[ASKNACHI]This question was posted on AskNACHI.org by Tom Irwin (from Albany, NY). [/ASKNACHI]
I am not certified as a radon expert.
But, do I need special training to take samples of radon to a lab and explain the results to the client?
Many states regulate Radon testing and mitigation.
Exactly. I’ll also add that for those states that do not regulate it, you should be well trained anyway. An incorrectly performed test, may lead to inaccurate readings. At best it may cause the expense of an unnecessary mitigation to be performed by the property owners. At worst, it could cause the owners to live in a excessively high level of radon without knowing it.
An ethical inspector WANTS to know what he or she is doing, even if its not required by law.
New York requires Radon measurement firms to report results to state.
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/radonlaw.htm
In NYS you can use a charcoal testing device Like air-check for this http://www.RADON.COM follow all the instructions to a tee and the lab has to report the data to the state, you don’t need to.
Although in NYS you need to be ELAP certified to use a CRM.
Thank you for your response. I used the charcoal canisters.
Tom Irwin
Tom,
I use charcoal canisters also. No special license or training is required for this type of radon testing in Massachusetts, but it’s best to be trained in the proper placement of the canisters and it’s good to know the basics regarding Radon, due to the questions that’ll be asked during your inspections. If you’re placing radon canisters, please check with your local radon laws and if there aren’t any, school yourself in Radon testing, it’s hazards and how it occurs.
There is a great website for you and your clients. www.epa.gov
Just about anything you want to know about Radon. Did you get the canisters from RTC (Radon Testing Corp.) in Elmsford, NY? If so they offer classes that comply with all regulations.
Good Luck
Patrick
I am taking a certification course at: http://www.rtca.com/training.asp
Maybe they have a location near you. check them out.
You have to understand how RADON works , how it can be effectively measured to get the best results. Otherwise you could be wasting time.
I only use continuous radon monitors.
Tom, I wanted you to know that any firm that you choose to send your charchoal canister too has to be a NYS ELAP certified radon lab.
http://nrsb.org/State%20Cert%20Programs.htm
Has a list of who has a program or not…
The home page has a list of state radon offices as well.
Testing is more of a service to sell with an inspection…
If you don’t have Continuous Monitor w/tamper indication… (I get nervous on vacants anyway) I would recommend a sump pit similar to what Nick (search on site)had shown with the sand and ball inside (you can see if they moved it around and note on report and/or to lab) as Real Estate testing leaves lots of room for “adverse conditions”.
Tell the seller that if they leave the windows open and a breeze blows thru it will increase the results… there’s a lil truth to that too. Keep closed conditions 12 hours prior if using samples etc. There is some evidence that air moving *across *sample may increase results…
Tim
Agreed!
Hi Rick, this is Frank Macak, I met you at the Upstate School of Training. I am just getting into the business and just want to say HI to all of you. I do have a question regarding the cannisters. I understand that there are 2 sizes 4" and 2" cannisters. I also understand that you need to use the 4" canisters. Do you know of any sources in the NYState ? Some guys were suggesting Accustar PA lab, but they are not licenced for NY, but the Accustar lab in MA is. Thanks
Frank
Do you want to get involved in something that may cost $$$$ for buyers and sellers alike? Then have it come back on you that your testing was not in accordance with protocol.
There are standards for testing set by the EPA, but in the real world of Real Estate in Nashville, TN. you get one high test and it is fix it time! No re-testing. No averaging of tests, no nothing. High test, fixing it now is less than dragging things on and loosing a sale.
Someone goes through this and THEN finds that you didn’t follow protocol…
Just my perception on any ancillary service…
LABID: 10806: RTCA-RADON TESTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC
2 HAYES STREET
ELMSFORD NY 10523
MS. NANCY HERNANDEZ (800) 457 -2366
Approved for the following categories:
- Potable Water / Radon
Personally I like Air-check I see they are certified but not with NYS you may want to call them and enlighten them on NYS new rant about NYS approved labs. I just think its NYS wanting more money.
Ricky, we have the NYS certification too.
LABID: 11441: AIR CHEK INC
1936 BUTLER BRIDGE ROAD
FLETCHER NC 28732
DR. JOSEPH L. ALVAREZ (828) 684 -0893
Approved for the following categories:
- Air and Emissions / Radon
Shawn Price
http://radon.com
http://radon-pro.com
Tom - and anyone else in the area -
I see you are in Albany. Join us at Kirkers Steal & Seafood House, second Wednesday of each month at 6:15 PM for the New York Capital Region Chapter Meeting.
The ability to network with fellow inspectors, participate in our monthly presentations, and gain InterNACHI CE credit is well worth the time. The members start getting there around 5:30 for networking and general conversation over a beverage, then we order off the menu. Business meeting while the Chef does his thing, after dinner is the presentation.
Call me if you need more info - 827 4852
Tom Valosin, President
NY Capital Region Chapter of InterNACHI
I looked on your website although I didn’t see that you were. Will you
e-mail me a copy of your NYS certificate to acchomeinsp@stny.rr.com
so I can have it on file?