permit airtight sealing to the slab surface surrounding the sump pit To permit easy removal for sump pump servicing the cover shall be sealed to the slab surface using silicone or other nonpermanent type caulking materials or an airtight gasket Sump covers should have a window to observe conditions in the sump pit 20 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standar
8. cited in paragraph 8 2 8 4 and 8 19 15 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 3 3 Radon vent fans used in active soil depressurization or block wall depressurization systems shall not be installed below grade nor in the conditioned heated cooled space of a building nor in any basement crawlspace or other interior location directly beneath the conditioned spaces of a building Acceptable locations for radon vent fans include attics not suitable for occupancy including attics over living spaces and garages garages that are not beneath conditioned spaces or on the exterior of the building 14 3 4 Radon vent fans shall be installed in a configuration that avoids condensation buildup in the fan housing Active soil depressurization fans shall be installed in vertical runs of the vent pipe 14 3 5 Radon vent fans mounted on the exterior of buildings shall be rated for outdoor use or installed in a water tight protective housing 14 3 6 Radon vent fans shall be mounted and secured in a manner that minimizes transfer of vibration to the structural framing of the building 14 3 7 To facilitate maintenance and future replacement radon vent fans shall be installed in the vent pipe using removable air tight couplings or flexible connections that can be tightly secured to both the fan and the vent pipe 14 3 8 The intakes of fans used in crawlspace pressurization or in pressur
9. of the contractor to seal shall be disclosed to the client and included in the documentation If it is determined between contractor and homeowner that the perimeter channel drain can not be sealed for water control reasons the contractor may leave this perimeter channel drain unsealed However the contractor shall provide in writing to the homeowner the following 1 this technique may contribute to an increased heating and cooling penality 2 the efficiency of the radon mitigation system may be decreased 3 there may be a increase in the potential for backdrafting natural draft combustion appliances and 4 radon levels should still be reduced to less than 4 0 pCi l 14 5 5 When installing baseboard type suction systems all seams and joints in the baseboard material shall be joined and sealed using materials recommended by the manufacturer of the baseboard system Baseboards shall be secured to walls and floors with adhesives designed and recommended for such installations If a baseboard system is installed on a block wall foundation the tops of the blockwall shall be closed and sealed as prescribed in paragraph 14 5 3 14 5 6 Any seams in soil gas retarder membranes used in crawlspaces for sub membrane depressurization systems shall be overlapped at least 12 inches and should be sealed To 17 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS enhance the effectiveness of submembrane depr
10. steps designed to reduce radon concentrations in the indoor air of a building 9 15 Mechanically Ventilated Crawlspace System A radon control technique designed to increase ventilation within a crawlspace achieve higher air pressure in the crawlspace relative to air pressure in the soil beneath the crawlspace or achieve lower air pressure in the crawlspace relative to air pressure in the living spaces by use of a fan See also paragraph 9 11 Crawlspace Depressurization 9 16 Natural Draft Appliance Any combustion appliance that does not have fan forced combustion venting and therefore is more likely to be susceptible to backdrafting 9 17 pCi l The abbreviation for picocuries per liter which is a unit of measure for the amount of radioactivity in a liter of air There are 2 2 disintegrations per minute of radioactive material in 1 picocurie 7 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 9 18 Perimeter Channel Drain A means for collecting water in a basement by means of a large gap or channel between the concrete floor and the wall Collected water may flow to aggregate beneath the channel French Drain or to a sump where it can be drained or pumped away 9 19 Pressure Field Extension The distance that a pressure change is induced in the subslab area measured from a single or multiple suction points See also paragraph 9 9 Communication Test 9 20 Radon A naturall
11. to retest the building at least every two years Retesting is also recommended if the building undergoes significant alteration 17 6 The contractor shall continue to abide by the reporting requirements Section 240 303 of the Radon Certification Regulations 18 0 CONTRACTS AND DOCUMENTATION 18 1 The following information shall be provided to the clients prior to initiation of work 1 The contractors PA DEP identification number 2 A statement that describes the planned scope of work 22 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 3 A statement describing any known hazards associated with chemicals used in or as part of the installation 4 A statement indicating compliance with and implementation of all PA DEP standards and those of other agencies having jurisdiction e g code requirements 5 A statement describing any system maintenance that the building owner would be required to perform 6 The installation cost and an estimate of the annual operating costs of the system 7 The terms of any warranty or guarantee 8 Notice to Clients 18 2 Contractors shall keep records of all radon mitigation work performed and maintain those records for two years or for the period of any warranty or guarantee whichever is longer These records shall include the information as outlined in the Radon Certification Regulations Section 240 303 Additional records that should b
12. 9 CFR 1926 53 8 16 OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Regulations Ionizing Radiation 29 CFR 1910 96 8 17 NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection DHHS NIOSH Publication NO 87 116 September 1987 8 18 NCRP Measurement of Radon and Radon Decay Daughters in Air NCRP Report No 97 Nov 1988 5 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 8 19 EPA Handbook Sub Slab Depressurization for Low Pemmeability Fill Material EPA 625 6 91 029 July 1991 9 0 DESCRIPTION OF TERMS For this document certain terms are defined in this section Terms not defined herein should have their ordinary meaning within the context of their use Ordinary meaning is as defined in Webster s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 9 1 Backdrafting A condition where the normal movement of combustion products up a flue resulting from the buoyant forces on the hot gases is reversed so that the combustion products can enter the structure Backdrafting of combustion appliances such as fireplaces and fumaces can occur when depressurization in the structure overwhelms the buoyant force on the hot gases Backdrafting can also be caused by chimney blockage 9 2 Backer Rod A semirigid closed cell foam material resembling a rope of various diameters Used to fill around pipes large cracks etc to assist in making a sealed penetration For example where a pipe is inserted through a concrete
13. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS CONTENTS 1 0 Backgro d issia andi anan tees aatn amc Na taaa baee EEan 1 20 PUNPOSC i isana E a ea aE a EENE aSa Tani eaaa 2 3 0 ParbepaniS aaa enemiet aara nEaN ACUAN APANE NEEE DiN 2 4 0 SCOPE s aaa araa nea aaee Eea Aaa enaa Oain ae Tena EIEE 2 5 0 ASS MPI N J teicnasicccccapsrccceanasnsassanecnscaceeensacniausacavedsaenensnaate 2 6 0 Implementatio Rise bsse fidence lanasacuen tidt eased dnckenilsivendaxencdenebens 3 TO MATION ii os cca das E E AEE vie EEEE E 3 8 0 Reference DOCUMENMS c ceceeceeeceenecereceeeeeeeeseeenereres 5 9 0 Description of Tennis sicicececsaisnwinnecnaasiisdadeieennssadanaciansevniene 7 10 0 General Practices vcs sesceivasscinc ceo occ astaasepee aseessa kiant 9 11 0 Building Investigation c ccceceseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneneneees 10 12 0 Worker Health and Safety 0 ccceseeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeense 11 13 0 Systems Design c ceeceeeeeeeeeeeeceeceeeeceeceeeseeseeeeeeeeeeeeees 13 14 0 Systems Installations ccceceeeee eee ee eee eee eee e eee eee eee eeneeee 14 1 General Requirement ceceeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 14 Radon Vent Pipe Installation Requirements 14 3 Radon Vent Fan Installation Requirements 15 4 Suction Pit Requirements for SSD Systems 16 5 Sealing Requirements ceec
14. ble Exposure Limits the contractor shall ensure that employee s are exposed to no more than 4 working level months WLM over a 12 month period An equilibrium ratio of 50 percent shall be used to convert radon exposure to WLM If a contractor is a sole proprietor of a radon mitigation firm they are still responsible for recording and maintaining their own occupational radon radon progeny exposure 12 2 9 In any area where building materials containing friable asbestos have been identified or it is suspected that friable asbestos may exist radon mitigation work shall not be conducted without the approval of an inspector or mitigator certified under provisions of the Asbestos Hazards Emergency Response Act AHERA and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Act 194 12 2 10 When mitigation work requires the use of sealants adhesives paints or other substances that may be hazardous to health the contractor shall provide employee s with the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS and explain the required safety procedures 13 0 SYSTEMS DESIGN 13 1 All radon mitigation systems shall be designed and installed as permanent integral additions to the building except where a temporary system has been installed in accordance with paragraph 10 3 The radon mitigation system shall exist as a stand alone system and not incorporate other house systems or features in its design 13 2 All radon mitigation systems shall be designed to avo
15. cracks in slabs exposed earth in crawlspaces open sump pits wet basement or foundation walls that may affect the design installation and effectiveness of radon mitigation systems As a part of this inspection clients should be asked to provide any available information about the building e g construction specifications pictures drawings etc that might be of value in determining the radon mitigation strategy 11 2 To facilitate selection of the most effective radon control system and avoid the cost of installing systems that subsequently prove to be ineffective it is recommended that the contractor conduct diagnostic tests to assist in identifying and verifying suspected radon sources entry points and subslab communication Radon grab sampling communication tests and use of chemical smoke sticks are examples of the type of diagnostic testing commonly used See paragraph 11 4 11 3 It is recommended that during the building investigation the contractor routinely perform diagnostic tests to evaluate the existence of or the potential for backdrafting of natural draft combustion appliances Published procedures for conducting backdrafting tests are covered in the Reference Documents listed in paragraphs 8 11 8 12 8 13 and 8 14 The following checklist has been extracted from material in these references and may be used to test for existing or potential backdrafting conditions 1 Close all extemal windows and doors and the door bet
16. ds RMS 15 8 Penetrations of sump covers to accommodate electrical wiring water ejection pipes or radon vent pipes shall be designed to pennit airtight sealing around penetrations using caulk or grommets 15 9 Plastic sheeting installed in crawlspace as soil gas retarders shall be a minimum of 6 mil 3 mil cross laminated polyethylene or equivalent flexible material Heavier gauge sheeting should be used when crawlspaces are used for storage or frequent entry is required for maintenance of utilities 15 10 Any wood in contact with soil or soil gas used to attach soil gas retarder membranes to crawlspace walls or piers shall be pressure treated or naturally resistant to decay and termites 16 0 MONITORS AND LABELING 16 1 All active radon mitigation systems shall include a mechanism to monitor system performance by use of a magnehelic gauge manometer or a comparable mechanism The mechanism shall be simple to read or interpret and be located where it is easily seen by building occupants and in an area where it would be unlikely to be damaged The final system vacuum shall be indicated on the gauge for future reference as measured at the gauge location 16 2 Electrical radon mitigation system monitors whether visual or audible shall be installed on nonswitched circuits and be designed to reset automatically when power is restored after service or power supply failure Audible alarms shall include a disconnect mechanism separate from the
17. e National Electric Code and any additional local regulations 14 6 2 Wiring shall not be located in or chased through the mitigation installation ducting or any other heating or cooling ductwork 14 6 3 Any plugged cord used to supply power to a radon vent fan shall be no more than 6 feet in length 14 6 4 No plugged cord shall penetrate a wall or be concealed within a wall 14 6 5 Radon mitigation fans installed on the exterior of buildings shall be hard wired into an electrical circuit unless a UL approved continuous duty exterior plug method is used 14 6 6 If the rated electrical requirements of a radon mitigation system fan exceeds 50 percent of the circuit capacity into which it will be connected or if the total connected load on the circuit including the radon vent fan exceeds 80 percent of the circuit s rated capacity a separate dedicated circuit shall be installed to power the fan 18 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 6 7 An electrical disconnect switch or circuit breaker shall be installed in radon mitigation system fan circuits to permit deactivation of the fan for maintenance or repair by the building owner or servicing contractor Disconnect switches are not required with plugged fans 14 7 Drain Installation Requirements 14 7 1 If drains discharge directly into the soil beneath the slab or through solid pipe to a soak away the contractor shall ins
18. e by snow or leaves and be a minimum of 10 feet apart 14 8 5 Contractors installing HRV systems shall verify that the incoming and outgoing airflow is balanced to ensure that the system does not create a negative pressure within the building Contractors shall inform building owners that periodic filter replacement and inlet grill cleaning are necessary to maintain a balanced airflow This information shall also be included in the documentation An inclined manometer should be installed across the intake filter to indicate the need for filter cleaning or replacement 19 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 8 6 Both intemal and extemal intake and exhaust vents in HRV systems shall be covered with wire mesh or screening typically 1 4 by 1 4 to prevent entry of animals or debris or injury to occupants 15 0 MATERIALS 15 1 All mitigation system electrical components shall be U L listed or of equivalent specifications 15 2 As a minimum all plastic vent pipes in mitigation systems shall be made of Schedule 20 PVC ABS or equivalent piping material Schedule 40 piping or its equivalent should be used in garages and in other intemal and extemal locations subject to physical damage PVC pipe exposed to sun light should be formulated for outdoor use and painted to provide protection against UV radiation 15 3 Vent pipe fittings in a mitigation system shall be of the same material
19. e kept include 1 The Building Investigation Summary and floor plan sketch See Appendix A 2 Pre and post mitigation radon test data 3 Pre and post mitigation diagnostic test data 4 Copies of contracts and warranties 5 A narrative or pictorial description of mitigation system s installed 18 2 1 Appendix A contains a suggested standard format for compiling mitigation project records 18 3 Other records or bookkeeping required by the PA DEP 25 Pa Code Ch 240 local and Federal statutes and regulations shall be maintained for the periods prescribed by those requirements 18 4 Health and safety records including worker radon exposure logs shall be maintained indefinitely 23 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 18 5 Upon completion of the mitigation project the contractor shall provide clients with an information package that shall include but is not limited to 1 A completed copy of the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Radon Division Radon Mitigation Project Record Appendix A 2 A final system layout that has its components labeled on a floor plan 3 Copies of contracts and warranties 4 A description of the installed mitigation system its basic operating principles 5 A description of any deviations from the RMS or State requirements 6 A description of the proper operating procedures of any installed mechanical or el
20. ectrical systems including manufacturer s operation and maintenance instructions drain filling instructions and how to interpret waming devices 7 A list of appropriate actions for the client to take if the system failure warming device indicates system degradation or failure 8 A recommendatio n to retest at least every two years 9 A recommendation to have an electrical inspection performed on the applicable components of the installed system 10 This information package shall be attached to the mitigation system in a secure and permanent manner in a visible location and Labeled Radon Mitigation Information DISCLAIMER The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PA DEP strives to provide accurate complete and useful information However neither PA DEP nor any person contributing to the preparation of this document makes any warranty express or implied with respect to the usefulness or effectiveness of any information method or process disclosed in this material DEP does not assume any liability for the use of or damages arising from the use of any information method or process disclosed in this document Mention of firms trade names or commericial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use 24 of 24
21. ecured either above or below the points of penetration through floors ceilings and roofs or at least every 8 feet on runs that do not penetrate floors ceilings or roofs 14 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 2 5 To prevent blockage of air flow into the bottom of radon vent pipes these pipes shall be supported or secured in a permanent manner that prevents their downward movement to the bottom of suction pits or sump pits or into the soil beneath an aggregate layer under a slab 14 2 6 Radon vent pipes shall be installed in a configuration that ensures that any rain water or condensation within the pipes drains downward into the ground beneath the slab or soil gas retarder membrane 14 2 7 Radon vent pipes shall not block access to any areas requiring maintenance or inspection unless the vent pipe is designed for easy removal and air tight replacement Radon vent pipes shall not be installed in front of or interfere with any light opening door window or equipment access area required by code If radon vent pipes are installed in sump pits with sump pumps the system shall be designed with removable air tight couplings to facilitate removal and reinstallation of the vent pipes and sump pit cover for sump pump maintenance 14 2 8 To prevent reentrainment of radon the point of discharge from vents of fan powered soil depressurization and block wall depressurization sys
22. ed i e postmitigation radon levels shall be less than 4 pCi l and the systems design criteria in paragraph 13 0 shall be applied A contractor who expects to deviate from proven radon mitigation technologies and methods as defined in the PA RMS and other EPA references in Section 8 0 for purposes of research on innovative mitigation techniques or for other reasons shall prior to initiation of work obtain approval from PA DER document the nonstandard techniques and inform the client of the deviation from standard procedures 7 7 At this time the PA RMS does not include standards for installing systems to mitigate radon in water However EPA is currently developing a standard that will regulate radon levels in domestic water supplies Following publication of that standard the PA RMS may be revised as appropriate to include standards for installation of systems that are effective in reducing radon levels in water 8 0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS The following documents are sources of additional radon mitigation information and are recommended reading for contractors participating in the RCP program 8 1 EPA Radon Mitigation Standards April 1994 Revised Edition EPA 402 R 93 078 8 2 EPA Training Manual Reducing Radon In Structures Third Edition January 1993 8 3 Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses Technical Guidance Second Edition EPA 625 5 87 019 January 1988 8 4 Radon Reduction Techniques for Existing Detached
23. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeenss 16 6 Electrical Requiremenits cccceeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeenenees 18 7 Drain Installation Requirements cscsceseseseeee 19 8 HVAC Installation Requirements 0seecseseeeeee 19 45 0 Mate alS iein ae cue hie sek tiae cent boxe Oradea aa aaar ai 20 16 0 Monitors and Labeling ceceseseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenenens 21 17 0 Postmitigation TeSting 0 cececeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeseeeeeeeeseeeneneneeees 22 18 0 Contracts and Documentation 2 0sceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneemees 22 DISCLAIMER schiec sa ctescav eee baru cused dadaeeateven ata reeel enue 24 1 0 BACKGROUND The 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act IRAA required the Environmental Protection Agency EPA to develop a voluntary program to evaluate and provide information on contractors who offer radon control services to homeowners The Radon Contractor Proficiency RCP Program was established to fulfill this portion of the IRAA In December 1991 EPA published Interim Radon Mitigation Standards as initial guidelines for evaluating the performance of radon mitigation contractors under the RCP Program Over the past six years the effectiveness of the basic radon mitigation techniques set forth in the Interim Standards has been validated in field applications throughout the United States This experience now serves as the basis for the more 1 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources
24. essurization systems the membrane should also be sealed around interior piers and to all crawlspace wall surfaces All sealants shall be long lived Duct tape is not a long lived sealant 14 5 7 In combination basement crawlspace foundations where the crawlspace has been confirmed as a source of radon entry and membrane depressurization is not a viable mitigation option access doors and other openings between the basement and the adjacent crawlspace shall be closed and sealed Access doors required by code shall be fitted with air tight gaskets and a means of positive closure but shall not be permanently sealed In cases where both the basement and the adjacent crawlspace areas are being mitigated with active SSD and SMD systems sealing of the openings between those areas is not required 14 5 8 When crawlspace depressurization is used for radon mitigation openings and cracks in floors above the crawl space which would pemnit conditioned air to pass out of the living spaces of the building should be identified and sealed in a permanent manner Sealing of openings around hydronic heat or steam pipe penetrations should be done using noncombustible materials Openings and cracks that are determined to be inaccessible or beyond the ability of the contractor to seal should be disclosed to the client and included in the documentation 14 6 Electrical Requirements 14 6 1 Wiring for all active radon mitigation systems shall conform to provisions of th
25. ication Test A diagnostic test designed to qualitatively measure the ability of a suction field and air flow to extend through the material beneath a concrete slab floor and thus evaluate the potential effectiveness of a subslab depressurization system This test is commonly conducted by applying suction to a hole drilled through the slab where a future suction hole might be located and simultaneously measuring the pressure differential or observing the movement of smoke downward into small holes drilled in the slab at locations away from the suction hole See also paragraph 9 19 Pressure Field Extension 9 10 Contractor An individual or firm listed with the PA DEP as being certified to perform radon mitigation activities 9 11 Crawlspace Depressurization A radon control technique designed to achieve lower air pressure in the crawlspace relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan powered vent drawing air from within the crawlspace See also paragraph 9 15 Mechanically Ventilated Crawlspace System 9 12 Diagnostic Tests Procedures used to identify or characterize conditions within buildings that may contribute to radon entry or elevated radon levels or may provide information regarding the performance of a mitigation system 9 13 Drain Tile Loop A continuous length of drain tile or perforated pipe extending around all or part of the internal or extemal perimeter of a basement or crawlspace footing 9 14 Mitigation System Any system or
26. id the creation of other health safety or environmental hazards to building occupants such as backdrafting of natural draft combustion appliances 13 3 All radon mitigation systems shall be designed to maximize radon reduction while minimizing excess energy usage avoiding compromise of moisture and temperature controls and other comfort features and minimizing noise 13 4 All radon mitigation systems and their components shall be designed to comply with the laws ordinances codes and regulations of relevant jurisdictional authorities including applicable mechanical electrical building plumbing energy and fire prevention codes 13 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 0 SYSTEMS INSTALLATION 14 1 General Requirements 14 1 1 All components of radon mitigation systems installed in compliance with provisions of the PA RMS shall also be in compliance with the applicable mechanical electrical building plumbing energy and fire prevention codes standards and regulations of the local jurisdiction 14 1 2 The contractor shall obtain all required licenses and permits and display them in the work areas as required by local ordinances 14 1 3 Where portions of structural framing material must be removed to accommodate radon vent pipes material removed shall be no greater than that permitted for plumbing installations by applicable building or plumbing codes 14 1
27. in a permanent airtight manner using compatible caulks or other sealant materials See paragraph 15 5 Openings around other utility penetrations of the slab walls or soil gas retarder shall also be sealed 14 5 3 Where a Block Wall Depressurization BWD system is used to mitigate radon openings in the tops of such walls and all accessible openings or cracks in the interior surfaces of the walls shall be closed and sealed with urethane or equivalent caulks expandable foams rigid board stock caulked in place nonshrink grout or other comparable materials See paragraphs 15 5 and 15 6 Openings or cracks that are determined to be inaccessible or beyond the ability of the contractor to seal shall be disclosed to the client and included in the documentation 14 5 4 Openings perimeter channel drains or cracks that exist where the slab meets the foundation wall floor wall joint shall be sealed with urethane caulk or equivalent material When the opening or channel is greater than 1 2 inch in width a foam backer rod or other equivalent filler material shall be inserted in the channel before application of the sealant Materials inserted into the channel shall leave adequate space below the filler material to allow sub surface drainage from the channel into the sub slab material Other openings or cracks in slabs or at expansion or control joints should also be sealed Openings or cracks that are determined to be inaccessible or beyond the ability
28. izing the building itself shall be screened or filtered to prevent ingestion of debris or personal injury Screens or filters shall be removable to permit cleaning or replacement and building owners shall be informed of the need to periodically replace or clean such screens and filters This information shall also be included in the documentation See paragraph 18 5 14 4 Suction Pit Requirement for Subslab Depressurization SSD Systems 14 4 1 To provide optimum pressure field extension of the subslab communication zone a minimum of 1 2 cubic foot i e approx half of a 5 gallon bucket of material shall be excavated unless bedrock prohibits this from the area immediately below the slab penetration point of SSD system vent pipes 14 5 Sealing Requirements 14 5 1 Sump pits that permit entry of soil gas or that would allow conditioned air to be drawn into a subslab depressurization system shall be covered and sealed The sump cover shall have a radon resistant drain See paragraph 9 21 if there is no other available floor drain Homeowner information should indicate periodic filling if applicable See paragraph 15 7 for details on sump cover and sealing materials 16 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 14 5 2 Openings around radon vent pipe penetrations of the slab the foundation walls and the crawlspace soil gas retarder membrane shall be cleaned prepared and sealed
29. ling of these membranes is recommended 9 28 Subslab Depressurization Active A radon control technique designed to achieve lower subslab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan powered vent drawing air from beneath the concrete slab 8 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 9 29 Subslab Depressuri zation Passive A radon control technique designed to achieve lower subslab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe without a fan routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the subslab area to the outdoor air This system relies solely on wind induced vent pipe draft and the convective flow of warmed air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the concrete slab 9 30 Working Level WL A unit of radon decay product concentration Numerically any combination of short lived radon decay products in one liter of air that will result in the ultimate emission of 130 000 MeV of potential alpha energy This number was chosen because it is approximately the total alpha energy released from the short lived decay products in equilibrium with 100 pCi of Rn 222 per liter of air See also the referenced document in paragraph 8 16 9 31 Working Level Month WLM A unit of exposure used to express the accumulated human exposure to radon decay products It is calculated by multiplying the average working level to which a pe
30. n workers shall be met 12 2 1 The contractor shall advise workers of the hazards of exposure to radon and the need to apply protective measures when working in areas of elevated radon concentrations 12 2 2 The contractor shall have a worker protection plan on file that is available to all employees and is approved by the PA DEP 12 2 3 The contractor shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment such as hard hats face shields ear plugs and protective gloves are available on the job site during cutting drilling grinding polishing demolishing or other hazardous activity associated with radon mitigation projects The contractor shall ensure that all new employees have been informed about all relevant portions of the company worker protection plan All relevant portions of the worker protection plan shall be reviewed with each employee at least once a year Confirmation of employees knowledge of relevant portions of the worker protection plan should be recorded with the employees signature and date 12 2 4 All electrical equipment used during radon mitigation projects shall be properly grounded Circuits used as a power source should be protected by Ground fault Circuit Interrupters GFCI 12 2 5 When work is required at elevations above the ground or floor the contractor shall ensure that ladders or scaffolding are safely installed and operated 12 2 6 Work areas shall be ventilated to reduce worker exposure to radon decay products d
31. radon system Battery operated monitoring devices shall not be used unless they are equipped with a low power waming feature 16 3 A system description label shall be placed on the mitigation system the electric service entrance panel or other prominent location This label shall be legible from a distance of at least three feet and include the following information indication that this is a radon system Radon Reduction System the installers name phone number and PA DEP Certification Number the date of installation and an advisory that the building should be tested for radon at least every two years In addition all exposed and visible interior radon mitigation system vent pipe sections shall be identified with at least one label on each floor level The label shall indicate that it is part of a radon reduction system and read Radon Reduction System 16 4 The circuit breaker s controlling the circuit s on which the radon vent fan and system failure waming devices operate shall be labeled Radon System 21 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 17 0 POSTMITIGATION TESTING 17 1 After installation of an active radon control system e g SSD the contractor should reexamine and verify the integrity of the fan mounting seals and all joints in the interior vent piping 17 2 After installation of any active radon mitigation system the contractor should measure
32. rson has been exposed by the number of hours exposed and dividing the product by 170 10 0 GENERAL PRACTICES The following general practices are required for all contacts between radon mitigation contractors and clients 10 1 In the initial contact with a client the contractor shall review any available results from previous radon tests to assist in developing an appropriate mitigation strategy The contractor shall inform the client when it is determined that previous radon measurements were not performed according to EPA protocols and recommend a retest be done 10 2 Based on guidance contained in A Citizen s Guide to Radon Second Edition paragraph 8 8 and the PA Home Buyers and Seller s Guide or subsequent revisions of these documents the contractor shall refer the client to the discussions of interpreting indoor radon test results and the health risk associated with the radon level found in the building The Pennsylvania Consumer s Guide To Radon Reduction paragraph 8 9 is an appropriate reference for providing advice on actions to take to reduce indoor radon levels 10 3 When delays in the installation of a permanent radon control system are unavoidable due to building conditions or construction activities and a temporary system is installed the contractor shall inform the client about the temporary nature of the system A label that is readable from at least three feet shall be placed on the system The label shall include a
33. s Based on its evaluation the US EPA may initiate established Radon Contractor Proficiency program delisting procedures against those contractors found to be in violation of these standards 6 4 Those provisions of the PA RMS that are considered to be mandatory are prefaced by the term shall Provisions that are considered good practice but which are not mandatory are prefaced by the terms should or recommended 6 5 The PA RMS will be updated as necessary and in response to technological advances and field experience The scope of the PA RMS will also be expanded when new revised mitigation technologies have been demonstrated in other types of residential and nonresidential buildings 6 6 For areas of radon mitigation not covered by this standard the contractor shall follow the guidance outlined in the reference documents See paragraph 8 0 and his her training obtained in PA DEP approved radon mitigation courses 7 0 LIMITATIONS 7 1 Although the provisions of the PA RMS have been carefully reviewed for potential conflicts with other regulatory requirements adherence to the PA RMS does not guarantee compliance with the applicable codes or regulations of any other Federal state or local agency having jurisdiction 7 2 Where discrepancies exist between provisions of the PA RMS and local codes or regulations local codes shall take precedence However where compliance with local codes necessitates a deviation from the PA RMS or a de
34. slab a length of backer rod is compressed into the opening around the pipe Caulking is then applied to the space above the backer rod and between the outside of the pipe and the slab opening The purpose of the backer rod is to hold the semifluid caulk in place until it sets or hardens and act as a bond breaker 9 3 Block Wall Depressurization A radon mitigation technique that depressurizes the void network within a block wall foundation by drawing air from inside the wall and venting it to the outside 9 4 CCA treated for ground contact Chromated Copper Arsenate CCA applied at a rate of 0 4 Ib Cu Ft allows wood to be in ground contact Lumber treated at a rate of 0 25 Ib Cu Ft is not intended for ground contact 9 5 Certified A rating applied by the PA DEP to individuals or firms that are authorized to provide radon related services within the Commonwealth 9 6 Client The person persons or company that contracts with a radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system in a building 9 7 Combustion Appliance Any device which utilizes the ignition of a fuel to perform work for a specific purpose including but not limited to heating drying cooling and refrigeration 9 8 Combination Foundation Buildings constructed with more than one foundation type e g basement crawlspace or basement slab on grade 6 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 9 9 Commun
35. tall a radon resistant drain as defined in paragraph 9 21 14 7 2 If condensate drains from air conditioning units terminate beneath the floor slab the contractor shall install a trap in the drain that provides a 3 to 6 inch trap of standing water or reroute the drain directly into a trapped floor drain or condensation pump 14 7 3 When a sump pit is the only system in a basement for protection or relief from excess surface water and a cover is installed on the sump for radon control the cover shall be recessed and fitted with a trapped drain meeting the requirements of paragraph 9 21 14 8 HVAC Installation Requirements 14 8 1 Modifications to an existing HVAC system which are proposed to mitigate elevated levels of radon should be reviewed and approved by the original designer of the system when possible or by a licensed mechanical contractor 14 8 2 Foundation vents installed specifically to reduce indoor radon levels by increasing the natural ventilation of a crawlspace shall be noncloseable In areas subject to freezing conditions insulation where necessary shall be provided for to protect against freezing and unnecessary energy loss 14 8 3 Heat Recovery Ventilation HRV systems shall not be installed in rooms that contain friable asbestos 14 8 4 In HRV installations supply and retum vents in the interior shall be located a minimum of 12 feet apart The exterior intake and exhaust vents shall be positioned to avoid blockag
36. tems shall meet all of the following requirements 1 be above the eave of the roof 2 be ten feet or more above ground level 3 be ten feet or more from any window door or other opening into conditioned spaces of the structure that is less than two feet below the exhaust point and 4 be ten feet or more from any opening into an adjacent building The total required distance ten feet from the point of discharge to openings in the structure may be measured either directly between the two points or be the sum of measurements made around intervening solid obstacles 14 2 9 When a radon mitigation system is designed to draw soil gas from a perimeter drain tile loop intemal or external that discharges water through a drain line to daylight or a soak away a one way valve water trap or other control device should be installed in or on the discharge line to prevent outside air from entering the system while allowing water to flow out of the system 14 3 Radon Vent Fan Installation Requirements 14 3 1 Vent fans shall be designed specifically for radon removal applications and be designed or otherwise sealed to reduce the potential for leakage of soil gas from the fan housing 14 3 2 Radon vent fans should be sized to provide the pressure difference and air flow characteristics necessary to achieve the radon reduction goals established for the specific mitigation project Guidelines for sizing vent fans and piping can be found in the references
37. the suction in the system piping Measurement of system airflow should also be performed to help assess system performance Finally a pressure field extension measurement should be made at the most distant point from a penetration this can be done using either smoke or a micromanometer to assure that the system is operating as designed 17 3 Immediately after installation and activation of any active fan powered sub slab depressurization or block wall depressurization system in buildings containing natural draft combustion appliances the building shall be tested for backdrafting of those appliances Any backdrafting condition that results from installation of the radon mitigation system shall be corrected before the system is placed in operation Procedures and a checklist for conducting backdrafting tests are covered in the reference documents listed in paragraphs 8 11 8 12 8 13 and 8 14 and in paragraph 11 3 17 4 To provide an initial measure of effectiveness the contractor shall ensure that a short term radon measurement using an RMP listed test device and in accordance with EPA testing protocols is conducted no sooner than 24 hours nor later than 30 days following completion and activation of the mitigation system s See the Radon Certification Regulations Title 25 Chapter 240 for post mitigation testing options 17 5 To ensure continued effectiveness of the installed radon mitigation system s the contractor shall advise the client
38. ust or other airbome pollutants In work areas where premitigation levels have been greater than 0 33 WL 66 pCi l and where ventilation is impractical or where ventilation cannot reduce decay product levels to less than 0 33 WL 66 pCi l based on a short term test the contractor should ensure that respiratory protection conforming with the requirements in the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection is available on the job site See paragraph 8 17 12 2 7 Where combustible materials exist in the specific area of the building where radon mitigation work is to be conducted and the contractor is creating any temperatures high enough to induce a flame the contractor shall ensure that a fire extinguisher suitable for type A B and C fires is available in the immediate work area 12 2 8 Pending development of an approved personal radon exposure device and a protocol for its use the contractor shall record employee exposure to radon at each work site based on 1 the highest pre mitigation indoor radon or working level measurement available and 2 the time 12 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS employee s are exposed without respirator protection at that level See paragraph 12 2 6 Note This approach is not intended to preclude the alternative use of on site radon or radon decay product measurements to help determine actual exposure Consistent with OSHA Permissi
39. viation is required for research or other purposes the PA DEP requires contractors to give written notification of these deviations prior to initiation of work 7 3 The PA RMS is not intended to be used as a design manual and compliance with its provisions will not guarantee reduction of indoor radon concentrations to any specific level 3 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 7 4 The PA RMS shall not apply to radon mitigation systems installed prior to its effective date However if a radon mitigation system is found that does not comply with current standards the contractor shall recommend in writing to the client that the system be upgraded or altered to meet current standards The contractor shall obtain prior approval from the client before implementing any of the contractors written recommendations 7 5 Because of the wide variation in building design size operation and use the PA RMS does not include detailed guidance on how to select the most appropriate mitigation strategy for a given building That guidance is provided in the documents referenced in paragraphs 8 2 8 3 8 4 and 8 5 7 6 The provisions of the PA RMS are limited to proven technologies and methods Publication of this standard is not intended however to inhibit research and evaluation of other innovative radon mitigation techniques When such research is conducted a performance standard shall be appli
40. ween the basement and the first floor 2 Tum off all natural draft appliances 3 Close fireplace and wood stove dampers 10 of 24 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources DER Radon Mitigation Standards RMS 4 Tum on all exhaust fans and any forced air distribution fans 5 Wait at least 5 minutes after natural draft appliances have been tumed off 6 To begin a test for actual spillage of flue gases tum on the appliance being tested 7 Using either a chemical smoke or a carbon dioxide gas analyzer check for flue gas spillage near the vent hood after appliance has been running for five minutes 8 Repeat steps 5 through 7 for each natural draft combustion appliance being tested for backdrafting Be sure to tum off any combustion appliances that feed into the same chimney as the natural draft appliance being tested Seasonal and extreme weather conditions should be considered when evaluating pressure differentials and the potential for backdrafting If spillage is confirmed from any natural draft combustion appliance clients shall be advised of the backdrafting condition and that active fan powered radon mitigation systems cannot be installed until the condition has been corrected The contractor should advise the client to contact an HVAC contractor if correcting an existing or potential backdrafting condition is necessary See paragraph 17 3 for post mitigation backdrafting test 11 4 If installation of
41. y occuning radioactive element Rn 222 which exists as a gas and is measured in picocuries per liter pCi L 9 21 Radon Resistant Drain A floor drain that has a check valve that minimizes air flow if the drain trap dries up or the trapped drain has an automatic supply of priming water 9 22 Radon Decay Products The four short lived radioactive elements Po 218 Pb 214 Bi 214 Po 214 which exist as solids and immediately follow Rn 222 in the decay chain They are measured in units of working levels WL 9 23 Reentrainment The unintended re entry into a building of radon that is being exhausted from a radon mitigation system 9 24 Soil Gas The gas mixture present in soil which may contain radon 9 25 Soil Gas Retarder A continuous membrane or other comparable material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building 9 26 Stack Effect The overall upward movement of air inside a building that results from heated air rising and escaping through openings in the building envelope thus causing indoor air pressure in the lower portions of a building to be lower than the pressure in the soil beneath or surrounding the building foundation 9 27 Submembrane Depressurization A radon control technique designed to achieve lower air pressure in the space under a soil gas retarder membrane laid on the crawlspace floor relative to air pressure in the crawlspace by use of a fan powered vent drawing air from beneath the membrane Complete sea
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