Untitled Document

LICENSING AND REGULATION

Mitigation Protocol

Radon Licensees adopted rule changes of 2005

In 2005 the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has modified and adopted certain rules in view of the current practices followed by the radon measurement licensees. The following are some of the main changes noted with regard to mitigation measurements:

Maintenance performed by a licensee on a mitigation system not up to the standards need to notify the client in writing that the mitigation system does not comply with the mitigation standards.

The licensee shall inform the client of

Documents available from the Agency (Agency website) that discuss interpretation of the indoor radon test results and health risks involved
And in writing of any sealants, at the time of proposal of a radon reduction.

* The licensee shall provide ventilation as recommended by the manufacturer of the materials used if the existing one does not meet the recommendations.

* For concerns about back drafting potential at a particular site, the contractor should recommend a qualified person to inspect the natural draft combustion appliances and venting systems for compliance with local codes and regulations. The contractor also ought to recommend the home owner to bring any non complying appliance or vent system into compliance.

* All radon mitigation systems shall be designed to reduce a radon concentration in each area within the footprint of the building as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

Radon vent pipes support system is as follows:

Attest every 6 feet on horizontal runs.
Secured either above or below the points of penetration through floors, ceilings and roofs.
At least every 8 feet on runs that does not penetrate floors, ceilings or roofs.

When it is noticed that outside air is entering the system designed to draw soil gas from a perimeter drain tile loop that discharges water through a drain line to daylight or a soak away, a one way flow valve, water trap then a second control device need to be installed.

Vent stack discharge point : the discharge from vent stacks pipes prevents- re enterainment of radon, blockage due to heavy snow fall, and prevents direct exposure of radon to outside individuals by following

Highest eave of the roof and as close to the roof ridge line as possible unless an attached garage may be used for vent stack discharge.
10 feet or more above ground level.
10 feet or more from any window, door or other opening
10 ft or more from any opening into an adjacent building
For those that penetrate the roof, at least 12 inches above the surface of the roof.
For vent stacks pipes attached to or penetrating the sides of buildings vertical and at least 12 inches above the edge of the roof.

Sump pit requirements :

Not to be used as a primary suction point.
To be used as a secondary suction point a submersible pump need to be installed.
That which allows conditioned air to be drawn in need to be covered and sealed.
The covers on sumps shall be fitted with a water or mechanically trapped drain.
the covers shall be made of durable plastic or clear polycarbonate and a clear view port need to be incorporated to observe the conditions in the sump pit.
The cover needs to be designed to support the weight of a 155 pound individual standing on the cover.
For easy removal the cover should be sealed with non permanent type of caulking materials or air tight gasket.

For sealing underground holes or plumbing rough-ins in slabs or foundation walls non shrink mortar grout expanding foam and other such sealants designed for such application shall be used.

Soil gas retarder requirements :

A soil gas retarder membrane should be installed in basement or crawl space areas
Plastic sheeting to be installed in crawl space areas
Any seam in retarder membrane needs to be overlapped at least 12 inches sealed in a permanent air tight manner.
Access doors required by code shall be fitted with air tight gaskets
Crawl space depressurization with out the use of soil gas retarder membrane shall be used only when the crawl space is inaccessible.
Drain tile depressurization in a crawl space shall only be installed selectively.

Contractors installing the HRV systems shall inform the occupant and owner that periodic filter replacement and inlet grill cleaning are necessary to maintain balance air flow.

When transitioning from one material or shape to another an adapter specifically designed for the transition shall be used.

Contracts and documentation:

No mitigation activity shall be undertaken before the proposal acceptance by client
A statement that the device will reduce average radon to <4.0 pCi/L and conditions that there is no guarantee and reasons for it.
A finalized drawing that includes illustration of the building foundation, Location of all walls, drain fixtures , HVAC systems and radon entry points ,results of any diagnostic testing, layout of radon mitigation piping system and location of any vent fan and system warning devices.

For further details take a look at Section 422.150 Mitigation standard.