BIOMATION Courses 2011
Radon Measurement

Instructor: Bernie Katz

Whether you are an experienced radon professional or are new at radon testing, this is the course for you!

The Radon Measurement course is a fast-paced, comprehensive, 2-day training program with all the information you will need to conduct accurate and reliable radon measurements in buildings. The course is designed for the building or environmental professional who would like to expand their horizons by adding radon testing to the range of services offered.

Course Fee:

$495.00 for 2-day course

$130.00 - NEHA exam fee

The fee includes 16 hours of instruction, interaction and practical hands-on sessions, 200 page manual, marketing video, lunch both days and HST. Course fees are tax deductible.

Register early; spaces in the course are limited.

This course, together with the NEHA exam, complies with Health Canada recommendations regarding radon measurement proficiency. It is recognized by the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

In the USA, the course is certified by NEHA and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). 

Who Should Attend?

Those who want to advance their career in this highly rewarding area of indoor air quality, and generate additional income, should attend this course.

The course is especially important if you are working in the following professions:

• Home Inspector
• Professional Engineer
• Engineering Technician
• Radiation Technologist
• Geologist
• Energy Auditor 
• Environmental Consultant
• Building Contractor
• Safety Inspector
• HVAC Contractor

No previous experience with radon testing methods is needed. Good communication skills are important. Experience with indoor air quality and building ventilation methods will be helpful, but not required.

A Certificate of Proficiency, showing 16 hours of continuing education credits, will be earned upon successful completion of the course.

  Certificate of Completion

You can write the NEHA exam in the afternoon of Day 2 which will allow you to apply for NEHA certification and add "NEHA Certified" to your professional qualifications. The NEHA exam fee is $130.00.

To provide a standard of professional qualification for conducting radon measurement, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) operates the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). NEHA certification is not required in Canada, but is recognized as a measure of professional qualification.

Course Objectives

• Become familiar with the methods for measuring radon gas including E-PERM monitors and continuous monitors.
• Be aware of the mechanics of radon entry into buildings.
• Master the radon measurement protocols needed to produce valid results according to Canadian and American regulations.
• Know the requirements for closed house conditions.
• Understand the radioactive decay chain from uranium that is the source of radon gas and its radioactive decay products.
• Review the health effects of radon gas exposure, and the need for mitigating buildings with high levels of radon gas.
• Become familiar with the basic radon reduction techniques used by mitigation contractors in Canada and the northern United States.
• Unlock your abilities for advertising and promoting your radon measurement services.
• Be able to discuss radon testing with prospective clients, trades people and regulatory officials to effectively increase your business level and maximize customer satisfaction.

The Need for Radon Testing

Radon gas is a serious carcinogen that has been found in homes throughout Canada. It originates from the natural decay of small amounts of uranium in soil and rock. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Increasing numbers of Canadian homeowners are having their houses tested for radon gas. Radon is a serious health issue in schools.

Being colourless, odorless and tasteless, testing for radon is the only way that a homeowner can know if there is a radon problem. Houses being listed for sale need a radon test to show that the house is safe. Home buyers should request radon test results. New homes need to be tested to verify that radon reduction techniques have been successful and that the house is safe for occupancy.

Course Instructor
Bernie Katz

•  is a senior trainer at Environmental Solutions Association, Williamsport, PA ;
•  has over 36 years experience in training and management;
•  is an expert in indoor air quality testing including radon, moulds and allergens;
•  is a qualified instructor for topics of indoor air quality;
•  has trained over 500 building professionals in the area of indoor air quality.

Agenda

Day 1

7:30 Registration

8:00 Radon Fundamentals

• Atoms and Ionization (60 minutes)
• Introduction to Radon and Radioactivity (90 minutes)
• Sources of Radon (30 minutes)
• Radon Health Risks (30 minutes)
• Review and test (30 minutes)

12:00 Lunch Break

12:30 Radon Entry and Behavior

• Basic Radon Entry Facts (60 minutes)
• Mechanics of Radon Entry (75 minutes)
• Indoor Radon Concentrations and Behavior (90 minutes)
• Review and test (30 minutes)

4:45 Adjournment  

Day 2

 8:00 Radon Measurement Techniques and Equipment

• Measurement Objectives and Protocols (60 minutes)
• Radon Testing Equipment and Health Canada protocols with hands-on workshop (120 minutes)
• Radon Measurement Proficiency Protocols (60 minutes)

12:00 Lunch Break

• Quality Control/Quality Assurance Protocols (30 minutes)
• Consumer Information and Test Interference Controls (30 minutes)
• Overview of Radon Mitigation (30 minutes)

Course review and practice test (30 minutes)
NEHA exam (120 minutes)

5:00 Wrap-up

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation 30 days prior to course will result in a full refund. Cancellation after this date will result in a refund of the fees paid minus an administration fee of $40.00. Substitutions are permitted. Biomation reserves the right to cancel or change this program for due cause, in which a full refund of fees will be made.

For further information about any aspects of the course, contact BIOMATION now at 1-888-667-2324 or by e-mail at course@biomation.com