Engineers’ plans are an important part of building construction. Developers, builders, municipalities and homeowners often rely on engineers to ensure buildings are safe. Preventing elevated radon is an important part of safety.
There are now radon provisions in the BC Building Code and good reason to think radon is covered by New Home Warranty.
If engineers overlook radon, they may face legal claims in contract or negligence by builders, contractors, or homeowners. Municipalities may also rely on Letters of Assurance from engineers that say buildings comply with the Building Code. If municipalities are sued over high radon, they may in turn make claims against engineers. The public may also make complaints to the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, the professional disciplinary body.
Engineers should:
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Ensure radon mitigation systems are designed into buildings. Best practices in radon mitigation are described in Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) Radon control options for new construction in low-rise residential buildings, CAN/CGSB-149.11-2019.
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Advise their clients to use radon mitigators who are certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Progam (C-NRPP) for radon tests and systems.
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Help ensure new occupants test for radon. If high radon is found, it must be mitigated.
Click here to read our short summary for the public.
Click here for a more detailed report entitled RADON: Rights and Liabilities in Construction Law which includes further information, resources, and legal analysis