Our Commitment to Campus Safety: Updates on Environmental Radon Monitoring
Our ongoing commitment to workplace safety includes a comprehensive environmental radon monitoring program across all campuses. Health & Safety and Maintenance work diligently to ensure our facilities meet or exceed federal standards through regular testing protocols.
Since 2018, we've conducted yearly monitoring that exceeds the Government of Canada's recommended frequency. This past summer, we consulted with a radon specialist to validate our testing and mitigation approaches.
Our testing protocol includes:
- Comprehensive baseline testing, which was completed across Castlegar and Nelson campuses, with the Trail Campus scheduled for this year.
- Regular monitoring during heating seasons, following Health Canada guidelines.
- Long-term testing periods of 90+ days to ensure accurate readings.
- Consideration of various environmental factors that affect readings.
Over the next few weeks, you'll notice monitoring devices (radon pucks) throughout our facilities for the winter season (December–March) testing program. When testing is in progress, you’ll see bright yellow or pink notices like this one:
Radon Test in Progress
Please do not touch, tamper or move the monitor
If you have questions about this test, please contact
Health & Safety at 250-365-1219
These devices will remain in place for 90 days before analysis, with results expected in spring. While the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee regularly reviews test results, we encourage employees with questions about their specific work area to contact the Health & Safety team directly.
Understanding Radon
Many regions in Canada have naturally elevated radon levels, which can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Humidity and temperature
- Barometric and indoor air pressure
- Airflow
- Building renovations
- HVAC system changes
We work with an independent specialist to identify and address areas requiring additional mitigation. Our solutions leverage mitigation fans, natural airflow and optimization of our HVAC systems to maintain safe levels throughout our facilities.
Additional Resources
For more information about radon, including regional data and mitigation strategies, please visit:
If you have any further questions, please contact Health & Safety.