Radon Gas in the Workplace: Obligations and Sanctions

Generally, the direct legal obligation (Art. 16 D.Lgs 101/2020) focuses on underground premises, semi-basements and, in priority areas, ground floors. However, Radon gas moves by pressure differential and can rise to upper floors through elevator shafts, flues or service passages (stack effect). Although there is no explicit obligation for the first floor (unless by local ordinances), the Employer still has the general obligation (D.Lgs 81/08) to assess all risks. Voluntary measurement is the best way to rule out risks and protect against future litigation.

The cost of measurement is absolutely affordable and represents a minimal fraction of business operating costs. The amount depends on the number of measurement points needed, which varies based on premises area, compartmentalization (number of enclosed rooms) and type of foundations. An expert technician will calculate the minimum number of dosimeters to ensure compliance with UNI ISO 11665 standard. Contact us for a no-obligation personalized quote.

The radon risk assessment report is an integral and substantial part of the Risk Assessment Document (DVR). During business sale or lease, the notary or buyer may request proof of compliance. Lack of such documentation can be contested as a hidden defect or safety irregularity, reducing property value or blocking the transaction until regularization (which requires at least one year of measurements).

No, unless the RSPP is also an Accredited Dosimetry Service (which is very rare). The RSPP's role is to schedule the intervention and manage documentation, but physical measurement and test report issuance must be entrusted to qualified laboratory organizations with certified instrumentation. "DIY" with amateur instruments has no legal value and does not protect the Employer from sanctions.

Priority Areas are specific municipalities or entire provinces identified by Regions (through publication in the Official Gazette) where the probability of exceeding the reference threshold is higher. In these zones, the obligation to measure Radon automatically extends also to all workplaces located on the ground floor, in addition to underground and semi-basement premises.

Absolutely not. Passive dosimeters (CR-39) are small plastic devices (similar to small boxes) that are totally inert. They emit no radiation, contain no hazardous chemicals, make no noise and require no electrical power. They simply "passively record" the passage of radon alpha particles on their surface.

The Employer has the obligation to inform workers about health risks and protection measures adopted (including radon assessment). It is good practice to communicate the start of the measurement campaign, explaining that it is an action to protect their health and safety, not monitoring of their work. Transparency avoids unjustified alarm.

Almost never. Remediation techniques (soil depressurization, ventilation etc.) are generally minimally invasive and can be performed while work activity continues, perhaps scheduling noisier interventions during non-working hours. It is not necessary to evacuate the premises.

If values are below 300 Bq/m³, the assessment must be repeated every 8 years. However, it must be updated immediately if structural work is performed on the building (thermal insulation, floor refinishing, modifications to ventilation systems) that could alter the building's balance and favor radon entry.

The bodies responsible for oversight are the ASL (Prevention Department), ARPA, National Labor Inspectorate (INL) and Carabinieri (NAS/NOE). Inspections can occur ex officio (randomly) or upon report by RLS (Worker Safety Representatives). Failure to produce the test report results in immediate contestation of the offense.