Revised 2/6/20

 

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that’s produced by decaying uranium. It is present in nearly all soils, and very low levels of radon are even found in the air we breathe every day. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon, and it typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface.

 

Radon is everywhere. The EPA has determined that all structures within the state of North Carolina are susceptible to potential Radon issues, and 1 in 3 have elevated Radon levels that register high enough to require remediation. Radon can have a huge impact on indoor air quality and has become a national environmental health problem. Testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. The EPA states that if the level of radon in a structure is more than 4.0 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter of air) you should have a radon remediation.

 

The problem occurs when radon gas enters a structure from the soil and gets trapped. Although it can seep directly through pores in concrete, the worst entry points are gaps in walls and floors. Any structure, of any age, in any state of repair can have elevated radon levels. It really depends on the way your specific house interacts with the surrounding soil.

 

According to the EPA and the Surgeon General, long-term exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. They estimate that lung cancer caused by radon exposure kills about 21,000 Americans every year.

 

 

6 STEPS OF SERVICE

 

Following the 6 Steps of Service:

• Meet the homeowner or tenant and listen to any concerns.

• Inform the customer of your general inspection and treatment plans.

• Let them know what you expect to be treating for and what the scope of services moving forward will include.

• Explain what they can expect from the treatment.

 

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SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING

 

Radon Canister Testing:

• General information and test setup.

  • Radon canister testing gives an overall reading during the testing period.

  • Turn-around time is about 10 days.

  • Record the date and time that the canisters are opened and closed. Also be sure that the location of each canister is recorded on the sheets provided.

  • When conducting an initial screening for a real estate transaction, use 2 canisters placed within 12 inches of each other and 20 inches to 5 feet off the ground.

  • ​Radon canisters are placed in the lowest “livable” level of the structure.
  • Radon canisters are placed next to an interior wall - not an exterior wall.

  • Try to place the canisters in an area away from air drafts (away from doors, windows, chimneys, etc.).

  • When the test is complete, the canisters should be closed and the blue tape provided be used to seal each canister.

• Radon canister testing procedures.

  • The structure needs to be closed up except for normal entry and exit at least 12 hours prior to testing.

    • No open windows.

    • Doors should be closed except when entering and exiting the structure.

    • Air conditioning, heating units, humidifiers, etc. can be left “ON” during the test.

  • Running the test:

    • Plug in the unit.​

    • Write down the test start date and time on the provided paperwork.

    • Leave the paperwork in the box.

    • Place the "Radon Test in Progress" door hanger on the main entrance door.

  • The structure needs to remain closed up throughout the testing period.

    • Testing is a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 6 days.

    • The test is conducted in the lowest livable level of the structure.

    • If there is an unfinished basement that could be turned into a finished basement, the test should be conducted on that level.

  • Other Radon canister information.

    • During the test, canisters should not be moved, touched or tampered with in any way.

    • Disturbed canisters generate an invalid test.

    • The canisters will be picked up within 48 hours of test completion.

 

Continuous Monitoring Radon Testing:

• General information and test setup.

  • Continuous monitoring provides a reading every hour for a 48-hour period.

  • Readings are measured to determine if radon emissions spike at certain times of the day.

  • Turn-around time is about 72 hours.

  • Power MUST be available and “ON” in the structure for monitoring.

  • An electric monitor is placed on the lowest “livable” level of the structure.

  • The monitor is very sensitive and any movement of it during the test will invalidate the test.

  • Children and pets should be kept away from the testing area throughout the monitoring period.

  • The monitoring equipment will be placed 20 inches to 5 feet off the ground.

  • The monitoring equipment will be placed in the lowest “livable” level of the structure.

  • The monitoring equipment will be placed next to an interior wall – not an exterior wall.

  • The monitoring equipment will be placed in an area away from air drafts (away from doors, windows, chimneys, hallways, bathrooms, etc.).

  • The monitoring equipment will be picked up within 48 hours of the test.

• Continuous monitoring testing procedures.

  • Place the monitor on the table provided – the “Warning” sign must be made visible.

  • Ensure that electrical power in the structure is on and the monitor is energized.

  • The battery backup switch must be turned “ON” when the motor is placed.

• Running the test:

  • Plug in the unit.

  • Write down the test start date and time on the provided paperwork.

  • Leave the paperwork in the box.

  • Place the “Radon Test in Progress” door hanger on the main entrance door.

• Other Radon monitoring information.

  • Occupants in the structure must be informed that they are NOT to touch the table or monitor during the test. Stress to them that the machine is very sensitive and ANY movement of it during the test will INVALIDATE the test.

  • Do NOT show anyone how to check radon levels during the test by pressing buttons on the top of the monitor – this will show a “TAMPER” error and will INVALIDATE the test.

  • Stress to the occupants that the machine should NOT be unplugged until the technician picks it up. In most cases, if this is done, it will INVALIDATE the test because power from the battery backup will be drained before it can be picked up.

  • If possible, do NOT plug the monitor into any “switchable” electrical outlet.

• Radon test pickup instructions.

  • Press the “AVG” button on top of the machine and write down that number on the paperwork provided.

  • If the number is over 4.0, contact Katelyn.

  • Write down the date and time of pickup on the paperwork provided.

  • Unplug the Radon monitoring equipment.

  • Place the “Radon Test in Progress” door hanger back in the box.

 

Approved Product List:

• Treatment Materials: NONE

 

Other Notes:

• Prior to conducting any testing, ensure all equipment and materials are available for job completion.

• While providing testing, examine for termites and other pests living outside to recommend other A-1 services.

 

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6 STEPS OF SERVICE (continued)

 

Continuing to follow the 6 Steps of Service:

• Let the customer know what was found and what was done. If the customer is not available, leave a “Door Hanger” with written notes specifying what was found, what was done, and any recommendations deemed necessary.

• Inform the customer what to expect over the next few days, weeks, months, etc. Set clear expectations for service outcome.

• Ask the customer: “Do you have any other Pest Control needs I can take care of today?”

• If the customer does NOT already have a Home Shield service, ask them, “May I tell you about our routine service for continuous pest protection for your family?”

• Ask the customer, “If you feel that I provided you with good service today, I’d like to invite you to give us a positive online review – we’ll make it very easy for you.”

 

 

NO WARRANTY – Test ONLY

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