Introduction to Worker Health and Safety

Radon professionals are routinely exposed to radon, volatile organic compounds, and other related hazards while on the job.  Exposure to radon and RDP’s is regulated by OSHA for most workers or MSHA for underground miners.  OSHA regulations limit exposure to either 30 pCi/L or 0.33 WL based on continuous workplace exposure for 40 hours/week, 52 weeks per year.  MSHA sets equivalent limits for annual exposure of underground miners to less than 4 WLM per year, which corresponds to an exposure of 0.33 WL for 173 hours per month, 12 months per year. 

A worker protection program is a required part of any QAP. Information on worker health and safety contained in United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), state EPA programs, or Department publications are not considered substitutions for any provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by OSHA.

• Must not exceed 30 pCi/L or 0.3 WL, based on continuous workplace exposure of 40 hr/week, 52 weeks per year.
• Must not exceed 4 working level months (WLM) over a 12-month period, using an equilibrium ratio of 50 percent to convert radon exposure to WLM.