Donohue May 24, 2017 Agenda 1. Welcome and Introductions Cindy - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Parent Information Session:

Radon Testing at Jack Donohue

May 24, 2017

Agenda

• 1. Welcome and Introductions

Cindy Alce, Principal

• 2. Overview of OCDSB Testing

Brett Reynolds, Superintendent

• 3. Information on Radon Gas

Kelley Bush, Head Radon Education and Awareness Health Canada

• 4. Results at Jack Donohue

Miro Vala, Manager Facilities Clint Vester, Supervisor, Health and Safety

• 5. Remediation and Next Steps

Miro Vala, Manager Facilities Clint Vester, Supervisor, Health and Safety

• 6. Questions

OCDSB Radon Testing Program

• OCDSB has a voluntary radon testing program;
• 5 year district-wide testing cycle;
• Long-term testing for better accuracy – 2

testing periods per site/school year;

• Testing done to sample different

areas of the school

Jack Donohue Radon Testing

• Reviewed ventilation systems in school in

2008 in response to radon testing;

• School was one of 34 sites tested this year;
• 1 of 2 tests completed;
• Elevated levels in 1st test led to review of

building ventilation and interim short-term testing;

• Long-term testing will continue for this year

and next;

General Information from Health Canada

• What is radon?
• How is it measured?
• What are the guidelines?

What is Radon Gas?

• A radioactive gas formed naturally by the

breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.

• As a gas, radon can move freely through the

soil enabling it to escape to the atmosphere or seep into buildings.

• It is not detected by the senses; i.e. you

cannot see, smell, or taste it. Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the environment.

HOW RADON ENTERS A BUILDING

• Through cracks, openings or gaps in

foundation walls or floors

• The air pressure inside the building is

normally lower than the pressure underneath or around the foundation

• This difference in pressure acts like a

vacuum drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings

How is Radon Gas Measured?

• Canadian guideline for radon in indoor air for

dwellings is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200Bq/m3).

No Action Required <200 Bq/m3 Remediate within 2 years 200-600Bq/m3 Remediate within 1 year >600BQ/m3

Initial Results at Jack Donohue

• 112 day testing period over fall/winter

indicated elevated levels in some rooms;

• Results were measured in 19 rooms/areas of

the school:

– 7 areas had results lower than 200 Bq/m3; – 7 areas had results between 200-600 Bq/m3; and – 1 area had results above 600 Bq/m3.

Follow-up test results

• In accordance with Health Canada guidelines

follow-up short-term testing was done in rooms with highest concentrations;

• Follow-up testing done in 8 areas;
• Levels dropped significantly in all but one
• area. As a result,

– 5 areas had results lower than 200 Bq/m3; – 3 areas had results between 200-600 Bq/m3; and – No area had results above 600 Bq/m3.

Work Since Testing

• Since test results, work undertaken to

identify possible contributing factors;

• Air handling system was operational, but

was not functioning properly;

• System was repaired prior to the follow-up

testing and indoor air quality has improved;

Ministry of Labour Inspection

• Experienced a work refusal yesterday;
• Ministry of Labour inspected the site;
• MoL has issued an order that there is no

imminent risk to health and safety and staff were redirected back to work.

Remediation and Next Steps

The following actions are planned:

• Changes to the mechanical system operation and

maintenance schedule to reduce the risk of any system malfunction;

• Additional long-term radon gas testing will be

done this school year and next year; and

• Remediation work will be done over the summer

to install separate ventilation system to vent radon gas from the ground directly to the

• utside.

Questions?

More Information: https://www.takeactiononradon.ca/test http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh- semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php